Electronic PrecipitatorsElectronic precipitators (sometimes called electronic air cleaners) use an electrical charge on particles that attach themselves to collector plates that have an opposite electrical charge. The collectors plates act as a magnet to the charged particles. Usually used on heating/cooling duct systems, electronic precipitators technology is also found on some portable or room units. Electronic precipitators are approximately 95% effective in trapping particles such as dust, pollen, smoke and some bacteria. This is only whne the collector plates are new or clean. Unlike certain air cleaners such as HEPA filters that can actually trap more particle the dirtier they become, electronic air cleaners become less efficient with each trapped particle. This can happen rather quickly. Even though electronic precipitator manufacturers recommend frequent cleaning by placing them in a dishwasher, I find this rather cumbersome and inconvenient. I've inspected many heating/cooling systems over the past 30 years and I can honestly say, 99% of electronic precipitators I've encountered were never cleaned by the homeowner. If you are looking for an electronic air cleaner that is effective and convenient, you may want to look at the
Dynamic Air Cleaner
that uses similar technology without the collector plate maintenance.
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