An activated carbon air filter is essentially the same as a regular carbon air filter. However, some manufacturers differentiate between the two based on the way the carbon is used inside the filter. Permanent electrostatic furnace filters use the same electrostatic technology, but they contain cotton fibers that are charged automatically and attract particles. Unlike disposable versions, these filters are machine washable.
All you need to do is remove the filter, clean it and put it back in. It can last up to eight years. These filters can capture smaller particles, but a typical home air conditioner or boiler may not be powerful enough to pass air through them. Recent innovations in air filters have made it possible to obtain high MERV rates (11 to 1) with a low pressure drop, which has led us to believe that manufacturers' concerns are overly cautious.
Many of the air purifiers sold today use a type of air filter known as HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air). You can also choose to combine this filter with another type of filter that traps dust and microorganisms while keeping toxins out of the air in your home. If there are other issues with air quality, you may want to consider improving it and combining it with an additional filter or using a heating filter designed to minimize pet allergies. It's not uncommon for air purifiers to have what's called a 3-stage purification system with a traditional air filter, a carbon air filter, and a HEPA filter. Furnace filters come in different designs and construction materials, and they directly affect the particles that the filter captures.
For example, to work effectively, air filters must be changed or cleaned every 4 to 6 weeks (depending on the individual application), so that dirty, clogged filter media does not restrict critical airflow. Disposable electrostatic furnace filters have electrostatically charged fibers that attract lint, dust and other tiny particles, ensuring cleaner air flow in the home. Often, washable air filters are used as a pre-filter for high-efficiency filters, as they trap larger particles and allow the post-filters to work more efficiently. The air is charged with particles, sent through the filter only once, and the results are measured. Of course, there are a number of factors that must be taken into account when selecting the best air filter.
These air filters have an active carbon layer that attracts odor particles and traps them inside the carbon material. To understand why a washable electrostatic air filter may be the better choice, compare it to a typical metal mesh filter. A traditional air filter can be very effective at cleaning indoor air as long as it has a MERV rating of 8 or higher.
