Beyond the Basics: Filter types pleaded or Electric air cleaner?
Regular Vs. Electrostatic Air Filters: How Effective Are They?
An effective air filter is an important HVAC System for your Washington, home. Your primary choices are pleaded disposable air filter or washable electrostatic filter, or Electric air filter with Media .
HOW REGULAR FILTERS WORK
A regular filter is typically made from a pleated media with a cardboard frame. This filter captures small airborne particles as the furnace pulls air through it from your return. This works similarly to the lint trap in a dryer. Dust, dirt, pollen, and other irritants are captured in the filter as air circulates.
These regular filters typically come in one of 5 Thicknesses:
1” Pleaded filter (most standard) for pleaded and or Newer Electric Air Cleaners
2” Pleaded filter
4” Pleaded filter
5” Pleaded filter
Most home heating and air conditioning systems can only handle a standard or electric media filter. HEPA filters are typically reserved for hospitals and other similar environments. These filters capture smaller particles, but the typical home air conditioner or furnace isn’t powerful enough to pull air through them.
HOW ELECTROSTATIC FILTERS WORK
An electronic air filter uses static electricity to give particles a positive charge as they enter the filter. This charge is released as the air continues through subsequent layers of the filter, and results in the particle ultimately getting trapped. These are reusable so you don’t need to replace them every few months as you do with a regular filter. You do have to wash electrostatic air filters, which can add another chore to
your to-do list.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ELECTROSTATIC FILTERS
Air filters are given a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating which denotes their efficiency. The higher a filter’s MERV rating, the more effective it is at capturing airborne particles.
Electrostatic air filters have a MERV rating between one and four. These capture less than 20% of dust. Filters that are rated at a four or below only stop particles that are greater than 10 pm in size, which includes pollen, dust mites, and carpet fibers. These filters are more affordable but are not appropriate for those with asthma or allergies.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF REGULAR FILTERS
Regular residential air filters can have a MERV rating of up to 12. You can find regular filters with a low MERV rating between one and four, but these filters come with higher MERV ratings as well. Filters that have a rating between five and eight capture particles as small as 3.0 pm in size, which includes microbial growth, hair spray, and pudding mix.
Regular filters with a MERV rating between nine and twelve stop particles as small as 1.0 pm in size, which includes humidifier dust, legionella, and automobile emissions. These are the most efficient filters that you can use in your home. Filters with a MERV of 13 or higher are for commercial buildings, hospitals and clean rooms.
The Evolution of Filters: From Vintage to Modern, Which Style is Right for You?
Knowing what filter is right for your system is important, electronic filters have an upfront cost but usually comes with a warranty on your Furnace blower wheel cleaning. In the long run, you should save money on the media vs pleaded and with your blower wheel cleaning warranty it might make sense to protect your investment. Get an expert to diagnose what’s best for your home and system.
