Heating and cooling consumes a big part of your utility bill. But it’s a small thing, the air filter, that keeps the entire system humming along. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, preventing the system from working like its supposed to, and that eventually leads to a breakdown. If you’re getting low air-flow, check your air filter. A clogged filter can cut airflow to a trickle. Most air filters are 1 inch thick, but some systems can accommodate filters 2 to 5 inches thick. The thicker the filter, the better it works and the longer the replacement intervals. Air filters generally include a range of standard sizes. In addition to disposable air filters, we also carry Electrostatic permanent filters which require periodic cleaning.
Electrostatic Filters
Why use Electrostatic Filters?
When selecting a filter for your heating or cooling system it only makes sense to use the most efficient filter possible. An air conditioning or heating system operates best with no restriction to airflow. Adding a filter to any HVAC system restricts this air flow and therefore can reduce the operating efficiency of the equipment.
The best furnace filter is one that has the least effect on airflow but removes the most dust and particles from the air. This is where our Electrostatic Filter really shines. They remove a high percentage of contaminants from the air but at the same time have little effect on air flow. This allows the equipment to operate at a maximum efficiency while at the same time removing a high percentage of the contaminants from the air!
Our regular sized Electrostatic filters are $99.99
20 X 25 X 1
16 X 20 X 1
16 X 25 X 1
Custom sized filters (made to order) take approximately 4-6 weeks to order and start at $169.99.
Basic Air Filters from most stores cost anywhere from $15 to $20. This means that if you were to replace your regular air filters with an Electrostatic Filter, it would pay for itself in under 2 years!
Saving money and the environment has never been easier.
How do Electrostatic Air Filters work?
These washable furnace filters work by having multiple layers of vented metal which the air passes through. As the air passes through the first layer of filtration, the air molecules are positively charged by the friction between the air and the filter.
The now positively charged air molecules attach themselves to the next few layers as they pass through the rest of the filter. This air filter creates a charge and traps dust particles in the air filter. As air passes through electrostatic filters, a static charge is created within the filter. As a result of this static charge, dust particles are attracted to the filter and remain trapped there until the filter is washed.
The air we breathe contains many allergens and irritants such as dust, bacteria, mold spores, pet dander, pollen and smoke. Most of these particles are smaller than one micron in size and will pass through a cheaper furnace filter. When you install an electrostatic furnace filter, the number of particles passing through your heating and cooling system and returning to your living space will be reduced.
An electrostatic air filter will save you hundreds of dollars by eliminating the quarterly cost of purchasing a disposable filter.
Typical disposable fiber glass are only 5%-10% efficient. The best electrostatic air filters are 90% efficient, just like the ones we carry!
The furnace filter is a key player in home comfort and indoor air quality. Changing your furnace filter regularly offers the following benefits for homeowners:
The frequency of filter changes needed will depend on the recommendation of the filter’s manufacturer, its efficiency, your HVAC system use, and characteristics of your household. The traditional 1-inch filters need to be replaced every 1 to 3 months.
Filters with low MERV ratings will need changing more frequently than high-efficiency filters. Check your filter’s packaging to see how often the manufacturer recommends replacing your filter with a new one.
Furnace filters typically require more frequent changing during periods where your HVAC system is in use more often. During the peak of summer and middle of winter, your air conditioner and furnace are running more than they are during spring and fall, so more air is passing through the filter and more contaminants are being removed. It’s smart practice to check your filter monthly during periods of high system use, and replace it as you notice buildup.
If there are pets or smokers in your household, your filter will likely require more frequent changes. There are more contaminants in your home – pet hair, pet dander, and smoking byproducts – so filters become clogged at a faster rate than a home without pets or smokers.
Never try to clean a disposable air filter as the materials may breakdown overtime – these filters are not meant to be cleaned or reused.
Many whole-house filters list a MERV value. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16. The higher the rating the more particles the filter can remove. However, higher rated filters allow less air to flow through and can force your furnace to work harder and possibly lead to malfunction. A MERV rating between 8 and 11 is adequate for most homes. To be safe, you should check if your furnace manufacturer has a maximum MERV rating associated with your model of furnace.
Replacing a furnace filter is pretty simple once you know what you’re doing. There are ways to botch the job, however—for example, by buying the wrong size filter or putting it in backward, which can block the flow of air instead of cleaning it. Here’s how to do the job properly in three simple steps.
Start by turning off the furnace. Remove the existing furnace filter, which will be located inside the furnace or inside the return air vent. Look for an arrow on the filter indicating airflow direction. Using a permanent marker, draw the airflow direction on the outside of the furnace, so you’ll always know the right way to install the filter. Then note the furnace filter size, which will be printed on the cardboard frame.
A filter that has a plastic frame is a reusable model. That means you have to clean it periodically with a vacuum and water, ideally outdoors. Let it dry completely before reinserting.
Install the new filter. Look for the markings that tell you which side of the filter should face the furnace. Then slide the filter back into place and replace any cover that goes over it. Keep a record of the date so that you’ll know when it’s time to change the furnace filter again.
Please follow these basic steps to maintain a healthy home with clean air:
Replace your air filter regularly.
Increase ventilation by letting in fresh air to control indoor air quality by diluting and displacing indoor pollutants. A HRV system supplies continuous fresh air from outside in the house. The heat recovery core of the unit transfers a portion of heat in the stale air that is being exhausted to the fresh incoming air from outside before re-distributing throughout the house. The result is a continuous supply of fresh air, without unpleasant drafts, and increased comfort for the home occupants. The HRV filter should be cleaned or replaced every 2 months. Properly maintained, an HRV can save energy costs in your house while maintaining a clean, healthy indoor environment.
Maintain a healthy humidity level at home. The ideal relative humidity for health and comfort is somewhere between 30-50% humidity. Don’t forget to change the humidifier pad at least once every year to prevent mold/bacteria build up.
