Maintenance Instructions
The function of the filter in an electronic air cleaner is to eliminate the need for frequent cleaning of the electronic cell. Particles build up on the collecting plates until they reach a size large enough to be affected by the air velocity. When this point is reached, the particles are blown off the plates onto the after filter.
The prefilter (lint filter) and the after filter (so named because it follows the collecting plates in the unit) should be cleaned every 4 to 6 weeks. The required frequency of cell washing varies from one installation to the next and will depend largely on the level of air pollution each unit is expected to handle. In any event, the normal period will range from 1 to 6 months. Homes with large families, heavy and frequent cooking and laundering, and several tobacco smokers usually require monthly cleaning of the cell.
An automatic dishwasher can be used to wash an electronic cell without any fear of damaging the cell itself. Place the cells on the lower rack of the dishwasher with the airflow arrows facing up. If the cells are too large for the dishwasher, they will have to be washed by hand.
The procedure for manually cleaning the filters is as follows:
1. Turn off the current to the unit. Wait a few minutes to allow the grids to lose their static charge.
2. Note direction in which airflow arrows are pointing on the cell.
3. Remove the cell and both filters.
4. Soak cell and filters in a tub of water and electric dishwater detergent for about 30 minutes.
5. Rinse both sides of cell and filters with clear, clean water until all traces of dirt and detergent have been removed.
6. Shake excess water from cell and filters.
7. Replace cell and filters in the same order as before.
Caution
Do not turn the power back on if the reinstalled filters are not completely dry. Moisture can short out the grids and damage the power pack. Keep the power switch off and allow air to flow through the grids for 2 or 3 days until any remaining moisture is gone.
This last step is very important. If the cell and filters are not replaced so that the air flows in the direction of the arrow, the unit will not function properly.
Excess arcing or flickering of the red performance light immediately after washing the cell and filters is normal and is caused by water droplets on the surface. If these conditions continue, check to make certain the cell and filters were replaced in the correct order. If there is no problem with the direction of airflow, the unit is shorting (see Electrical Wiring and Troubleshooting Electronic Air Cleaners in this chapter).