How Electrostatic Air Filters Work

When you are searching for a replacement air filter for your furnace or air conditioning unit, you want to choose a product that will provide a high level of filtering while being budget-friendly and long-lasting. Out of all of the different types of commercially available filters for residential use, the electrostatic air filter is chosen by many homeowners because it meets all of these considerations. They work great and because they rarely need replacing they are a financially sound investment that can save you money in the long run. So how do electrostatic air filters work? They consist of fibers made from synthetic materials such as polyester. When friction is created – such as air moving through the filter – there is an electrostatic charge that is held by the individual fibers. This static charge acts as a conduit that attracts microscopic particles such as dust, mold and common allergens. Electrostatic replacement furnace filters can catch particles as small as one micron, which is about 1/25,000^th of an inch. The filter sits in a metal frame and will likely have two sides labeled. One will indicate which way the airflow should go, so you will want to place it in the frame so the air flows in this direction. The other side is the “wash” side – this is the side you will wash to clean your filter. You can wash it with a household cleaner or laundry detergent. It’s always a good idea to comparison shop for filters before making a purchase. You can find all the information you need to make an informed decision by browsing through the selection here at Your Filter Connection, where we carry a large variety of replacement filters of all types.