custom electrostatic filter

Custom Electrostatic Filter

This page lists all 3 Custom Electrostatic Filter replacement filters available from Metal Air Filters — precision-manufactured washable aluminum mesh filters engineered as direct OEM replacements for Carrier commercial HVAC equipment. All filters on this page are HI Series products manufactured by American Metal Filter Company (AMFCO) with .030" extruded aluminum alloy frames, corrugated aluminum mesh media, UL 900 Class 1 certification, and a 275°F maximum operating temperature rating.

Each filter is a permanent washable replacement — clean and reuse for 5–10 years rather than replacing disposable filters every 30–90 days. AMFCO’s aluminum mesh construction provides 43% average dust arrestance per ASHRAE 52.1, making these filters ideal pre-filters in multi-stage Carrier commercial HVAC systems protecting downstream MERV 8 through HEPA filtration stages in rooftop units, air handlers, and split systems.

Commercial & Industrial Applications

Carrier commercial HVAC equipment is deployed across a wide range of commercial, institutional, and industrial building types. The following applications represent the primary use cases for Custom Electrostatic Filter permanent washable aluminum mesh filters.

The ECAS10 custom 1-inch washable electrostatic air filter delivers versatile performance across residential, commercial, and light industrial environments where non-standard or unusual filter housing dimensions make standard catalog sizes impractical or impossible. The passive electrostatic technology and robust aluminum construction make this custom filter suitable for continuous operation in diverse HVAC configurations—from one-of-a-kind custom homes to older commercial buildings with legacy equipment that no longer accepts commonly stocked filter sizes.

Residential HVAC Systems

Homeowners choose the ECAS10 custom washable MERV 6 electrostatic air filter when their forced-air heating and cooling system, heat pump, or split system equipment uses a non-standard filter housing dimension not available in the EC Series standard product catalog. Custom-built homes, historic properties, older construction with non-standard duct configurations, and HVAC retrofits that altered the original filter cabinet dimensions all present situations where a custom-cut filter is the only practical solution. The permanent washable air filter design eliminates the compounded frustration of locating and purchasing non-standard disposable filters repeatedly—with the ECAS10, you order once, wash to maintain, and replace only when the filter sustains physical damage over its decades-long service life. Families with pets appreciate the custom washable electrostatic air filter’s effective pet hair and dander capture without the airflow restriction of high-MERV pleated alternatives. The lightweight .030” aluminum frame makes handling easy during washing and reinstallation regardless of the custom dimensions specified, and the nominal-minus-half-inch sizing convention ensures precise fitment in the actual housing opening once you take accurate measurements.

Commercial HVAC Systems and Office Buildings

Commercial property managers, building operators, and facilities teams choose the ECAS10 custom washable electrostatic air filter for office buildings, retail spaces, and institutional facilities where equipment age, renovation history, or original specification resulted in filter housing dimensions not served by standard catalog sizes. Older commercial buildings constructed before filter size standardization often contain air handling units with unusual nominal dimensions that facilities teams struggle to stock, leading to gaps in filter coverage and inconsistent maintenance. The ECAS10 solves this problem permanently—once you have a custom filter built to your housing dimensions, the wash-and-reinstall cycle replaces ongoing procurement challenges with a simple maintenance routine. Building maintenance teams implementing washable electrostatic air filter programs across non-standard equipment convert recurring special-order disposable filter costs into periodic washing schedules, reducing annual filtration expenditures while maintaining consistent MERV 6 air quality throughout occupied spaces. The 1-inch nominal depth is a common residential and commercial specification, and the ECAS10 delivers that depth in any H × W combination your equipment requires.

