When it comes to air filters, there are many different types available, so it's important to know which one will best keep your air conditioning system running for as long as possible. A good rule of thumb is to replace pleated filters every 90 days. If you have electrostatic or washable filters, you should wash, dry, and reinstall them once a month. Washable filters are more environmentally friendly and, if properly cleaned and reused, can last 5 to 10 years.Electrostatic air filters work quite well to filter allergens from the air, as they filter out particles such as dust, pet dander, or mold, which are often suspected of causing allergies.
These filters are usually cheaper than other mechanical filters, such as HEPA, because coarse-grained fibers are easier to manufacture. An electrostatic air filter is made of metal and uses static electricity to give particles a positive charge when they enter the filter. In fact, electrostatic filters need to be cleaned every 4 to 6 weeks, which means that they require more work than regular filters, which usually last 2 to 3 months per replacement air filter. Unlike traditional air filters, which trap contaminants in the filter material, electrostatic air filters remove pollutants from the air using static electricity. Studies have found that continuous use of a household electrostatic air filter with ducts can raise ozone concentrations six times higher than outdoor ozone levels. This is a reference to the filter medium and is independent of the category of electronic air filters that use an external power supply.
Unlike disposable air filters, which are simply thrown away when they have fulfilled their function, electrostatic filters must be removed and cleaned by hand, exposing the vacuum cleaner to all the allergens and contaminants that have been attracted to the filter during the process. If your family doesn't have any respiratory illnesses and you don't mind cleaning the filter regularly, an electrostatic air filter can save you money while still keeping your home clean. Switching to electronic air filters is unlikely to greatly extend the life of your air conditioning system; however, they do offer several advantages. Air filters are given a Minimum Efficiency Value (MERV) rating, which indicates their efficiency. Electrostatically charged filters are considered “flat” filters, unlike pleated filters such as HEPA.
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 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. These filters capture smaller particles, but the typical home air conditioner or oven isn't powerful enough to draw air through them.
