Electrostatic and disposable air filters are the two primary types of filters to choose from when it comes to the HVAC system in your house. There are a few benefits to using electrostatic air filters, even though most people choose the former.

Air filters that use static electricity to filter out particles are known as electrostatic air filters. Electrostatic air filters are ones you may have seen in washable metal forms.

Since most electrostatic air filters are of the washable, metal variety, the terms “washable air filter” and “electrostatic air filter” are actually interchangeable. These kinds of filters are what I’ll be talking about in this essay.

It should  nevertheless be noted that some disposable pleated air filters additionally filter out particles by electrostatic attraction. Therefore, pleated filters are also, in a sense, electrostatic air filters (even though they filter mostly by mechanical rather than electrostatic methods).

Electrostatic Air Filters, How Do They Function?

Using static electricity, electrostatic air filters remove contaminants from the air. Static electricity is something that everybody who has ever rubbed their socks on carpet has experienced.

Static electricity is caused by the disparity in particle charges. By drawing airborne particles to the filter, electrostatic air filters are able to remove them from the air.

An electrostatic air filter works by attracting particles in the air by creating electrical charges in the filter’s media.

A portion of the air filter charges the particles as they move past it, capturing them from the air stream. Ionization describes this process of charging. In order to attract more particles, some filters feature several layers.

The particles, now charged, move on to a region of the filter that is negatively charged. Particles with opposing charges are drawn to the filter medium as they go through the filtering section. The term “collection” describes how the particles are gathered in the filter. Since some air filters are multi-layered, the process can iteratively filter out more particles with each pass.

Pros And Cons Of Electrostatic Air Filters:

There Are Several Benefits Of Using An Electrostatic Air Filter:

• Reduced price. Electrostatic air filters may initially cost more than disposable ones, but they will really save you money over time. The reason being, electrostatic air filters are washable and reusable.
• Preference for minute particles. The utilization of static electricity allows electrostatic air filters to collect particles, even the most minute ones that would ordinarily pass through disposable pleated filters.

The Use Of An Electrostatic Air Filter Is Not Without Its Drawbacks, As Is The Case With Anything Else:

• Minimal effectiveness. The effectiveness of electrostatic air filters decreases as they become filthy. Contrast this with pleated filters, which actually improve their performance as dirtier conditions are encountered.
• Reduced efficacy as airflow increases. Electrostatic air filters do a poor job of capturing particles when the airflow velocity is high. This is due to the fact that, when airflow velocity is sufficiently high, the electrostatically-attracted particles can be practically pulled off the collector of the filter, negating any mechanical means of particle capture.

Maintenance Instructions For Electrostatic Air Filters:

The fact that a dirty air filter can harm your HVAC system is well-known. A dirty filter will have several negative effects, such as reduced airflow and increased energy usage.

As particles are captured by pleated filters, their efficiency increases, but electrostatic filters experience a decrease in efficiency. This is because, when dust and other particles accumulate on the filter media, the collector’s ability to attract air becomes increasingly less effective. Consequently, utilising an unclean electrostatic air filter offers zero advantages.

Here Is How To Clean An Electrostatic Air Filter:

1. Disconnect the air conditioner. Leaving your air conditioner or furnace on without a filter is not a good idea. While the main filter is being cleaned, some folks have a backup filter on hand to use in their HVAC system.
2. Take your electrostatic air filter out of its storage rack with care. Typically, the air handler’s return duct is where you’ll find the filter rack. In certain houses, the air filter is situated at the return air intake. To keep dust and debris from tracking into your house on the filter, it’s recommended to place it in a garbage bag.
3. Spray the clean side of the filter with a stream of water from a garden hose. Turn the water sprayer so that it points in the opposite direction of the airflow arrow. Backwashing is the name of this procedure. Make sure to spray the entire area with the air filter to remove any dust or particles.
4. Just rinsing your electrostatic air filter in the washbasin or the tub won’t do the trick. The reason behind this is that the water pressure is insufficient to effectively remove the particles from the filter.
5. Now is the time to decide if a more intense cleaning is necessary. A few times a year, give your electrostatic air filter a good scrub using a cleaning solution.
6. When you spray your filter, clean, clear water should run out, indicating that it has been thoroughly cleansed.
7. Allow the filter to air dry outdoors. Place it on a sturdy surface, like the side of your house, and make sure the holes for draining water are on the underside.
8. Hold off on using the filter until it dries entirely, which should take 30 to 60 minutes. Allow the filter extra time to dry out if necessary; it must be totally dry before being reinstalled into your air handler.
9. Your air handler’s air filter must be reinstalled. On the side of the air filter, you should see an arrow pointing in the direction of the airflow. Pay close attention to this. Make sure the arrow is pointing at the blower. You should see an arrow pointing upwards if you’ve mounted the filter in the return register.

How Frequently Is It Recommended To Clean The Electrostatic Air Filter?

The efficacy of your electrostatic air filter depends on how often you clean it. The efficiency of the filter decreases as dirt and debris accumulate on its collector due to normal use.

If you want your electrostatic filter to keep working at its best, you should clean it once a month. In this way, we know the filter will keep sucking out all the particles it can without losing its effectiveness.

The MERV Ratings Of Electrostatic Air Filters:

Although not all electrostatic air filters have MERV ratings. Still, the efficiency of most electrostatic air filters is comparable to that of air filters with lower MERV ratings, at between 4 and 5.

On the other hand, a washable electrostatic air filter might not be the ideal choice if you’re looking for one with a specific MERV rating. This is due to the fact that as electrostatic filters become filthy, they become less effective at filtration. Since electrostatic filters can only hold so much debris, their MERV ratings will naturally decrease as particle loads increase.

FAQs:

I Have An Electrostatic Air Filter; How Can I Clean It?

Here is how to clean an electrostatic air filter: Disconnect the air conditioner. Leaving your air conditioner or furnace on without a filter is not a good idea. While the main filter is being cleaned, some folks have a backup filter on hand to use in their HVAC system. Take your electrostatic air filter out of its storage rack with care.

Is It Necessary To Frequently Clean The Electrostatic Air Filter?

There are several advantages to you and your family when you regularly clean the filter: Optimal air quality within buildings: The best way to keep your electrostatic air filters clean and free of allergens and other particles is to clean them on a regular basis.

Could I Reuse An Electrostatic Air Filter?

There is a reusable alternative to disposable filters electrostatic air filters that can save money and reduce environmental impact. Knowing how to clean an electrostatic air filter correctly is essential if you want to maximise its performance. More information on these air filters, including how to clean them, may be found here.

Conclusion:

Electric air cleaners work by attracting and capturing airborne particles using an electric charge. Particles are charged by these devices’ electrostatic fields and adhere to plates or fibres with opposite charges. Indoor air quality is improved by this technology, which helps remove tiny particles from the air. When it comes to capturing particles in the air, electrostatic air filters and HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters both work in different ways. While high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are great at removing allergens and pollutants from the air, they usually require replacement more often than washable electrostatic filters.