What is Meant by Electrostatic?
We used to play with a magnet that was opposite to the poles during our childhood days and attract each other. If we try to stick like poles together, they will repel. The same principle is what makes the static electricity that electrostatic air filters use.
Static electricity results from a variance in the charges of particles. Particles comprised of atoms, which are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Atoms having the same number of protons and electrons are neutral and have no charge. When a neutral bit gains or loses an electron, it becomes charged.
Electrostatic air filters include filter media that go through a method to “charge” it, thus creating that unique quality. Sometimes, multi-layer washable filters have the status of materials meant to charge elements and particles as they move through, making the task of the striking strata of the filter more accessible and simpler.
Rather than getting attracted through the filter and trapped and obstructed by filter substance, the particles are enticed to the filter media because of physics’s law. It’s quite evident in theory.
Learn more about the positive and negative ions here.
What Filters are Electrostatic?
As mentioned above, electrostatic means “use static electricity.” Nothing about the terminology inevitably recognizes a filter as washable, recyclable, or reusable. Washable filters are electrostatically charged. Ever since that’s how they are naturally promoted, it has become common to understand that it is known as an electrostatic filter. Though, most pleated filters are electrostatic as well.
Unlike the range of the washable filters, pleated filters don’t have to be charged to have an electrostatic particle. As a consequence, some are creating an influential electrostatic aspect that helps trap the lowest of the particles. Uncharged filters still make a field based on what they’re comprised of. Because of that, they create a weaker lot and depend more on mechanical filtering.
What are the Pros and Cons of Washable Air Filters?
As stated above, deciding on an electrostatic air filter is a subject of individual’s personal choice, but to help better determine whether they are the perfect option for you, the following mentioned are some of the pros and cons:
Pros of Electrostatic Filters
Cheap and Economical:
Washable air filters cost comparatively $50-$60, and preferably, you only have to buy one for the machine’s lifetime. Consider it as a “permanent filter” as you don’t change it until you’re prepared to switch your entire system.
Save time and hassle:
Not only can you save on the cost of the filter, but you can also save time from having to find the particular dimensional air filter you need in the store, an achievement in itself, stand in line, and buy the filter, a job that would need to replicate after every three months.
Successful Operation:
Electrostatic air filters have Minimum Efficient Rating Value (MERV) ratings of around 5 or 6 depending on the brand.
Ideal Air Filtration:
These filters do a perfect job of filtering air through your system; electrostatic air filters work to enhance the quality of air when related to pleated filters.
Cons of Electrostatic Filters
Monthly Maintenance:
To be operative, these filters must be eradicated and washed every month. If they’re not, they can stop functioning proficiently, put impurities and dirt into the air, and your HVAC system, which can reduce your system’s expected life.
Less effective as compared to Disposable Filters:
These filters depend on static electricity, which is ideal for filtering out insignificant and small particles but not enough for greater dust particles or mold spores. They are not as operative as HEPA filters – a high-efficiency particulate air filter is used to determine an air filter capable of capturing over 98% of particles or even a 1200 MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating) filter or pleated filters.
Insufficient preference for people with asthma or allergies:
Since washable filters discharge more large particles into the air, they are not perfect for people with allergies or asthma.
Ozone:
Electrostatic air filters do not save against ozone and even have the likelihood to manufacture ozone molecules, which can intensify asthma and destroy the lungs.
Air Flow:
If these filters are not washed daily, they tend to hurt airflow. When a filter is not washed and cleaned, it let more dirt into the rest of the system and your home.
Want to know about other types of filters, including HEPA filters? Explore here!
Do Electrostatic Air Filters work?
It depends and varies. Electrostatic air filter devices work comparatively well to filter impurities from the air, as they sieve the elements such as dust, pet dander, or mold, which are the usual suspects when it comes to allergies. However, their efficiency relies on the kind of contaminant you are looking to eliminate from the air and the situations of the home setting and the machine itself.
Science lesson: How Electrostatic Air Filters work?
They might look complicated, but the natural law and real science behind electrostatic air cleaners are in-built. Electrostatic air filters correctly operate like magnets for dust and any other elements moving in the air.
Think of how the positive and negative sides of magnets pull towards each other. This code is practical to aerial particles and plates within the air cleaner. Suppose the elements passing through a filter are provided an electrical charge, and you put a couple of dishes near to each other with a contradictory account. In that case, the particles are pulled toward the plates and stick to them. Preferably, many of the particles moving in your home would then be trapped inside the machine, and the issue of internal impurities and intoxicants could be lessened.
The same rule of electrostatic magnetism, by the way, is what creates your hair stick up if you rub a balloon on your head in dry weather. The balloon bands electron from your hair, providing the balloon a negative charge and your hair positively. Your hair, which has very little weight, then gets enticed to the balloon and sticks up.
Why use Electrostatic Air Filters?
