Electronic air cleaners remove airborne pollutants from indoor air a bit differently than conventional media air filters. The electrically charged collector plates use attraction rather than impaction to capture pollutants. The collector plates may be used over and over as long as they are regularly maintained and cleaned.
Opposites attract
Electrostatic attraction is the term used to describe the method electronic air cleaners use to clean the air. This method is quite effective at removing micro-organisms and particulates, such as antigens, pathogens, viruses, bacteria and dust mite parts.
Many electronic air cleaners use a foam pre-filter to capture large particulates from the air flow, such as hair and visible dust particles. The microscopic pollutants that make it past the pre-filter are given an electrical charge. Then the pollutants stream by charged collector plates. The charged pollutants are attracted to and stick to the plates, which have an opposite charge. Once the plates are loaded with pollutants, they must be cleaned.
Cleaning the collector plates
Cleaning the collector plates is as easy as placing them in the dishwasher or bathtub. Be very careful, however, as the cells and ionizing wires can be damaged. The pre-filter may be washed, too, if it’s not electrostatically charged to aid in filtration. Refer to the owner’s manual for more specific information.
For dishwasher cleaning, carefully place the cells inside. Do not use the drying cycle as the heat may cause any leftover debris to stick. When the cycle is finished, dry the cells and ionizing wires gently with a soft towel. Wait until all components are thoroughly dry before you reinstall them. For pre-filters, rinse under warm water and allow to dry.
For bathtub cleaning, follow these steps:
- Fill the tub with hot water.
- Pour three-quarter cups of dishwashing soap for each cell.
- Leave the cells to soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Agitate the cells in the water to help dislodge debris.
- Rinse the cells under warm water.
- Gently dry with a soft towel.
- Reinstall components after drying.
Electronic air cleaners are marvelous air-cleaning systems, and will provide you years of clean indoor air with the proper care. Please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. in the Dayton area for more information.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about electronic air cleaners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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