Electrostatic air filters are a popular choice among homeowners, but is it the best option? To decide if an electrostatic filter is the right choice for your home, it is important to consider the pros and cons. These filters can capture less than 20% of dust particles, but they are washable and reusable, making them a one-time expense. Additionally, electrostatic filters are more durable than traditional pleated filters and can last longer. However, using an electrostatic filter with ducts in a household can raise ozone concentrations six times higher than outdoor ozone levels.
You can purchase a pleated air filter from any hardware store or major retailer in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends improved air filters and purifiers to improve environmental quality and combat COVID-19, especially for people with respiratory diseases. To clean an electrostatic filter, you can use a vacuum attachment to remove dirt from the surface beforehand. However, do not use any other cleaning agent on these filters.
While you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean these filters, the steps below will work for most electrostatic filters on the market today. These filters are designed to generate a charge through electrostatically improved fibers, making them a miniature ionizer to some extent without the fear of ozone, as occurs in an electrostatic precipitator or air filter. Aluminum is lightweight yet incredibly strong, which helps these filters maintain their shape for years. This is comparable to a filter that can block large particles, such as dust mites, pollen, and carpet fibers.
They are reusable, so there is no need to replace them every few months like with a regular filter. To get the best performance out of this system, combine regular filter changes with annual preventive maintenance for your air conditioner. Leaving an air conditioner filter dirty for too long can cause the air conditioning system to overload, but pleated filters will still accumulate particulate matter.