Using an electrostatic air filter has several benefits as compared to the old traditional air filters. Yet electrostatic air filters are likely to be more costly than their complements upfront; they save money over some time for homeowners. An electrostatic air filter is washable and, so, recyclable and reusable.
These filters purify the air through electricity and can be used in an air conditioning system that also works like a heater (dual HVAC system). Electrostatic air filters are cheap, washable, and are much more real than customary pleated filters. Electrostatic air filters have excellent MERV ratings and help you save money on utility bills and power costs (MERV calculates a product).
However, electrostatic air filters do not filter out massive, weighty dust particulate substances that influence those suffering from allergies. For allergy sufferers, using a highly rated HEPA filter is suggested.
Choosing a quality Electrostatic Air Filters
Air Filter Size
Air filters come in carrying dimensions and sizes. The best air filter size for your home is the one that fits perfectly in your HVAC system. Take out your existing air filter and determine if the size is evident. If not, calculate the filter space where your new filter will go to decide the ideal size.
Filtration Properties
Electrostatic air filters all focus on similar elements, i.e., light dust particles, flying bacteria, and pet dander. However, electrostatic air filters do not work well with hefty dust elements. Verify and validate the MERV rating to decide the filtration’s productivity to see which electrostatic filters will eradicate the most significant impurities from your home.
MERV Rating
The MERV rating also referred to as Minimum Efficient Rating Value measures the provided air filter’s effectiveness. Most electrostatic air filters lie between 5-7 MERV ratings. The MERV rating is on a scale from 1 to 20, with 1 being the least amount of filtration and 20 being the most significant filtration amount.
Compatibility with HVAC System/Furnace
Not all HVAC systems and furnace systems can work with an electrostatic air filter. Verify your system to make sure that this specific kind of filter will function or not. Most systems work best with an electrostatic air filter as long as it is accurate to size. Ensure that the sizing is exact before buying it.
Ease of Installation
Installing an electrostatic air filter is easy and straightforward. Eliminate the previous filter and slide the new filter into its position. Electrostatic air filters are convenient-to-install because they are meant to be cleaned, recycled, and reused; so, stress-free installation is necessary to their general success.
Price & Warranty
Electrostatic air filters are comparatively cheap and reasonably priced, but you must consider that the filter’s cost is an upfront cost. As these filters are washable and reusable, they continue much more extended than outdated pleated air filters.
Warranties vary from one-year to an even lifetime warranty. The more extended the contract, the greater the price can be since homeowners will be protected if something unexpected damage occurs to the filter.
Explore more about the best electrical air fresheners for your house.
6 Best Electrostatic Air Filter
| Product Image | Product Name | Product Price |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. K&N 16x25x1 HVAC Furnace Air Filter; Lasts a Lifetime
| Check price on amazon |
 | 2. Filtrete BD12-6PK-1E 24x24x1
| Check price on amazon |
 | 3. Aerostar Allergen & Pet Dander 20x20x1 MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter
| Check price on amazon |
 | 4. 30×60 (cut-to-fit) Filtrete Hammock Filter by 3M
| Check price on amazon |
 | 5. Nordic Pure 20x20x2 MERV 12 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters
| Check price on amazon |
 | 6. Filtrete 20x25x2 MPR 1000 AC Furnace Air Filter
| Check price on amazon |
Best Electrostatic Air Purifier (Editor Choice)
Over the years, there have been relatively several competitive air purifier brands entering the market. Today, we discover one of the best Electrostatic Air Purifier out there, which comes under the category of GermGuardian Air Purifiers in 2020:
Germ Guardian AC9200W True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
The Germ Guardian AC9200W air purifier is CARB certified, AHAM verified, and Energy Star rated, making it a perfect electrostatic air cleaner for domestic families. It has a 3-level filtration system comprised of a pre-filter, stimulated charcoal filter, and a True HEPA filter.
Initially, the pre-filter traps the bigger air particles. The activated charcoal filter removes the disgusting pet smells, cooking fumes, cigarette smoke, and other pollutants. Lastly, the True HEPA filter eliminates over 99.9% of persistent allergens like pollen, dust, mold spores, pet dander, and mildew.
This is undoubtedly the best GermGuardian electrostatic air purifier for airy homes; it ventilate the rooms to be close to 335 sq. ft. The GermGuardian AC9200W air purifier has CADR ratings of 216 for dust and smoke and 265 for pollen.
Features
- Weight: 20.3 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 17 x 27 inches
- Room coverage: up to 335 sq. ft.
