Electrostatic air filters have been going on a run for a long time. The filter has another name, which is “washable filters.” Like any filter, these filters are made of metals.
Does your HVAC system need new filtration, or do you want to install a new replacement for your heater or air conditioner? Then this filter can be best for you.
You can purify the air with the help of electrostatic air filters in any space, like a school, hospital, office, or home too!
But are they a waste of money?
Well, it is beneficial wherever you are installing the machine. Moreover, as most of them come at lower prices, you can be worry-free about the budget. The product can lead your life to the healthier side.
There are many vital points about electrostatic air filters. So, if you want to know about this filter in-depth, this article will surely help you.
What Is Electrostatic?
If you ever rub your head with a balloon, you will see that hair is getting stuck with the balloon. That is known as statics. Electrostatic is similar to this but works by using electric charges. Remember that does not work with the current.
What Is an Electrostatic Air Purifier?
It is the machine that purifies the air by trapping particles. And it uses static force to do that.
Furry cats and dogs shed a lot of hair. So if you have any of them at home, this technology can help you as it can trap the fur too!
However, you can install this in two ways.
Firstly, you can install it on portable cleaning devices. The other way is to install it in the HVAC system.
How to Maintain Electrostatic Air Filters?
This filter is simple to maintain. Since you cannot replace them, you need to wash or clean them once a month.
Use a fiber-damp cloth to clean them. Or you can open the filter and wash it with water, and put it back where it was.
Make sure it dries up completely before you use the filter. Wet filters tend to grow mold in them. And you surely don’t want that to happen.
Benefits of Using an Electrostatic Air Filter –
If you couldn’t decide whether you should opt for an electrostatic air filter, the following benefits would help to conclude –
Inexpensive Option
You have to spend lesser money on this filter. As it is reusable, you don’t need to buy another one for a long time. You can re-use this filter as long as you like.
One Device Fits All
Like, one size fits all clothing, this filter can fit pretty much all of your HVAC systems. And they come rectangular.
Easy to Maintain
These filters take all of the dust out of a room for you. So, at least you have to do a little bit to them by cleaning them once a month. It’s easy to perform and hassle-free.
Saves Your Utility Bills
Do you know you can have a lower utility bill than usual? Because they can run smoothly with the highest efficiency. In contrast, dirty flat filters cause blockage and might raise utility bills.
Maintains Great Airflow
Dusty pleated filters have many pores, and if it is full of pores, then they cannot run smoothly. An electrostatic filter won’t let you have this issue even if it’s full of pores too! It will run smoothly, as expected.
Breathe Fresh Air
The air we breathe is worsening in every region of the planet, resulting in many medical issues. As a result, children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to lung illnesses. But the filter can reduce the problem by purifying the indoor air for us.
Disadvantages of an Electrostatic Air Filter
Not all filters are the same. While it is one of the advanced technologies, it has some downsides.
Not Good for Filtering Particles
Electrostatic air filters are not great at filtering out particles. At higher airflow velocities, they don’t have much power to capture all the particles.
Requires Regular Maintenance
The machine needs to be cleaned from time to time. You may see that the filter is not functioning properly. The main reason for this problem is that the filter is unclean.
Not Entirely Healthy for Indoor Environment
It is rare, but it can have an awful effect on indoor air quality. They can release bad gases like ozone. In addition, some reported that they release formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.
Electrostatic Air Filter vs Pleated
Both can do the same job, despite a few differences. However, there can be ups and downs for these two filters. The following information will help you decide which one you should get for the house.
Maintenance
All electrostatic filters don’t need replacements as they are washable. On the other hand, pleated filters do need to be replaced. It will depend on how contaminated the air inside your home or office is.
It is unfair that electrostatic has no MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values) ratings. Although this is not totally accurate, many of them have ratings of 5 or 6.
This rating tells us how effective the filter is at trapping particles. And pleated filters have MERV ratings of 8.
Cost
As electrostatic filters are non-replaceable, you won’t have to buy another one for a long time. It will save you money for years.
However, a pleated filter must need to change every three months, which increases the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do electrostatic filters really work?
It does work good as they rely on static force. It can filter out all the pollens, pet fur, dust, and all which cause people allergies. According to EPA (the Environment Protection Agency), this filter works with 98% efficiency.
- How long does an electrostatic air filter last?
Electrostatic air filters last for 5-10 years! In addition, this product is on the eco-friendly side. So, if you wash and clean properly, it can last for a long time.
- How do I know if my electrostatic air filter is working?
You can see there is a neon light situated on the filter. Turn on the filter, and if the neon lights glow, you will know it is functioning.
And if you turn it off, you will see that the neon light gets off. If your neon light doesn’t come on, contact the service provider to repair it.
Conclusion
Do you need an electrostatic air filter for your home or office? Are they worth considering? These questions can arise in your head multiple times. It is worth it to buy a good one because many advantages come with it and fewer cons.
You can use it to see if it is convenient for you or not. But I can assure you that your penny won’t go on a waste!
Last Updated on February 22, 2023
