It can be disturbing to know that no matter where you live, the level of indoor pollutants can be up to five times higher than outdoor levels. An electrostatic air cleaner can significantly lower indoor pollution levels and dramatically improve air quality.
Air pollution is a problem all over the world. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), it is closely linked to climate change. As the latter accelerates, the former’s levels increase.
A disturbing finding is that no matter where you live, the level of indoor pollutants can be up to five times higher than outdoor levels. An electrostatic air cleaner can significantly lower indoor pollution levels and dramatically improve air quality.
Electrostatic air cleaners or electrostatic precipitators work differently from most other air purification systems because it doesn’t generally use filters. Instead, it uses an electrical charge and plates to attract airborne particles and remove them from your home.
LakeAir has been manufacturing high-quality electrostatic air cleaners since 1968. Thanks to our ongoing technological developments, our electrostatic cells are 97% efficient at removing particles as small as 0.1µm up to 10µm.
What Makes Electrostatic Air Cleaners Work?
Electrostatic precipitators consist of wires and collection plates. A high voltage from a field between the wires and collecting plates—gives the air an electric charge and creates an ionizing section through which the polluted air passes.
The polluted particles are also charged, but theirs is opposite to that of the collecting plates. The plates attract the particulates, which attach themselves to the surface, leaving clean air to go through.
The airborne particulates build up on the plate and reduce the electrostatic air cleaner’s effectiveness. Therefore, the plates must be removed and washed to restore optimum functioning. The cleaning of the plate depends on factors that affect the air quality in your home.
For example, if you live with a dog and two cats, the dander, shedding, and odor will build up more quickly than not having pets. You would then have to clean the electrostatic precipitator frequently.
However, if you live on your own and seldom entertain guests, particulate build-up would be much slower—giving you more time between washes.
How Efficient are Electrostatic Air Cleaners?
Electrostatic air filters are very good at what they’re designed to do, which is to filter out common allergens and harmful particulates such as dust, dust mites, pet dander, smoke, and mold spores.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electrostatic precipitators are 98% efficient at removing fine airborne dust particles from surfaces. However, this is provided that the electrostatic plates are clean.
There is an additional caveat, particle size affects efficiency. Larger particles, mid-range particles, and very small particles charge differently, and only certain sizes stick to the plate. This means that some harmful airborne particulates pass straight through the cleaners and re-enter circulation.
What are Electrostatically-Charged Fibers?
Electrostatically-charged fibers are filter panels made from electrostatically-charged material. They work on the same principle as a precipitator, except particulates attach to the coarse fibers instead of adhering to a plate.
Electrostatically-charged panel filters don’t have a separate power source like electrostatic precipitators, which can come as portable air purifiers or be installed in the HVAC system.
Electrostatic fibers are only installed in HVAC systems. As with electrostatically-charged plates, the electrostatic filters collect particles. Fortunately, they are washable air filters and can be reused for optimum operation.
Electrostatic panel filters are known as flat filters because there is only one surface. On the other hand, HEPA filters are pleated filters with a far greater collection surface for particle removal.
What Counts Against Electrostatic Air Cleaners?
Ozone production is the biggest problem with electrostatic air cleaners. These emissions are a byproduct of the electrostatic air purifier’s process.
Ozone is a harmful chemical that can worsen respiratory problems and create lung damage. While electrostatic air filters don’t produce nearly the same levels of ozone as generators, it’s worth noting the potential risk.
LakeAir Electrostatic Air Cleaners Have Quality Where It Counts
LakeAir has been producing electrostatic air filter units for over 50 years. Our processes have been refined over the years, and we now offer some of the most efficient and effective air filtration systems available.
Many of our units have activated carbon fiber filters that improve their ability to remove fine air particles from indoor spaces. They are quiet, which makes them perfect for bedrooms and other areas that need virtual silence. They can be ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted, and in cases where there is no drop ceiling, they can be hung.
An electrostatic air cleaner is perfect for situations where all you want to do is improve indoor air quality. If your needs are greater and you need a system that cleans the air to safe levels and removes all health risks, then you should consider one of our HEPA air purifiers.
To discuss your air filtration needs, contact us at 800-558-9436 at LakeAir today!