Have you thought about upgrading the filtration in your HVAC system? Consider replacing its media filter with an electrostatic filter.
Media vs. Electrostatic: What’s the Difference?
You’re probably already familiar with your furnace’s media filter: that flat, pleated, white thing which grows increasingly dirty until you ultimately have to replace it. A media filter’s surface (which is made of fiberglass, polyester or cotton) is permeable to air, but not to airborne contaminants (such as dust, pollen, dander, and other things that irritate sinuses and get stuck inside ductwork).
An electrostatic filter looks very different from a media one. Instead of fabric, its surface can look somewhat similar to steel grating. It is actually made of aluminum and polyethylene, and utilizes electricity (unsurprisingly) in order to carry out its function.
How Does an Electrostatic Filter Work?
You’re probably already familiar with static electricity as well: that thing which zaps you when you touch a doorknob on a cold, dry day.
When air runs across an electrostatic filter’s surface, it passively generates static electricity as well. As a result, the filter emits ions: electrically charged atoms which attract airborne particles and trap them on the filter’s surface.
Note that an electrostatic filter doesn’t have to be plugged into an outlet. It uses the air movement which is already going on inside an HVAC system to generate its own weak charge of electricity, which it uses to serve the key function of an air filter.
What Are the Benefits of an Electrostatic Filter?
An electrostatic filter works on an interesting principle, but it’s not just some novelty of science. There are multiple reasons for a homeowner or commercial property manager to prefer it over a media filter.
- Affordable. When a media filter becomes dirty, it becomes trash. Not so for an electrostatic filter, which is good as new once you have washed it. You must wash it every 30-45 days. Your next electrostatic filter may very well become a lifetime purchase.
- Convenient. Tired of ordering new HVAC filters online, or standing in line to buy them at the store? Your electrostatic filter will never require you to leave home.
- Effective. A typical residential electrostatic filter usually has a MERV rating of 8. That’s on par with an affordable disposable filter, and sufficient to trap roughly half of airborne particles sized 3 microns or larger.
As with all other things, an electrostatic filter does come with its disadvantages. You must remove and clean it every 30-45 days, which some folks would call a hassle. Other filters, such as HEPA pleated filters, are more effective at removing impurities as well. If you have asthma or allergies, then you would be better advised to choose a media filter with a MERV rating of at least 11.
Upgrade Your Filter to Electrostatic With Dan’s Drain & Duct Cleaning
Are you looking for electrostatic filters in the greater Sioux Falls, SD area? Then we encourage you to contact Dan’s Drain & Duct Cleaning today. Our high-quality Electra GOLD, SILVER and FLEX electrostatic filters are suitable for any property!
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