Electrostatic air filters are a great way to keep your home's air clean and free of dust, pollen, pet hair, pet dander, microorganisms, and other tiny household debris. These filters use static electricity to capture the smallest particles and keep them away from your heating and cooling system. This helps to reduce the risk of wear-related damage and increase efficiency. Experts recommend cleaning electrostatic air filters every two weeks or at least once a month.
This ensures that the filter does not lose its efficiency and continues to filter as many particles as it can. If you're not a big fan of household chores and maintenance, an electrostatic air filter is a good choice for you. Electrostatic air filters are generally assigned a MERV rating of between four and ten, while the most common MERV rating for a traditional residential air filter ranges from eight to eleven; it goes up to 14 for high-efficiency HEPA filtration. Multi-layer washable filters may also contain layers of materials intended to charge particles as they pass, making it easier for the attractive filter layer to work.
If you want to further improve your home's indoor air quality, electrostatic filters are compatible with UV-C air purifiers, whole-house fans, attic fans and portable air purifiers. However, it should be noted that some disposable pleated air filters also use electrostatic attraction to filter particles. When the air you breathe daily is impregnated with bacteria and pollutants, it can exacerbate allergies and make the air feel suffocating and stuffy everywhere. A heating and air conditioning contractor can evaluate your heating and air conditioning system and recommend the best option for your home.
Now that you know what an electrostatic filter is, it's time to learn more about whether this option is right for your home and your heating or air conditioning system. Dust and dirt that enter your home's air ducts prevent airflow and cause your heating and cooling system to circulate more frequently, leading to excessive wear and tear. The accumulation of dust in the evaporator coil of a heat pump or air conditioner can cause many problems, such as lower cooling capacity and shorter product life.