You naturally want clean air in your home. However, indoor air pollutant levels can be 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels. If you or a family member has allergies or asthma, a home filled with airborne particles like dust, dander, mold, or pollen allergens can be a real problem. In addition to regular cleaning and adequate ventilation, using an air purifier can help make your home as allergen-free as possible.
A common air purifier used to control the levels of airborne particles is the electrostatic air filter unit, which creates electrical fields to capture particles. Electrostatic air purifiers promise to attract dust and other particles in the air with a clever bit of electromagnetism. They can be used in portable air purifying devices or can be mounted into the ducts of residential HVAC systems.
Known as washable or reusable filters, electrostatic air filters are placed over a furnace, typically replacing a pleated filter. The primary purpose of any filter is to clean the dirty, outdoor air that is forced into your home.
Electrostatic air filters use electricity to capture dust, pollen, and other airborne particles before they enter your home, setting them apart from pleated filters. These filters are used for both heating and cooling systems.
Electrostatic air filter units, depending on the right conditions, remove many particles of a certain size from the air. However, it's important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks to decide if an electrostatic filter is right for you. Some of the benefits include:
They might seem complex, but the real science behind electrostatic air purifiers is intuitive. Electrostatic air filters act like magnets for dust and other particles floating in the air.
Think about how the positive and negative sides of magnets attract each other. This principle is applied to the particles in the air and the plates inside the air purifier. If particles passing through a filter are given an electrical charge, and a few plates with opposite charges are placed next to them, the particles are drawn towards the plates and stick to them. Ideally, many of the particles floating in your home get trapped inside the device, reducing the indoor allergen problem.
Meanwhile, the same principle of electrostatic attraction is what causes your hair to stand on end when you rub a balloon on your head in dry conditions. The balloon strips electrons from your hair, giving the balloon a negative charge and your hair a positive charge. Your hair, being very light, is then attracted to the balloon and stands up.
You may be looking for the "electrostatic air filter" type, which is a reusable filter medium. These are filter panels made from fibers that are electrostatically charged materials. This refers to the filter medium and is distinct from the category of electronic air purifiers that use an external power source.
Unlike "pleated" filters like HEPA filters, electrostatically charged filters are considered "flat" filters. The difference lies in the fact that if the fibers are electrostatically charged, particles that come into contact with the fibers can be attracted and stick to the filter instead of being trapped inside the fibers (as in a HEPA filter).
An electrostatically charged panel filter is typically installed directly into your HVAC system and is made from coarse fibers. Dust and other particulate pollutants passing through the filter in your home can be attracted to and adhere to the fibers.
It is crucial to clean these washable filters monthly to avoid any sudden malfunctions. Following the cleaning steps ensures maintenance is correctly performed.
Drying Time: Most filters take 15 – 30 minutes to dry.
The first step in reducing allergen levels in your home is to ensure proper ventilation through regular, thorough cleaning and removing large particles settled on surfaces by selecting the right device. Then, if your symptoms persist, it's a good idea to look for an air purifier that can effectively eliminate particle pollution.
During our research, we found that this is a matter of personal preference. If you want to spend less money and clean the filter cells yourself, your answer will be entirely different from someone who does not want to clean the filter themselves. So, "Is an electrostatic air filter better?" is a wrong question; the correct question will be "Is an electrostatic air filter better for YOU and YOUR HOME?"
If you are not sure about making the most suitable decision for your situation, ERF Group will provide you with the safest support in this regard. ERF Group is knowledgeable about all different types of filters and will assist you in selecting the most suitable one for you.