- Comprise of a handle
- CADR rating: Dust -216, Pollen- 265, and Smoke – 216
- 3- level Filtration: Pre-filter, Stimulated carbon, and True HEPA
- Programmable timer up to 6hrs
- 3-speed settings
- Filters air up to 4 times per hour at the maximum speed
- Optional UVC light
- Filter estimated life: 6-8 months
- UVC bulb life: 10 – 12 months
- Ideal for people undergoing from allergies
- Efficient filtration system using 3-stage filtration; True HEPA, pre-filter, and activated carbon
- Proficient at smell removal
- Has 3-speed settings and washes up to 4 times an hour at maximum speed
- Perfect for bedside
- Has optional UVC light
- CARB-compliant, AHAM-rated, and Energy Star-certified
- Heavy at above 20 pounds
- A little expensive
Explore the other benefits of air purifiers for your home and health.
How to Change Electrostatic Air Filters?
It is necessary to alter your electrostatic air filter frequently. These filters are meant to be reused and recycled but must be cleaned and washed occasionally. It is advised to clean and wash your electrostatic air filter every month. Begin by eliminating the filter box from your air handler.
Then, take your filter in the open air and use a garden pipe to shower down the filer at a position. This should be adequate for most cleanings, though, it is suggested that using dishwashing soap two to three times per year.
After cleansing down the air filter, wash again. The last step is to wait for almost30 60 minutes to let your filter to dry before re-installing.
3 Best Electrostatic Air Filter Cleaner
| Product Image | Product Name | Product Price |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Air-Care UOK Electrostatic Air Filter Deodorizer
| Check price on amazon |
 | 2. K&N HVAC Filter Cleaner
| Check price on amazon |
 | 3. QwikProducts QT2700 Puraclean Filter Spray 16 oz Bottle
| Check price on amazon |
Concluding Remarks
An electrostatic air filter is a cost-effective and cheapest method to wash and clean the air in your home and eliminate flying contaminants. It is highly recommended to use the Nordic Pure for most homeowners. This electrostatic filter fits in most HVAC systems, has a MERV 12 rating, and removes elements that are as little as 0.3 microns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Electrostatic Air Filters Work?
It depends on what you mean by ‘work.’ They do eliminate some of the dust particles from your air.
How Do Electrostatic Air Filters Work?
These washable furnace filters work by having several layers of emitted metal, which the air goes through. As the air passes through the first layer of filtration, the air molecules are positively charged by the air and filter resistance. The currently positively charged air molecules confer themselves to the next few layers as they pass through the filter’s remaining. Consider it as working the type of like walking across the carpet with your socks on and then touching a doorknob – the method of walking across the rug charges you with static electricity, which is then discharged when you feel a beached surface like a doorknob. Only instead of your socks rushing across a carpet, it is the air rushing across your air filter that makes a charge and captures dust elements in the air filter.
Do Higher Merv Filters Restrict Airflow?
A higher MERV filter should not limit the airflow. New HVAC units are manufactured to function with higher MERV rated filters. However, if you have a dirty filter that has not been washed and cleaned, the accumulation may result in airflow issues. Clean or substitute your electrostatic filters after every 60-90 days.
What is the Best Merv Rating for Hvac Filters?
The best MERV rating for HVAC filters is 20. MERV ratings range from 0-20, with 20 being the “ideal.” It has been recommended that selecting an electrostatic filter with a minimum of a MERV rating of 5 to make sure that numerous air impurities are correctly filtered out of your home.
Is It Advisable to Wash and Clean Reusable Electrostatic Air Filters?
Yes! When you buy a reusable and recyclable electrostatic air filter, you can thoroughly clean and wash the filters and recycle them. These filters were intended to be reused and recycled.
What Happens if an Air Filter is Installed Backward?
If an air filter is installed backward, the air will still be purified, but the airflow will be conceded. The air will have a challenging and demanding time passing through the electrostatic filter. This means that your utility bill will be more significant, and the HVAC unit will have to work harder. Ensure that your air filter is installed correctly.
Where is the Air Filter in My Ac Unit Located?
Most air filters are found in the back air pipe. Usually, the filter is next to the external unit. Use your HVAC manual guide to place your air filter if you do not confirm that it is situated.
Furnace Filter Vs. Ac Filters: Are the Same?
If you have an HVAC unit, your furnace filter and AC filter are the same. If you have different and individual companies (a separate furnace and a particular AC unit), you will have two other filters.
Why Don’t Washable Air Filters Measure Up to Pleated?
Washable filters sort of live off in their world when it comes to air filters. They perform so contrarily than a pleated or even fiberglass filter that the MERV Rating isn’t mainly appropriate to them, making their products harder to know.
How are pleated filters charged?
As stated above, pleated filters lie into two categories when talking about electrostatic air filters. Some are charged with a charging method while they’re being made. This is accomplished with a process comprising a cluster of small needles, but we won’t get into that as it will perhaps drag you out of your skull.
Some, usually the lower MERV-Rated varieties, are not charged. These still hold an original charge because their production is substantial, and their mission increases over time as the air moving through the filter helps create a little bit of order.
