Many factors can influence the indoor air quality of your home. Contaminants come from a wide range of sources, including detergents, pets, and household furniture. The exterior of your home has pollutants that can pose health risks and compromise your AC’s efficiency. In this article, we look at electrostatic filters and the benefits of installing them in your home.
AC Filters prevent debris from getting into your system. Conventional filters require a replacement every month, but with an electrostatic filter, you can clean and reuse it.
As the name suggests, electrostatic filters use static force to capture small particles in the circulating air. The device has multiple layers of metal that create a negative charge on the medium. When dust passes through, it gains a positive polarity.
The process is similar to rubbing a plastic pen through your hair. If you then pass it over a piece of paper, it pulls the paper towards it. Similarly, an ionizer charges the air before it gets into the system. As it passes over the collector, it traps the dust particles and prevents it from getting into your equipment.
An electrostatic filter is a type of non-pleated sieve that can capture dust and debris. While their pleated counterparts can capture minute particles such as mold spores, they require replacements every month. They are also not suitable for high flow rate air conditioners since they can inhibit the flow of air through the system.
On the other hand, you can clean and reuse electrostatic filters instead of going for a replacement. You need a hose and a cloth to clean the debris off the vented media of the device. The cleaning is usually sufficient to restore its filtration capabilities.
There are, however, disposable electrostatic filters that you can throw away every month and replace them with new ones. They have a higher filtration capacity than their permanent counterparts. Unfortunately, they tend to be as limiting as pleated filters, and they may restrict airflow within the system.
Another advantage of electrostatic filters is their low running costs. They do not require monthly replacement as you can restore their filtration capacity by simply cleaning them. When you get an electrostatic filter, you can cut the cost of replacement, and possibly recoup your investment within a few months.
Even though there are disposable fiberglass filters that are cheaper, they generally perform poorly in comparison to electrostatic devices. The composition of disposable devices includes cardboard and fiberglass material, which is why they are affordable. Fiberglass filters can only stop dust and lint from getting into your air conditioner. They often have a low MERV (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Value) rating of between 1 and 4. That means they may not have the capacity to prevent smaller particles from getting into your AC.
Electrostatic filters have a higher MERV rating of between 6 and 8. At that level, they can capture pollen, mites, and sanding dust. By blocking the particles, they can prevent debris from accumulating in the ductwork and inside your equipment.
Another advantage of electrostatic devices is that they have a lower impact on the environment. Maintenance is cost-effective, and the filter does not need commercial chemical solutions to clean. That means reusable filters do not endanger ecosystems with pollution.
Some of the disposable filtration systems have materials such as fiberglass that are not eco-friendly. Fiberglass is a toxic waste material that can be hazardous to human health. The fiber can break down into tiny pieces that can get into the lungs as irritants. They can irritate your eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Today, more industries are trying to reuse fiberglass in manufacturing to reinforce plastic and reduce waste.
On the other hand, electrostatic filters have interconnected layers of metals. The metals capture the small particles in the air and can eliminate them efficiently without chemical aids. The electrostatic technology, therefore, produces virtually no pollutants.
Electrostatic filtration employs a simple mechanism to prevent debris from getting into your AC. As a result, it blocks particles from getting into the interior of your home in Harleysville.
When a filter gets clogged, it will allow more dust to get into the duct. An electrostatic device can limit the flow of dust from eventually getting into your home. In effect, it makes housekeeping easier.
Additionally, a cleaner filter is also beneficial for your air conditioner. Dust and debris can wreak havoc on your system, preventing the efficient cooling and heating of your home. By installing an electrostatic sieve on your AC, you can reduce costly repairs and extend its lifespan.
If you have indoor air quality concerns, the right filter can provide a lasting solution. However, you need to review the needs of your home. Is your family susceptible to irritants? What are the indoor and outdoor conditions, especially concerning air quality?
Whether an electrostatic filter is the right one for you will depend on the requirements of the space home. Our technicians can help you evaluate the best device for your system. One factor that will determine the choice of filter is its MERV rating.
Filtration devices have varying capabilities when it comes to capturing pollutants. The MERV rating ranges from 1 to 20. An electrostatic filter with a rating of between 4 and 6 is not the best option for protecting against allergens.
You should also remember a filter is not the only factor affecting your indoor air quality. Faulty components within the AC can introduce pollutants and contaminate your system. For example, leaks within the ductwork can allow moisture to accumulate.
While dust within your ductwork is hardly significant to cause health problems, mold, on the other hand, is risky. Some parts of the ductwork are inaccessible, so they may not get your attention. For enhancements of the AC’s efficiency, the cleaning ought to include components such as heat exchangers and cooling coils.
That’s why the EPA recommends that a professional carry out the task of cleaning and repairing leaks. A certified and insured technician can ensure the cleaning includes hidden components. Overlooking some parts of the equipment can reintroduce pollutants back into the system.
At IT Landes, technicians have the requisite expertise and experience to pinpoint faults within your ductwork in Harleysville. We can evaluate your system and propose a suitable filtration solution that will keep your home safe and comfortable.
We have experience in handling remodeling projects and whole-house systems. After renovations, it is important to ensure that your home is free of pollutants from paints and other inorganic chemicals. You can rely on our certified and licensed technicians to provide the right solution for your indoor air quality concerns.
IT Landes provides quality residential and commercial AC services for year-round comfort in Harleysville and surrounding areas. You can rely on us for the professional installation of water heaters, softeners, filtration equipment, and well pumps. Call us today to find out more about our services or schedule an appointment today.