Light Industrial and Warehouse Operations

Light manufacturing operations, distribution centers, warehouse facilities, and laboratory environments with custom or modified air handling equipment benefit from the ECAS10 custom washable electrostatic air filter’s ability to be specified to exact housing dimensions not found in any standard product catalog. Custom-engineered ventilation systems, process air handlers with non-standard filter banks, and retrofit installations that modified original equipment dimensions all represent applications where custom sizing is the only viable path to permanent washable filtration. The passive electrostatic charge captures fine particulates in woodworking shops, light assembly operations, packaging facilities, and clean manufacturing environments, while the washable aluminum construction allows maintenance crews to restore filter performance without special-order disposable filter procurement delays. The 150°F maximum temperature rating covers all standard light industrial HVAC applications, and the custom dimensions ensure proper fitment that prevents bypass airflow in any housing configuration.

Multi-Family Residential Properties

Apartment complexes, condominium developments, townhome communities, and property management companies operating HVAC equipment with non-standard filter dimensions realize significant operational savings by deploying ECAS10 custom washable electrostatic filters permanently sized to their equipment. Multi-family properties with centralized air handling infrastructure that uses unusual filter dimensions face constant procurement challenges sourcing correctly-sized disposable replacements—challenges the ECAS10 resolves permanently. Property management companies serving large portfolios of older buildings with inconsistent filter sizing can obtain custom-cut washable filters for each unique housing dimension, standardizing on a wash-based maintenance program that eliminates per-unit procurement complexity. Condominium associations and cooperative housing boards appreciate the transparent, predictable cost structure of a permanent custom filter program versus the ongoing expense and administrative overhead of locating and stocking non-standard disposable filter sizes across a diverse building portfolio.

Ordering the ECAS10 custom 1-inch washable electrostatic air filter requires knowing your required nominal dimensions—the standard industry convention for specifying filter size. Follow these steps to ensure you receive a filter that fits your housing perfectly:

Step 1: Measure Your Filter Housing Opening

Remove the existing filter (or open the filter access door if no filter is present) and measure the actual interior opening of the filter housing in both height and width. Use a tape measure and record both dimensions to the nearest 1/8”. If an old disposable filter is present, you can also read the nominal size printed on its label—but verify this matches your actual housing opening, as filters sometimes ship in incorrect sizes.

Step 2: Determine Your Nominal Dimensions (Add 1/2” to Each Measurement)

Filter nominal sizes are the “named” dimensions used for ordering, which are always larger than the actual filter by 1/2” on each dimension. To convert your measured housing opening to nominal ordering dimensions: add 1/2” to your measured H and add 1/2” to your measured W. The resulting nominal H × W is what you specify when ordering. For example: if your housing opening measures 15.5” × 19.5”, your nominal ordering dimensions are 16” × 20”. The ECAS10 will be built to 15.5” × 19.5” actual dimensions, fitting your 15.5” × 19.5” housing opening with the standard industry clearance.

Step 3: Confirm the 1-Inch Depth

The ECAS10 is 1-inch nominal depth with an actual depth of 7/8” (0.875”). Verify your filter housing accommodates this depth before ordering. If your housing requires a 2-inch depth instead, see the ECAS20 Custom 2-Inch Washable Electrostatic Air Filter or contact Metal Air Filters to discuss options.

Step 4: Place Your Order

Enter your required nominal H × W dimensions when ordering the ECAS10. Our team reviews custom orders to ensure the specified dimensions are within manufacturer production limits. Standard lead time for custom-cut filters is typically longer than stock items—contact Metal Air Filters for current production and shipping timelines on your specific custom dimensions. Once received, your ECAS10 is a permanent washable washable electrostatic air filter: wash as needed with warm water and reinstall for decades of service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean and wash the ECAS10 electrostatic air filter?

Remove the ECAS10 from your HVAC system and rinse with a moderate-to-heavy stream of warm water, washing from the clean side through to the dirty side to push accumulated dust out through the loaded face. Continue rinsing until water runs completely clear. Allow the filter to air dry completely in a clean location before reinstalling—typically 1–4 hours depending on ambient conditions. Do NOT apply adhesive coatings or filter spray treatments; it is not advisable to coat EC Series filters with any adhesive coating as these products interfere with the passive electrostatic charge. The charge restores naturally as the filter dries and normal airflow resumes.

How often should I wash this custom electrostatic air filter?

