Myths and Misconceptions
Benefits
Three Important Facts
Easy To Maintain
Tangible Savings Resulting In The Change Over To The "ULTRA"
Concerns Of Disposable Fiberglass Filters
Clearing The Air On Electrostatic Filters
MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS
- Unlike "HEPA" air cleaners, electrostatic air filters are generally not effective for the removal of submicron particles which are not critical for most residential and commercial applications. The particles that trigger allergies and may cause adverse health effects are much larger in size. Examples include pollen, dust and mold spores.
- A second misconception is that electrostatic filters can cause system trouble due to their permanent nature. Electrostatic filters require no replacement. Instead, they must be cleaned on a regular basis.
- The third misconception concerns the idea that steel frames can discharge electrostatic media. By definition, static electricity is static. That is, it stays in one place, unlike electrical current that flows through a conductor. Polypropylene media is not a conductor and static electricity is not a current. It is impossible to ground out static electric charge of the filter media.
BENEFITS
- Electrostatic air filters are a value-added product
- Washability cleans the air of allergy triggers
- Less house cleaning
- No ongoing replacement costs
- No system modifications
- Low resistance to airflow for system protection
- Built to last
THREE IMPORTANT FACTS
Quality filter manufacturers design filters with three key things in mind.
Listed in order of importance:
-
The filter should possess low air resistance, so the unit
receives a constant supply of air and avoids breakdowns.
Filters do not work when the unit is not running.
- The higher the efficiency, dust arrestance, and dust-holding capacity; the cleaner the air.
- The filter should be either biodegradable (if disposable) or permanent, made of long lasting, cleanable materials.
EASY TO MAINTAIN
The "ULTRA" is easy to maintain. Spray with a degreaser or Electro Blue CK'R, rinse and reinstall. A time study was conducted to compare the replacing of a disposable and washing the "ULTRA". The labor time for a change out and washing were the same (2 minutes).
Companies should keep employee clean air benefits high on their list of priorities. Employees have reported less headaches and absenteeism which is a win-win situation.
TANGIBLE SAVINGS RESULTING IN THE CHANGE OVER TO THE "ULTRA"
- Reduction in storage space needed for filters
- Eliminate the clerical costs
- Cost of ordering and stocking of disposable filters
- One less vendor to pay
- High cost of transporting dirty filters to land fills.
- Reduction of dust on office equipment for longer life and less maintenance
- Adds life to the HVAC equipment
- Energy Savings*
* Energy savings are in direct correlation with your filters and filter maintenance program. It is a known fact that the more efficient the filter, the cleaner the coils, fins and ductwork which allow the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) to run at their optimum efficiency; therefore, reducing your energy cost. Just 1/16th of dust can reduce the efficiency of your air handling system by 30%, which is dollars saved.
Disposable filters are never biodegradable; which is a land fill concern. Not to mention, the high cost of transporting disposable filters to land fill dumps.
Questions about fiberglass hazards are not new. A red flag was raised that it could be a health concern. The World Health Organization calls the substance a possible carcinogen.
The efficiency of most disposables is between 20-40% when first replaced. The problem is when the filter is face-loaded the air does not have anywhere to go, but around the clogged filter causing dirtier air to bypass.
CONCERNS OF DISPOSABLE FIBERGLASS FILTERS
- Replacement Cost
- Storage area between change outs
- Non biodegradable
- Cost of Disposing
- Human Carcinogen
- Efficiency 20-40%
Disposable air filters should be replaced every 30 days.
Calculate the cost over one year/five years/10 years, etc. The return on investment of the permanent "ULTRA" is quickly realized.
CLEARING THE AIR ON ELECTROSTATIC FILTERS
All electrostatic filters are not the same.
In the early days of electrostatic filters, manufacturers used a non-woven polyester media or a foam media to filter the air.
The polyester in time would pack and be impossible to clean which caused high resistance to the air handler, resulting in frozen coils and burned out motors.
Foams may clog and become hard to clean, like trying to clean a sponge. Therefore, resistance increases over time.
Bacterial growth in foam has been a concern for many years. Neither media is safe for permanent air filtering.
No wonder some distrust has developed toward electrostatic filters in particular.
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