Electronic/Electrostatic Filters

Electrostatic or electronic filters are a common type of air filters. They employ an electrical field to trap particles. They may be installed in central filtration systems as well as in portable units with fans. Some of them employ a one-stage while other employs a two-stage design for particle collection. The one-stage design is less expensive but less effective. In it a charged medium acts to both charge and collect airborne particles.

The electrostatic filters are usually effective in removing particles of sizes 1 micron and larger. The particles include dust, animal dander, mold spores, pollen, skin, lint, flakes, etc. Allergists suggest using the electronic air filters for better dust control. They have a higher capturing rate of particles. However they become less efficient with use and they do need to be replaced periodically. They can produce ozone, which is harmful from the health point of view.

Two Stage Electrostatic Filters
Electrostatic or electronic filters employ an electric filed to trap the particles. A two-stage electrostatic precipitator also works on the same principle. The two stage electrostatic filters or precipitators are made of two sections. A charging section and a collection section.

• First Stage: In the first stage, the charging section uses ionizer wires to add a positive charge to the incoming particles, like smoke, fume and dust.
  
  
  
  
  
• Second Stage: During the second stage, the charged airborne particles are attracted into a secondary electric field, where they are trapped between a series of oppositely charged metal plates. The metal plates entices the charged particles from the air causing them to precipitate onto the metal plates.

The airflow remains invariable during the lifetime usage. But the particles trapping efficiency decreases rapidly because the charged collector plates become coated with particles. The advantages of two stage electronic filters are their low energy costs because of low pressure drop, low noise levels, the constant airflow through the units, re-usability of precipitating cell nullifying the long-term filter replacement costs.

Benefits of Electrostatic Air Filters

• Respiratory symptoms: People having respiratory problems are also benefited from the electrostatic air filters. They help control the amount of pollen, mold spores, mites, and animal dander inside your home. These harmful substances can make your allergies, asthma, and other respiratory symptoms worse.
  
  
• Efficiency: They are vastly efficient and are capable of filtering up to 95% of the particles that pass through them.
  
  
• Maintenance: An important benefit of electronic filters are that they are very easy to maintain. They can be washed hundreds of times and don't lose their filtering capability.
  
  
• Savings: Another advantage of using electrostatic air filters is that they help reduce your energy bill. They do so by keeping the heating components and air conditioner coils free from particles.
  
  
• Durability: They are durable and designed to serve for longer periods.
  
  
• Dust: They effectively control dust. They trap dust when the central system operates.
  
  
• Compatible: The electrostatic filters produce low resistance to airflow, that makes it compatible with all air handling systems.