Most residential applications require washing every 3–6 months under normal household conditions. Homes with multiple pets, heavy outdoor air introduction, or elevated particulate environments may require more frequent washing. Commercial applications should establish schedules based on visual inspection and differential pressure monitoring. The most reliable indicator is visual inspection—wash when the filter appears visibly loaded with dust accumulation across the face, regardless of elapsed time since the last cleaning cycle.

What is the MERV rating of the ECAS10?

The ECAS10 is rated MERV 6 with 85% dust arrestance efficiency at rated airflow per ASHRAE 52.2 at 300 FPM face velocity. MERV 6 performance captures common household and commercial particulates including dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, and household debris, while maintaining low airflow resistance compatible with all standard HVAC fan systems.

What sizes are available for the ECAS10 custom filter?

The ECAS10 is custom-cut to any H × W nominal dimensions you specify at time of order, up to the manufacturer’s maximum production dimensions. Depth is fixed at 1-inch nominal (7/8″ actual). There is no minimum size restriction for standard custom orders; contact Metal Air Filters to confirm your specific dimensions are within current production capabilities. If you need a 2-inch depth instead, see the ECAS20 Custom 2-Inch Washable Electrostatic Air Filter.

How do I measure for a custom 1-inch filter?

Measure the actual interior opening of your filter housing in both height and width. Then add 1/2″ to each measurement to convert to nominal ordering dimensions (nominal = actual + 1/2″ on H and W). For example: a housing opening of 17.5″ H × 21.5″ W means you order nominal 18″ H × 22″ W. The ECAS10 will be built to 17.5″ H × 21.5″ W actual, fitting your opening with standard industry clearance. The depth is always 1-inch nominal (7/8″ actual)—verify your housing accommodates this before ordering. Custom-cut filters are non-returnable once manufactured.

What are the actual dimensions of my custom ECAS10 filter?

Actual dimensions are always 1/2″ smaller than nominal on both height and width: actual H = nominal H − 0.5″, actual W = nominal W − 0.5″. The actual depth is always 7/8″ (0.875″) for the 1-inch nominal depth, with tolerance of ±1/16″. For example: nominal 20″ H × 25″ W becomes 19.5″ H × 24.5″ W actual, with 0.875″ actual depth.

Can I apply an adhesive coating to this electrostatic filter?

No—do NOT apply adhesive coatings, tacky treatments, or filter spray compounds to EC Series electrostatic filters. Per AMFCO manufacturer specifications, it is not advisable to coat EC Series filters with any adhesive coating. These products interfere with the polypropylene media’s passive triboelectric charging mechanism essential for MERV 6 filtration performance. The electrostatic charge restores naturally after washing during normal airflow operation—no treatments are needed or beneficial.

What is the maximum operating temperature?

The ECAS10 is rated for maximum continuous operation at 150°F. This covers all standard residential forced-air systems, heat pumps, and the vast majority of commercial HVAC equipment operating under normal conditions. Do not install this filter in applications exceeding 150°F, such as high-temperature process heating, industrial furnace ventilation, or commercial kitchen exhaust systems where temperatures could damage the polypropylene electrostatic media.

How long does a custom washable electrostatic filter last?

With proper care, regular washing, and protection from physical damage during handling, the ECAS10 custom washable electrostatic air filter is designed for decades of reliable service. The aluminum frame resists corrosion from water exposure and the electrostatic media maintains its charge regeneration capability through thousands of airflow cycles and washing operations. Many users report 10–20+ years of service from properly maintained EC Series filters, providing exceptional long-term value versus repeated special-order disposable filter replacement.

Does the ECAS10 work with all HVAC systems?

Yes—the ECAS10 is rated at 300 FPM face velocity with low static resistance, making it compatible with all standard residential and commercial HVAC fan systems including forced-air furnaces, heat pumps, split systems, and air handlers. The filter may be installed vertically or horizontally per your application requirements. Ensure your custom-specified nominal dimensions match your housing opening precisely to prevent bypass airflow around the filter perimeter. The 1-inch nominal depth (7/8″ actual) is compatible with any housing designed for 1-inch filter media.