Thinking Of Getting An Electronic Air Filter? Learn How This Device Actually Works
Posted on: 18 December 2020
Have you been looking for a way to improve the air quality in your home and have been looking at electronic air filters? If so, you'll likely want to know more about how these filters work so you can better understand if it is worth it.
What Makes Electronic Air Filters Different?
You have a few options when it comes to the filter that is used in your HVAC system. A standard media filter works by trapping particles in the filter as air passes through it. Granular activated carbon filters remove gases from the air before they reach the rest of your home. Electronic air filters work a bit differently and are more similar to standard media filters.
An electronic air filter gives particles in the air a positive electrostatic charge and then collects them on plates that have a negative charge. This allows the filter to more effectively filter the air as it passes through it.
How Does The Electronic Air Filter Get Its Charge?
An electronic air filter requires a little bit of installation work to get it up since the air filter requires electricity for it to work. You will plug a cord directly into a frame that slides into the air filter, and on that frame is a pad that will get the electrical charge. This disperses the charge to the rest of the fiberglass material so that all of it has the necessary charge for the filter to do its job. An electronic air filter essentially turns each fiber of the filter into a magnet that is designed to attract particles to it.
How Do You Change An Electronic Air Filter?
The particles that the filter catches are not simply stuck to the surface but attracted to the surface area of every single particle. When it comes time to change your electronic air filter, you'll notice that the fibers throughout the entire filter are going to be dirty, not just the fibers on the outward surfaces.
To change the filter, you'll need to disconnect the power cable and pull out the frame. The frame can then be opened up so that the filter media can be swapped out. Pay attention to where the carbon pad is located that comes in contact with the electrode since the new media material will also need to touch the new pad. This is what gives power to the small wires that go through the filter and give it an electrical charge.
For more information on electronic air filters and other indoor air quality products, contact a local HVAC contractor.
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