THE EPA STATES THAT AMERICANS SPEND UP TO 90% OF EACH DAY INDOORS AND MORE THAN ½ OF THAT TIME AT HOME.  A very simple starting point for most homeowners to reduce common indoor air quality problems is by the addition of a high quality electrostatic air filter to their heating/cooling system.  This air filtration upgrade will allow them to enjoy enhanced indoor comfort, maximum system performance, and reduced system maintenance requirements.  You can easily create an energy efficient whole house air cleaner without system modifications or electrical connections.

                 Panel type electrostatic air filters are impingement filters.  The addition of an electrostatic charge enhances effectiveness.  By definition, a static electric charge (positive or negative) remains local.  That is, it stays in one place, unlike electrical current that flows through a conductor.  The filter’s polypropylene media is not a conductor, and static electricity is not a current.  This property cannot diminish or disappear over time and not an additive that could wash out from filtration media, nor is it created by the addition of high voltage electricity.  Airborne particulate are attached to the filtration media like iron filings to a magnet.  Particulates remain attached to the media until they are rinsed away.  If the filter’s charge is damped, such as during cleaning, it is instantly recharged as soon as air flows over the media.

                 Air filters are designed to remove airborne particulates as the air from the home is recirculated through its ventilating system.  Air filters cannot remove dust particulates that have already settled onto furniture, and are not meant to take the place of all household vacuuming and dusting.  Particles visible to the naked eye, such as the dust seen on furniture, are 10 microns or larger in size.  That size particle will not remain in the air for more than a few minutes unless there is airflow moving through the room, keeping the particles stirred up and airborne.  In order for the air filter to work most effectively, the recirculating fan should be running at all times.  This does not mean that the heat or air conditioning is on all of the time, just the recirculating fan.

                 Furnaces and air conditioners are not all alike; some have different airflow requirements for optimum efficiencies.  No one filter is effective in all circumstances.  Today’s equipment manufacturers are using advanced sensitive technology, changing the way they develop HVAC systems to increase benefits and address current energy concerns.  With this new equipment (90 Plus Efficiencies) come stricter air filter requirements to reduce overheating if the airflow levels are not maintained.  The same can also be said for homes with older HVAC equipment or heat pumps, with limited airflow of less than 900 CFM.  Airflow requirements can be found in the operating manual of the equipment. 

                A high quality, permanent/washable electrostatic air filter like Permatron’s DustEater®, DustEater® Easy Flow or LifeStyle Plus® will last the life of the HVAC system.  There are not replacement parts, and they are environmentally friendly, as there is nothing to dispose of.  This is a one-time cost, and gives you the least cost over the product’s useful life.  Enhanced air circulation through cleaner equipment maintains that the central heating/cooling system will stay cleaner, allowing it to run at peak efficiency with minimum energy use.  The system will output a more balanced heating & cooling.  During these times of high-energy costs, this end result is especially important. 

Permatron Corporation,  1180 Pratt Avenue, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 

Telephone 847-434-1421   FAX 847-434-1429

Send mail to gmatthies@permatron.com with questions or comments about this web site.
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Last modified: April 19, 2007