Electrostatic Air Cleaner

Electrostatic air cleaners require maintenance and care to perform their jobs properly. They have filtering elements that must be cleaned or changed so the equipment will work properly. Dust and allergenic particles accumulate on the elements even if they are invisible to us. These air cleaners are used in hospitals and private homes to clean the air breathed by people with asthma and other allergic reactions to environmental factors.

It is absolutely necessary to keep close tabs on the filter elements and the metallic dust covers so they are kept clean and work properly collecting dust, pollens and other allergens. If these are not cleaned on time, the dust particles will just bounce off and return to the atmosphere. If you are planning in buying one make sure it has two filtering elements and not only the metal plates. The second element will trap extra small organic particles which may escape the electrostatic filter.

Caring for the Metallic Collectors

Most of these electrostatic air cleaners have two filtering elements, the first one is metallic, either aluminum or stainless steel, this is where the electrically charged dust particles become attached. They are attracted to the metal sheets like magnets. They should be kept clean because if too much dust or particles accumulate on them they will lose their magnetic attraction.
The metallic sheets are removed from the structure and wiped clean with a damp cloth; afterwards they are thoroughly dried so they will recover their magnetic attraction fast. Be sure to put them back into the fan in the correct position, if they are not placed correctly, they will not work. The polarity of the metal sheets cannot be inverted, if it is it will reject the charged dust particles.

Exchanging the paper element

The paper element is designed according to what it is you want it to collect. The holes in it, through which the air flows, are measured in microns. These holes are invisible to the naked eye and so are some of the particles that this filter element traps. Many times you look at them and they appear to be clean and ready to be used but the truth is that they may already be clogged. This is why they are changed when the filter has been in use a certain amount of hours. Some electrostatic air cleaners have timers which let you know when it is time to change the filter.

The filter element is removed from its base carefully and if possible dumped immediately after it is removed. Dust and pollen can be released from it with movement and the dust and allergens will go back into the air to clog the new filter once the machine is started again. Once the filter element is removed, it is important to wipe the base and surrounding areas with a damp cloth to remove any dust or allergens that may be left behind.

Electrostatic air cleaners are a great solution to your pollution problems at home. They will help you even if you are not sick because clean air is beneficial to everyone. Just make sure that you use it the right way and keep it clean and well maintained.