It is estimated that 50% of all illnesses are either caused by or aggravated by poor indoor air quality. So, clean indoor air is important. Air purification products provide a variety of methods to help contribute to a healthier living environment.

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the amount of pollutants in the air. Frequent dusting, vacuuming, and washing of bedding will reduce the amount of dust and dust mites present in your living spaces. Although these methods are effective, not all airborne particles can be eliminated. Some particles are so small they may escape through the vacuum or never land on a surface. To capture these particles, filtration devices can be helpful.

What are my choices when it comes to filters?

Disposable Filters are generally made of coarse fiberglass mats in a frame mounted on a filter rack. They are often referred to as “throwaway” filters. Very large particles are collected by straining, as they are too large to go through the openings in the filter. Particles are also deposited on strands of the filter when they come in direct contact with one another. The filter efficiency increases as it fills with particles, until it reaches the point of saturation and begins to lose as many particles as it gains. The disposable filter’s capability is limited to larger particles.

Electrostatic Filters have a means for electrically charging the filter; however, excessive static pressure can damage your HVAC system.

Pleated Filters are constructed of fiberglass or synthetic fibers woven into a more dense material. The filter is arranged in V-shaped forms to increase the area of the filter material without increasing the face area. This increases the particle holding capability. This filter allows you to capture a wider range of particle sizes. Caution: 1" pleated can cause excessive static pressure.

Electronic Air Cleaners are highly efficient filters that use an electrical charge to remove and collect particulate matter such as dust, smoke, pollen, etc. The charged particles are then attracted to each other and forced to a series of alternately-charged metal plates where they are collected. These cells must be periodically cleaned with detergent and hot water to maintain the efficiency of the collection. They are generally used with a pre-filter to remove large particles before entering the cells.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters generally have an efficiency rating of 90% and above are considered to be very effective at small particle removal. There are many models of portable HEPA filters intended for use in a room that are self-contained with their own air mover and electrical system.

Filter Maintenance and Operation

The need to replace or clean filters is a function of many variables such as run time, efficiency, size and type. Typically, low-efficiency disposable and permanent filters need to be replaced or cleaned every one or two months in peak heating and cooling seasons. Electronic air cleaner cells should be serviced at this frequency as well.