Most homeowners take comfort in the thought that they will enjoy high-quality clean air when returning to their homes. You can’t control the outdoor environment, but you believe your home will provide a haven of high-quality air. Unfortunately, studies have shown that the average home’s air quality is two to five times more polluted than the outside air. And not only is that hard on your body, but it means extra cleaning chores to keep dust, pet dander, and dirt to a minimum. However, the solution you are looking for could be as simple as an Electronic Air Filter to do the most difficult cleaning for you.
What Are Electronic Air Filters?
The technical term is an Electronic Air Cleaner (EAC). These are electrically powered filtration systems that are installed on your HVAC system to purify the air. First, the unit creates a static field and draws the air through the static. This static positively charges any particles in the air stream. Then the air is drawn over a negatively charged collector to trap the now positively charged contaminants in the air.
To better picture of the process used in an EAC, imagine coming home after a long day and greeting your pet, a favorite dog or cat, who comes running to welcome you. As you stroke the animal’s head and body, you can see the loose hairs floating for a second in the air and then instantly sticking to your static-covered slacks. The EAC is employing the same process, only with a much more desirable result, cleaning the air in your home.
Why EAC Is Better Than A Physical Air Filter
Most traditional fabric air filters remove particles based on their size. So the finer the filter, the smaller the particles it can trap. But the issue that arises is that these fine filters also restrict airflow. And that means the blower motor must work harder to move the air. So, in essence, when you opt for high-quality filtration, you are also choosing to increase your energy bill. And over the course of many years, the added workload can shorten the life of your HVAC equipment. So while you are getting cleaner air, you are paying a high price for the contaminant-free air.
In contrast, the EAC does not restrict airflow at all. Instead, large openings in the unit allow air to flow freely. At the same time, the electrostatically charged collector traps even the smallest particles. This system provides the highest quality filtration without increasing your energy cost or adding to your HVAC equipment’s workload. Finally, there is never the hassle of buying replacement filters. All you need to do is remove the collection plates and wash them to remove the trapped particles. Then the filter can be reinstalled for reuse.
Filtration To Meet Your Needs
There are various types and levels of EAC available. Some combine UV light technology for added sanitation. The filtration and electrostatic models trap all airborne particles. While systems using absorption or chemisorption also capture gaseous and vaporous contaminants.
The collector trap also varies from unit to unit. Some are metal plate systems that can be placed in a dishwasher for cleaning. Others use a disposable filter that is replaced each year. And there will be some space and installation considerations as well when selecting a unit.
When you sit down with a team member from Blue Ox Heating And Air, it is also essential to discuss your filtration system goals. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, asthma, or COPD, it will help determine your home’s ideal unit.
Tips To Increase The Air Quality In Your Home
In a perfect world, your home’s HVAC air filtration would eliminate the need for additional cleaning and dusting. However, we all know that is not realistic. So to ensure that you are enjoying the highest quality indoor air, there are a few tasks you will need to include in your routine cleaning.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs once or twice each week
- Dust or mops hard flooring once or twice each week
- Wash bedding, drapes, and other fabrics in your home regularly to eliminate allergens
- Reduce clutter and décor items that trap dust and increase your allergy symptoms while also increasing the time you must devote to dusting and cleaning your home
- Inspect HVAC filters or collection plates regularly and replace or clean as needed to ensure peak filtration
The Many Perks Of Electrostatic Filtration
When you think about air quality in your home, the priority is always increased health benefits. Relief from allergies, asthma and other breathing issues is vital. Your home needs to be the one place you can count on for pure air to promote healing and good health. However, there are several other very appealing benefits to EACs, including:
- Very Economical – You never need to replace the collection plated on your EAC in most cases. Simply remove and clean the plates that come included in the professional installation of your air filtration system and never worry about buying HVAC air filters again.
- Save Valuable Time – Searching for the proper size HVAC filter can be a hassle. And if you forget to stock up, you might be making a special trip to the big box store when you find that you have no more replacement filters on hand. In addition, these are the times you are tempted not to replace a dirty filter, and the added workload to draw air through the dirty filter is shortening the life of your HVAC system.
- Efficient Function – The EAC does not restrict the air moving through your HVAC system. It allows the equipment to function at peak efficiency, unlike high-quality fiber filters that reduce airflow and cause HVAC equipment to consume more energy.
- Better Results – EAC systems trap all contaminants, regardless of the particle’s size. So you are enjoying the highest quality filtration possible.
Call 952-213-3955 to schedule an appointment to discuss various makes and models of electronic air filters with Blue Ox Heating And Air experts. We have the experience and expertise to deliver the filtration system for your HVAC system that will provide the high-quality indoor air you desire.
