Simply put, all filters used in HVAC system vents are designed to trap dust and other airborne pollutants. Some filters, of course, do a better filtration job than do others, depending on the price range and quality of the air filters themselves. An electrostatic air filter, however, traps particulates drifting through the air — and ultimately into your furnace vents or cold air returns — in a distinctive way.
How Electrostatic Air Filters Work
If you’ve ever had static electricity affect your clothing on dry fall or winter days, you’re probably very familiar with the way the fabric clings to your skin or your socks or stockings. This rather annoying build-up of electric charge is caused by the imbalance of positive and negative charges in the atoms making up whatever material that’s affected. Similarly, dust, dirt and other particulates are drawn toward the positively and negatively charged fibers in an electrostatic air filter in the same way the fabric of your skirt or trousers clings to your skin or other clothing.
What They Trap
Electrostatic air filters can be very effective, capturing up to 94 percent of large to small particles that make up a home’s indoor pollutants. The particulates attracted to electrostatic air filters can include:
- Lint
- Dust
- Animal dander
- Smoke
- Bacteria
- Mold spores
- Viruses
It’s important to note that because these filters are so good at what they do, they need to be cleaned on a regular basis in order to keep them operating effectively. Not only do electrostatic air filters perform excellently to trap particulates, they are also treated with an anti-microbial agent to inhibit the growth of fungi, mold and bacteria on the filter itself.
For more information about electrostatic air filters or any other home-comfort issue, contact the trusted professionals at Arpi’s Industries. Arpi’s has been serving Calgary and its surrounding communities since 1963. Our primary concern is to provide you with a healthy and pleasant indoor environment.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about electrostatic air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Image courtesy of Shutterstock
