Air Filtration Since 1957

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrostatic Air Filters

Q.   What does "electrostatic" mean?

A.   A static electric charge (positive or negative), or having a charge which remains local and permanent.  This property does not diminish or disappear over time, and is not an additive that could wash out from electrostatic filtration media, nor is it created by the addition of high voltage electricity.  Airborne particles are attracted to the filtration media like iron filings to a magnet.  Particles remain attached to the media until they are rinsed away.

Q.   Why does this type of permanent, washable furnace air filter cost more?

A.   Built with the finest quality permanent/washable materials and construction design, this furnace air filter is made to last the life of your HVAC system.  There are no replacement parts and nothing to dispose of and environmentally friendly.  This is a one time cost, and gives you the least cost over the product's useful life.

Q.   With a pleated filter, I can just throw it out and put a new one in.  Is this easier than washing a filter and  a lot less costly?

A.   Disposable furnace filters, which use impingement filtration, tend to face-load over time due to particle buildup.  This causes increased resistance to air flow if not changed or cleaned regularly.  Clogged furnace filters can cause upset of air flow balance, resulting in overheating and costly damage to a blower motor or compressor.  Our woven air filter media allows air to flow through.  The particles, attracted to the electrostatic fibers in the direction of air flow, build up on the fibers without face loading.  Permanent/washable electrostatic filters are a one time cost,  and environmentally friendly. If you add up the time and material cost of buying new throw away filters each month, you'll see that the our permanent furnace filter gives  you the least cost over the product's useful life.  Our washable air filters are  simply rinsed and placed back into your system.

Q.   How do I know which washable air filter is the right one for my uses?

A.   Furnaces and air conditioners are not all alike; some have different air flow requirements for optimum efficiencies.  No one furnace ilter is effective in all circumstances.  Today's equipment manufacturers are using advanced sensitive technology.  With this new equipment (90 Plus efficiencies) come stricter air filter requirements.  The same can also be said for homes with older HVAC equipment or heat pumps, with limited airflow of less than 900 CFM.  Homeowners should not just insert an air filter into their furnace system without checking on the size of the ductwork and the pressure drop/air velocity requirements.  These requirements can be found in the operating manual of the equipment.

Q.   What makes your furnace filter better than your competitors?

A.   As a pioneer in the electrostatic filter market (since 1957), our permanent, washable filters were designed with the finest quality materials and workmanship to remove the most airborne irritants with the least resistance to air flow, offer easy cleanability and a long useful life.  The following is a brief guideline to assist you in choosing an electrostatic air filter for your furnace:

• The highest arrestance  does not necessarily mean the most efficient filter.  High arrestance can mean higher resistance to air flow (clogging)--check a complete copy of  test data for initial resistance.

• Many high arrestance efficiencies are the result of face loading (dirt build-up) and blocked air flow.

• Filters with numerous stacked media layers and no drain ports in the frame allow residual dirt build-up inside, seriously clogging the filter.

• Inexperienced manufacturers/assemblers often choose materials and methods based on cost alone, with little regard for the quality or durability of the end product.

• Long term product effectiveness and customer satisfaction comes from a filter design based on proven engineering principles and precision construction.

• HVAC/furnace equipment specifications vary with different air flow requirements for optimal efficiency -- no single air filter model is effective in all possible installations.

• When comparing test data, compare correctly -- peak scores are not as representative of performance as are average scores, and dirt holding capacity is important because it indicates how much dirt the filter holds before clogging.

• Be sure the manufacturer has a proven history of standing behind product warranties.

Q.   Do I need to plug my electrostatic air filter into an outlet?

A.   No.  The static charge is inherent in the air filter media.

Q.   How can I tell that my air filter is working?

A.   Air filters are designed to remove airborne particulate as the air from your home recirculates through your ventilating system.  Air filters can not remove dust particulate that have already settled onto your furniture, and do not take the place of vacuuming and dusting.  Unusually high levels of dirt might be caused by remodeling/construction, repairs on ventilation system breaking built up dirt loose, new home furnishings generate high line levels, open windows such in dirt from outside air, clothing dryers vent indoors, or your filter has become coated with oils from cooking, air fresheners, professionally cleaned furnishings or cigarette smoke.  You air filter will work most effectively is your recirculating fan is turned on, as well as your heat or air conditioning.  Your filter might not look very dirty on the surface because dirt is distributed throughout several layers of filter media.  Remember that most airborne particles are not visible to the naked eye.  Rinse the filter in a white tub and you will see the dirty water running out.  

Q.  Where can I purchase my Permatron Air Filter?

A.  Homeowners can purchase a Permatron air filter from their local heating and air conditioning contractor.  Or you can call us  toll-free  at 1-800-882-8012, and we'll be happy to refer to a mail order source, HVAC contractor or duct cleaner in your area.    All other customers can call Permatron for a custom quote or list price catalog.  United States and International customers welcome.

Q.   What size air filters do you manufacturer?

A.   We manufacture all sized filter.  The following is a list of our standard sizes, and we will custom make your filter to the exact size you need, including those with fractions.