How does an electronic air cleaner work?

An electronic air cleaner (also called an electrostatic precipitator) gives airborne particles an electrical charge as they pass through, then collects them on oppositely charged metal plates — similar to how static makes dust cling to a screen. Because the plates do the trapping, there is no disposable filter media to replace.

Do I have to buy replacement filters?

No — that is the main appeal. Instead of buying new filters, you slide out the collector cells and wash them, then put them back. For many homeowners the dishwasher or a rinse in the sink handles it. It saves the ongoing cost and hassle of filter replacements.

How does it compare to a HEPA filter?

They take different approaches. A HEPA system mechanically traps the most particles — up to 99.97% down to 0.3 microns — using dense, replaceable media. An electronic air cleaner is reusable and washable and is excellent on smoke and finer particles, but its capture rate is generally lower than true HEPA. If maximum filtration is the goal, HEPA wins; if low-maintenance, no-replacement operation matters most, an electronic cleaner is a great fit. We help you weigh the two.

How often do I clean the cells?

Typically every one to three months depending on your home, pets, and air quality. It is a quick job, and we show you exactly how to remove, wash, dry, and reinstall the cells when we install the system.

Will it restrict my furnace airflow?

No. Electronic air cleaners are designed with low airflow resistance, so they clean the air without straining your blower the way packing dense filter media into a standard slot would. We install it as part of your duct system so your furnace breathes normally.

Electronic Air Cleaner Installation in Toronto

An electronic air cleaner charges the particles in your air and traps them on washable, reusable plates — so you get cleaner air with no filters to buy and replace. It is a low-maintenance, low-airflow-resistance way to cut dust and smoke throughout your home. Imperial Heating installs electronic air cleaners across Toronto and the GTA.

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Why an Electronic Air Cleaner

Cleaner air without the ongoing cost and hassle of replacement filters.

Charges and Traps Particles

Airborne particles are given an electrical charge and pulled onto collector plates as they pass through — effective on fine dust and smoke that open filters miss.

Washable, No Filters to Buy

Instead of replacing filters, you slide out the cells and wash them. No recurring filter cost, no running out at the wrong time.

Low Airflow Resistance

Designed to clean the air without choking your blower, so your furnace keeps moving air efficiently.

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24/7 emergency repairs — no overtime charges

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How We Install Your Electronic Air Cleaner

Assessment

We review your furnace and ductwork and confirm an electronic air cleaner is the right fit for your air quality goals and maintenance preferences.

Install in the Ductwork

The cleaner installs into your return ductwork near the furnace, replacing the standard filter slot with the electronic cell housing.

Power and Wiring

We connect the unit to power so the cells charge correctly, and verify it runs whenever your system moves air.

Testing and Cleaning Walkthrough

We test the system and show you exactly how to remove, wash, dry, and reinstall the collector cells so upkeep is simple.

Electronic Air Cleaner vs. HEPA

Both clean your air. The right one depends on whether you want maximum filtration or minimum upkeep.

Electronic Air Cleaner

Washable, reusable cells — no replacement filters
Very low airflow resistance
Strong on smoke and fine particles
Lowest ongoing cost

Whole-Home HEPA

Captures up to 99.97% of particles to 0.3 microns
Highest filtration — best for allergies and asthma
Replaceable long-life cartridge
Mechanical capture, hospital-grade media

Not sure which fits your home? We can walk you through both during a free assessment and recommend the right one for your air quality goals and budget.

Electronic Air Cleaner FAQs

Common questions about electronic (electrostatic) air cleaners for Toronto homes.

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Financing

Flexible payment options on comfort upgrades.