Posted by Ericson on 11/28/2024 to
Whole House Air Cleaners
How Do Electronic Air Cleaners Work?

- Large particles like lint and hair are caught by the prefilter(s).
- Charging Section: Ionizer wires impart a positive high-voltage charge to incoming smoke, fumes, and dust particles. Even particles as small as 0.3 microns, are charged.
- Collection Section: Charged particles are drawn into a secondary electric field where they collect on metal plates, re-circulating clean air back into the general air stream.
- Post Filter (optional): Carbon post-filters absorbs odors, fumes and noxious gasses. In contrast, Honeywell post-filters, contains antimicrobial coating to protect against growth of bacteria and fungus on the filter.
When to Clean Electronic Air Cleaner Cells?
The solution to this question is not generally applicable. Your needs for cell cleansing will change depending on how the air cleaner is used and how the atmosphere is, as is the case with many things.Cleaning frequency varies based on application:
- Residential or Commercial: wash your cells as often as you would replace a media filter - about every 6 or more frequently with heavy use.
- Mineral Oil Coolant Mist: Self-cleaning, may need cleaning every 1-2 months or longer.
- Water-Soluble Coolant: Requires cleaning every few weeks to months.
- Thick Smoke or Dusty Atmosphere: May require cleaning twice a week.
Cleaning the Electronic Cell
- Turn Off Power: Switch off your air conditioning and heating system, then turn off the power to the Electronic Air Cleaner (EAC). Wait for 30 seconds.
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Handling the Cell:
- Avoid grabbing by ionizing grid or collector plates to prevent distortion.
- Use the handle for removal and re-installation.
- Wear gloves to protect against sharp edges.
- Access Components: Remove the access door. Take out the cells and pre-filters. Replace the access door while you clean the components.
- Inspect: Check the cells and pre-filters for dirt. If they are dirty, they need cleaning.
- Wipe down the ionizing wires when washing the collector cells with a wet cloth.
- Check the wires for roughness, a side effect of the corona discharge is the growth of a white quartz layer.
- Using a 600 grit emery cloth will remove the white quartz (silicon dioxide) but at the risk of damaging the wire surface or breaking the wire.
Cleaning Methods:
Using a Tub or Bathtub:
Preparation: Fill a large plastic tub with hot water and dissolve about 3/4 cup of automatic dishwasher detergent per cell.
- Soaking: Let the cells soak for 15-20 minutes, then agitate up and down and remove.
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Protection: Use detergent with sodium silicates to protect aluminum cells.
Using a Garden Hose:
- Preparation: Take the cells and filters outside.
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Cleaning: Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to wash them. Use good pressure without bending collector plates. Spray with household detergent if very dirty, then rinse off.
Using a Dishwasher:
- Preparation: Consult your dishwasher manufacturer before cleaning the electronic cells.
- Placement: Put the cell(s) on the lower rack of the dishwasher with the airflow arrow pointing up. It may be necessary to remove the upper rack.
- HINT: To prevent damage to the aluminum collector blades, place large water glasses between the spikes on the lower rack and rest the cell(s) on them.
- Detergent: Use automatic dishwasher detergents safe for aluminum.
- Drying: Do not use the drying cycle. Remove the cells carefully as they may be hot and have sharp edges. Wipe ionizing wires gently with a clean cloth.
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Regular Schedule: Clean the cells regularly.
Drying: Let the cells and filters air-dry completely before reinstalling. Inspect the cell(s) for broken ionizer wires and bent collector plates
- Apply protective coating: AQE CELL COAT creates a protective layer over the collector surfaces, much like a cooking spray does for a frying pan, thereby simplifying future cleaning processes by preventing stubborn particles like smoke from adhering.
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Re-installation: Re-insert pre-filters and cells, close the cover, and turn on the power supply.
Heavy-Duty Detergents:

Safety Tips
- Wear chemical goggles to protect your eyes.
- Avoid prolonged skin contact with detergents by wearing chemical-resistant gloves.
- Keep detergent out of reach of children.
- For Emergency call: 1-800-228-5635 ext: 005
Safety Note: This information is a general guideline. For specific instructions, refer to your user manual or consult a trained technician. Bel-Aire does not assume liability for this information.