The accumulation of dust in the evaporator coil of a heat pump or air conditioner can cause many issues, such as reduced cooling capacity and a shorter product lifespan. Dust and debris that enter the home's air ducts prevent air flow and cause the heating and cooling system to work more frequently, leading to excessive wear.
Electrostatic air filters
are designed to capture the smallest dust particles and keep them away from the heating and cooling system. These systems will maintain a clean interior, increasing their energy efficiency and performance. Ultra-low Particle Air Filters (ULPA) can remove even smaller particles from the air, up to 0.12 microns in diameter, with an efficiency of at least 99.99%.ULPA and HEPA filters have the same working mechanism; however, ULPA filters have a lower porosity of the filter medium. This results in higher energy consumption than HEPA filters. UV HVAC air filters do not use fiberglass, cotton, plastic, or any other type of fiber to filter particulates from the air. Instead, they use the disinfecting power of UV light to remove airborne particles, including pathogens and microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. UV air filters are often used to supplement another type of air filtration system. Since there is no physical filter, HVAC UV filters are not washable or disposable.
In general, you should replace filters (or clean those that can be vacuumed) every six to 12 months for pleated filters and every three months for activated carbon filters. There are a lot of variables at play when considering cost, so make sure to consider these factors when choosing the best HVAC filter for your home. Washable electrostatic air filters are based on an electrostatic filter medium, which is normally made of polypropylene or woven polyester. These filter mediums retain particles by static electricity until they are washed to remove them. If combined with an annual tune-up of your heating and cooling system, an electrostatic air filter could reduce your utility bills by hundreds of dollars each year. Air filters effectively remove dust, dirt, smoke, aerosols, odors, viruses, molds, bacteria, toxic gases, and other particles and pollutants that might exist in ambient air. Studies conducted on room air purifiers show that the use of very fine-mesh HEPA filters, certified to collect 99.97 percent of particles of a certain hard-to-capture size (0.3 micrometers in diameter), can be very effective in eliminating many of the most common household irritants. The test method for determining the MERV classification was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Air filters are found in many homes, offices, commercial spaces, laboratories, clinics, and hospitals. The accumulation of solids in the filter restricts air flow, limits acceleration and causes the vehicle to emit toxic gases. In addition, the filters capture small particles of dirt that are trapped in the house in the shoes and paws of pets. CR generally doesn't test or recommend electronic air purifiers because they can produce ozone. Because electrostatic air filters are reusable, you won't have to order new filters every two months or wait in long lines at a store to buy what you need.
