Should I Get an Electrostatic Air Filter?

Learn about electrostatic air filters - what they are, their benefits and drawbacks - with expert advice from Air Products & Services.

Should I Get an Electrostatic Air Filter?

Electrostatic air filters, also known as washable filters or reusable filters, are found in an oven and usually replace pleated filters. These filters are responsible for filtering dust, pollen, pet dander, and other small particles and pollutants found in the air that you and your family can breathe. The term “electrostatic air filters” can refer to one of two things: an air purifying unit that uses electricity to charge particles, or a disposable filter panel that is normally placed in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This means that electrostatic precipitators cannot filter all particles from the air with the same level of efficiency; this may depend on the size of the pollutant.

The EPA uses four measurement standards to determine how well an air filter can remove particulates from the air. If you live with a family member who is susceptible to airborne allergies (especially during certain seasons), you should opt for a quality air filter when replacing the air conditioner so that you can significantly improve the quality of your home air conditioner. The MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) is a standard that evaluates the overall effectiveness of air filters. Electrostatically charged filters are considered “flat” filters, unlike pleated filters, such as HEPA filters. In a normal office, air filters help keep the air clean and reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria. However, there are serious questions about the effectiveness of electrostatic air filters and whether they could actually emit more harmful pollutants than they remove from the air.

For more information on electrostatic filters, Air Products & Services, an expert in air conditioning problem solving systems, shares more information about this type of filter in this publication. Air conditioning filters have an important function that affects the health of occupants and the indoor air quality (IAQ) of the house. The main purpose of any filter is to clean dirty outdoor air that forcibly enters your home. These capture less than 20% of the dust. Electrostatic air purifiers promise to remove dust and other particles from the air with an ingenious trick of electromagnetism. However, it is important to consider that these devices may not be as effective as other types of purifiers when it comes to removing pollutants from the air.

Furthermore, the air purifier you choose should not be an electrostatic air filter because of the ozone levels it could generate.

What Are Electrostatic Air Filters?

Electrostatic air filters are a type of filter used in HVAC systems to remove dust, pollen, pet dander, and other small particles from the air. They work by using electricity to charge particles in the air so that they can be trapped by a filter panel. The EPA has established four measurement standards for determining how well an electrostatic filter can remove particulates from the air.

Benefits of Electrostatic Air Filters

The main benefit of using electrostatic air filters is their ability to capture small particles from the air more effectively than other types of filters. This makes them ideal for households with family members who suffer from allergies or asthma. Additionally, electrostatic filters are reusable and require less frequent replacement than disposable pleated filters like HEPA filters.

Drawbacks of Electrostatic Air Filters

The main drawback of using electrostatic air filters is their potential to emit ozone into your home's atmosphere.

Ozone is a harmful pollutant that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Additionally, electrostatic filters may not be as effective at removing larger particles from the air as other types of purifiers.

Conclusion

Electrostatic air filters offer several benefits over other types of purifiers when it comes to removing small particles from your home's atmosphere. However, it is important to consider their potential drawbacks before making a purchase decision.

If you have family members who suffer from allergies or asthma, it may be best to opt for another type of purifier that does not emit ozone into your home's atmosphere.

Caitlin Leich
Caitlin Leich

Subtly charming zombie ninja. Certified internet junkie. Hipster-friendly bacon enthusiast. Avid pop cultureaholic. Freelance coffee geek.