Improving indoor air quality is a top priority for many homeowners, especially those with allergies. Advanced filtration systems can remove particles up to 100 times smaller than traditional filters, significantly enhancing the air you breathe in your home. In this guide, This Old House expert Richard Trethewey walks you through installing an electronic air cleaner, exploring its benefits and maintenance requirements.
How Electronic Air Cleaners Work
Electronic air cleaners are sophisticated devices that use electrical charges to capture airborne particles. Unlike traditional filters that rely solely on physical barriers, these systems employ a combination of prefilters and electrically charged plates to trap contaminants. This extra protection helps ensure your home’s air is as clean as possible.
The process begins with a prefilter that captures larger particles such as dust and pet hair, allowing the finer particles to be processed more efficiently in subsequent steps. Air then passes through two core components:
- Ionizing wires that positively charge airborne particles
- Collector plates with a negative charge that attract and trap the charged particles
This two-stage filtration process allows electronic air cleaners to capture particles as small as 0.1 microns, including pollen, mold spores, and even some bacteria. The result is cleaner, fresher air circulating throughout your home.
Benefits of Electronic Air Cleaners
Installing an electronic air cleaner offers several advantages for homeowners:
- Improved air quality by removing microscopic particles that traditional filters miss
- Reduced allergens and irritants in the air, contributing to a healthier living environment
- Lower energy costs due to increased HVAC system efficiency, as these units can reduce strain on the system
- Decreased dust accumulation on surfaces throughout the home, meaning less cleaning and maintenance for you
Tools and Materials Needed to Install an Electronic Air Cleaner
To install an electronic air cleaner, you’ll need the following items:
- Drill/driver
- Electronic air cleaner unit
- Flexible duct adapter
- Foil-faced duct tape
- Measuring tape
- Safety glasses and work gloves
- Screwdriver
- Self-adhesive gasket material
- Sheet metal screws
Electronic Air Cleaner Installation Process
Installing an electronic air cleaner involves several steps. The video offers guidance through each stage of the process.
Choosing the Right Location
The ideal location for an electronic air cleaner is typically on the return side of your furnace or air handler. This placement allows the device to clean air before it enters the heating and cooling system, maximizing its efficiency. Ensure you have enough space to accommodate the unit and allow for easy maintenance access.
Preparing the Air Cleaner Cabinet
Remove the prefilter and both electronic cells from the air cleaner cabinet. Apply strips of self-adhesive gasket material around the perimeter of the air cleaner cabinet to ensure a tight seal. Carefully position the cabinet next to the furnace, ensuring it’s level and properly aligned.
Attaching the Cabinet to the Furnace
Use sheet metal screws to secure the air cleaner cabinet to the side of the furnace. Double-check that the cabinet is firmly attached and level.
Connecting the Ductwork
- Install a sheet metal duct between the air cleaner and an existing heat duct.
- Use a flexible adapter to connect the two ducts, which helps reduce noise transmission.
- Secure the ductwork to both the furnace and air cleaner using short sheet metal screws.
- Seal all joints in the ductwork with foil-faced duct tape to prevent air leaks.
Properly connecting the ductwork is essential to maintain airflow and prevent unwanted noise and leakage.
Installing the Electronic Components
- Reinsert the electronic cells into the cabinet, ensuring they’re oriented in the correct airflow direction as indicated by arrows on the cells.
- Install the prefilter, again checking for proper orientation.
- Attach the electronic switch component to the air cleaner cabinet.
- Plug in the power cord to a nearby outlet.
These final steps ensure that your electronic air cleaner is fully operational and ready to begin improving your indoor air quality.
Maintenance and Care of Your Electronic Air Cleaner
Fortunately, these systems are designed for easy upkeep, making it simple to maintain their performance over time. You do want to regularly do a little cleaning to keep the machine performing at its best.
Cleaning the Components
One of the most convenient features of electronic air cleaners is their washable components. To clean them:
- Remove the prefilter and electronic cells from the unit.
- Place these components in your dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.
- Allow the parts to dry completely before reinstalling them.
This simple process should be performed every few months, depending on your home’s air quality and system usage.
Monitoring Performance
Keep an eye on your air cleaner’s performance.
- Listen for the subtle zapping sound as particles are captured
- Check for visible dust accumulation on surfaces in your home
- Monitor any changes in allergy symptoms among household members
If you notice a decrease in performance, it may be time for a cleaning or professional inspection. Ensuring your air cleaner continues working properly can significantly impact your indoor air quality.
Enhancing Indoor Air Quality Beyond Air Cleaners
While electronic air cleaners are excellent at reducing contaminants, homeowners can take additional steps to further improve their indoor air quality.
Maintaining HVAC Systems
A well-maintained HVAC system is essential for good indoor air quality. Regularly change filters, schedule professional inspections, and clean ducts to ensure your system is performing at its best.
Using Air-Purifying Plants
Incorporating air-purifying plants into your home can complement your electronic air cleaner. Plants such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants naturally filter pollutants and enhance your living environment.
Ensuring Proper Ventilation
Effective ventilation is key to maintaining healthy air quality. Use exhaust fans, open windows when weather permits, and get air exchangers to bring in fresh air while expelling stale air from inside your home.
Troubleshooting Common Air Cleaner Issues
While electronic air cleaners are generally reliable, you may encounter some issues over time. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- No power: Check the power cord connection and ensure the unit is properly plugged in.
- Reduced efficiency: Clean or replace the prefilter and electronic cells.
- Unusual noises: Inspect for loose components or debris in the unit.
- Ozone smell: Some electronic air cleaners may produce small amounts of ozone. If the smell is strong, consult a professional.
