Good indoor air quality (IAQ) is an important factor for preserving the comfort and health of household occupants, especially loved ones who suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory ailments. Whole-house air cleaners are an effective system for limiting the presence of airborne contaminants such as viruses, pollen, mold and more.

Make sure your air cleaner receives the attention it deserves to boost IAQ in your home this allergy season and all year long.

Whole-house air cleaners

Electronic air-cleaning systems capture airborne contaminants from indoor air as it circulates through the duct system. An electrical charge is given to contaminants (particulates and microorganisms). As the contaminants pass through the charging area, they stick to collector plates with an opposite charge. The contaminants stay on the plates until they’re cleaned.

Cleaning the air cleaner

Once the plates become laden with contaminants, they lose the ability to capture new contaminants circulating through the cleaner. Perform one of the following simple cleaning methods approximately every three months to keep your air cleaner effective.

Dishwashing method:

  • To protect the aluminum cells, only use automatic-dishwashing soap containing sodium silicates.
  • Carefully place the aluminum cells and the pre-filters in the dishwasher.
  • The drying cycle should not be used, or any contaminants that were not removed are baked on.
  • The cells may be hot when finished, so use caution or let them cool before removing.
  • Use caution (and a clean cloth) to carefully dry the ionizing wires.

Soaking method:

  • Fill a large, heavy-duty garbage bag with hot water in the bathtub or safe outdoor area.
  • Dissolve three quarter cups of automatic dishwashing soap for each cell.
  • Soak the cells in the garbage bag for about 20 minutes.
  • Agitate the cells up and down several times to help dislodge contaminants.
  • Open the bag in the tub and let the water drain away.
  • Carefully remove the cells from the bag, and dry with a clean cloth.

For more information about cleaning air cleaners, and any HVAC questions or issues you have, please contact us at Comfort Systems today. We’ve provided expert advice, service and installation to Wichita area homeowners since 1995.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wichita, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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