Removing Airborne Particles Before They Circulate

Electronic air cleaner installation and maintenance in Bozeman for cleaner indoor air.

If dust accumulates quickly on furniture in your Bozeman home, or if household members suffer from allergies or asthma, standard furnace filters may not capture the fine particles that circulate through your ductwork. Pollen, pet dander, smoke, and dust mites pass through most disposable filters, settling on surfaces or remaining suspended in the air long enough to be inhaled repeatedly throughout the day.


Granite Peak Mechanical Services installs electronic air cleaners that integrate directly into your existing HVAC system. These units use an electrostatic charge to attract and trap particles as air moves through the return duct, capturing contaminants as small as 0.3 microns. Installation includes mounting the unit in the ductwork, wiring it to your furnace or air handler, and configuring it to operate whenever the system fan runs.


Contact us to discuss electronic air cleaner options for your Bozeman or Livingston home.

How Electrostatic Filtration Works in Your Ductwork

Your electronic air cleaner installation begins with selecting a unit sized to match your HVAC airflow and duct dimensions. In Bozeman, most residential systems use units rated for 1,200 to 2,000 cubic feet per minute, with the cleaner mounted in the return plenum between the filter rack and the air handler. The unit connects to a low-voltage power source and operates silently as air passes through the charged plates.


After installation, you will notice that dust buildup on surfaces slows significantly, and the air feels cleaner during furnace or air conditioning operation. The unit captures particles that would otherwise recirculate through your home, reducing the load on your respiratory system and improving overall air quality without restricting airflow or increasing energy consumption.


Routine maintenance involves removing the collection cells every one to three months and washing them with water or a mild detergent solution. Some models include an indicator light that signals when cleaning is needed. The system does not require replacement filters, which reduces long-term operating costs compared to high-efficiency disposable media.

Practical answers for homes considering cleaner air

Homeowners often want to know how electronic air cleaners compare to standard filters, whether they produce ozone, and what maintenance actually involves. The following provides clear answers based on installations and performance data from systems operating across the region.

What types of particles does an electronic air cleaner remove?
The unit captures pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, smoke particles, and other airborne contaminants as small as 0.3 microns. It does not remove gases, odors, or volatile organic compounds, which require activated carbon filtration or other treatment methods.
How does an electronic air cleaner compare to a standard furnace filter?
Standard one-inch filters capture larger particles such as lint and hair but allow fine dust and allergens to pass through. An electronic air cleaner uses an electrostatic charge to attract and hold smaller particles that would otherwise recirculate, providing significantly better filtration without restricting airflow.
Why would I choose this over a high-efficiency disposable filter?
High-efficiency filters can restrict airflow if not changed frequently, which reduces system performance and increases energy use. Electronic air cleaners maintain consistent airflow and do not require replacement filters, only periodic cleaning of the collection plates.
How often do I need to clean the collection cells?
You should clean them every one to three months depending on household dust levels, pets, and whether you run the system fan continuously. Most units include an indicator light or reminder system that signals when cleaning is needed.
What happens if I forget to clean the unit regularly?
The collection plates will fill with particles and lose effectiveness, allowing more contaminants to pass through. Regular cleaning maintains peak performance and prevents buildup that can reduce airflow or cause the unit to arc or spark when overloaded.

Granite Peak Mechanical Services integrates electronic air cleaners into HVAC systems throughout Bozeman, matching equipment to your ductwork, airflow, and indoor air quality concerns. If you are dealing with persistent dust, allergies, or respiratory discomfort, reach out to evaluate your system and review filtration options that fit your home.