It is undeniable that we live in a world full of choices, from the ever increasing number of channels on television to varieties of coffee available at a coffee shop. But this can be a double edged sword. When there are so many options to choose from, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, or worried that you are going to make the wrong decision.

Well, this also rings true when it comes to shopping for air filters, and with so many different types of air filters available, you need to know you’re going to get the best filter to keep your HVAC system working for as long as possible.

We at Aireman Filtration are firm believers that you shouldn’t need a degree just to be able to make an informed decision, so we’ve compiled some information about electrostatic air filters, to help you make the most informed purchase you can.

So, what exactly are electrostatic air filters?

Electrostatic air filters are filters that remove pollutants from the air using static electricity, as opposed to traditional air filters, which trap pollutants in filter material.

When air passes through the filter, it blows through a series of static prone fibres, which generates a static electric charge, which in turn attracts particles and dust as they flow through your HVAC unit.

Will electronic air filters extend the life of my HVAC system?

While it is unlikely that switching to electronic air filters will greatly extend the life of your HVAC system, they do offer several benefits.

Firstly, electronic air filters last a long time. Many models offer lifetime guarantees and in general, electronic air filters will rarely, if ever, have to be replaced. This is because electrostatic air filters are reusable, so you simply wash them clean and place them back in the HVAC unit, reducing waste and the cost of replacing your filter every few months. 

Electrostatic air filters with a higher MERV rating don’t restrict air flow like some disposable ones can, meaning you don’t have to worry about sacrificing your HVAC unit’s efficiency for cleaner air.

Are there any downsides to using an electronic air filter?

Nothing in this world is perfect, and so there are some downsides to electronic air filters.

Unlike disposable air filters that are simply thrown away when they’ve served their purpose, electrostatic filters have to be removed and cleaned by hand, exposing the cleaner to all the allergens and pollutants that have been attracted to the filter in the process.

In fact, the filters need to be cleaned every 4 to 6 weeks, meaning they are more work intensive than regular filters, which tend to last 2 to 3 months per replacement air filter.

While electrostatic filters do last longer, this also means that they almost always have a much higher purchase cost than regular filters. Although you won’t have to purchase replacements as often, this upfront cost can be too pricey for some people.