Electronic air filters: looking for info on problems with them

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

I've heard that electronic air filters lose efficiency rapidly in smoky or dusty environments, with some needing plates to be washed every 3 days. Also that they're real noisy when dirty. That I know is true.

Also heard that they can put too much ozone into the air... a problem for those with asthma, weakened immune systems or lung disease.

I'm looking for a creditable place to confirm all this and any other possible problems with them. Anybody know of one?

[Charley L. Bottger]

Originally Posted by kshepard

I've heard that electronic air filters lose efficiency rapidly in smoky or dusty environments, with some needing plates to be washed every 3 days. Also that they're real noisy when dirty. That I know is true.

Also heard that they can put too much ozone into the air... a problem for those with asthma, weakened immune systems or lung disease.

I'm looking for a creditable place to confirm all this and any other possible problems with them. Anybody know of one?

Kenton: I know of no link other and google it the MFG is sure not going to state what you are asking as it is all negative in their sales eyes.

I have worked on numerous electronic filters over the years and use to service ones installed above a very large paper printer and collator tons of paper dust produced and your figures of cleaning every 3 days are not realistic at all as I used to clean the ones mentioned once a month and they were alway dirty. I have not a clue as to how much ozone released

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

This is for something I'm writing on healthy homes, so it's a general information article.
The 3-day number was for one particular brand which I found during a search. Another search result mentioned the elevated levels of ozone produced. I'm looking for studies conducted on electronic air filters so that the article will be credible.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

I'm looking for general information about electronic air filters for something I'm writing. My first post was the result of online searching.

[Michael Larson]

Kenton,

Just in case you didn't find these in your web search from theE PA and the American Lung Association:

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airclean.html

http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35696

[Greg Veal]

Kenton,

The early units (Honeywell,Trion,etc) were a maintenance and service reliability nightmare. They were expensive, could and usually were noisey, and I can't remember a Serv.Tech. who ever wanted to work on them.
I can remember 2nd an 3rd generation EAC's having similar problems.

I've really enjoyed my April-aire 5" pleated filter system. Non-mechanical, quiet operation, electrostatic characteristics, recommended filter-media replacement every 9-12 months, good MERV ratings. Cost Effective.

Whole house HEPA Filter system. Seen one system in operation. Spoke to homeowner after installation and operation for about 3 months. He likes the system OK, but compared to his previous April-aire system...and wait till you see the price tag of one installed. New Const. installs are a little cheaper than Retrofit installs
I enjoy clean air as much as the next person, but...

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by gveal

Kenton,

The early units (Honeywell,Trion,etc) were a maintenance and service reliability nightmare. They were expensive, could and usually were noisey, and I can't remember a Serv.Tech. who ever wanted to work on them.
I can remember 2nd an 3rd generation EAC's having similar problems.

I've really enjoyed my April-aire 5" pleated filter system. Non-mechanical, quiet operation, electrostatic characteristics, recommended filter-media replacement every 9-12 months, good MERV ratings. Cost Effective.

Whole house HEPA Filter system. Seen one system in operation. Spoke to homeowner after installation and operation for about 3 months. He likes the system OK, but compared to his previous April-aire system...and wait till you see the price tag of one installed. New Const. installs are a little cheaper than Retrofit installs
I enjoy clean air as much as the next person, but...

They seem like a bad idea from a maintenance standpoint. What do you think about them strictly from a health standpoint?

Whole house HEPA systems are available with pleated filters. Depending on where one lives, I think they're generally a great idea if one can afford it.

[Michael Larson]

Kenton,

I had one for many years in a previous home. It was a thin model that replaces the normal filter. I think it was a ClearDay. Other than having to wash is out once a month or so it worked great. I would smell Ozone in the house sometimes.

[Charley L. Bottger]

Kenton have you tried any of the consumer watch/testing groups that seem to document the type of info you are looking for.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by cbottger

Kenton have you tried any of the consumer watch/testing groups that seem to document the type of info you are looking for.

Just the CSPC. It's the only one I can find except for a lot of state consumer protection sites, none of which mentioned electronic air filters. Maybe they're not really a health concern.

[Michael Larson]

Kenton, did you already have the info in post #5?

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Kenton, did you already have the info in post #5?

I did Michael, but neglected to thank you for taking the time to post it. Sorry, thanks!

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by kshepard

I did Michael, but neglected to thank you for taking the time to post it. Sorry, thanks!

No problem I was only concerned hat you might have missed the post.

[Greg Veal]

Kenton

1st choice - would be what I have installed now, the Aprilaire Pleated Electrstatic Air Filter system. (Approx.$400.installed on each system)

2nd choice - The HEPA Whole House Bag Filter system. Appears extremely efficient. I don't know much more than that about the system. (Est's of $1800 - $4000. installed on each system)

3rd choice - Save your money and go with a $7 pleated 1" throwaway pleated filter.

IMO

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

This is an article on healthy homes in which I need to provide source information if I'm going to tell people to avoid a product.