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Re: Idylis 200: Remove Front Cover for Efficiency?

A Reader writes:

Hi, Ed.

Fantastic website... Thanks..

I have an Idylis 200 that I like, but I have what I hope is a simple question:

Would this unit (and most others) before more efficient and effective if they are run without the front covers in place?

There is a hardware switch that prevents this, but is easily defeated with a paperclip.

The front cover is esthetically pleasing, but seems to do nothing practical other than reduce the air flow that can directly enter the filters.

Removing the cover and running without it would seem to give air an easier, more direct path into the unit.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, and whether there is a side to this argument that I'm not seeing...

Thanks for your response.

Best, A Reader.

Ed's Reply

Hey Reader;

There is negligible increase in airflow due to removing the front cover of a well sealed HEPA air cleaner.

Efficiency refers to the ability to remove particles from the airstream, the percentage removed will often actually fall when airflow is increased.

This is because the HEPA itself causes 90+% of the restriction.

I do remove covers from some air cleaners running as low-restriction dust collectors. These are adjuncts to my high dollar HEPAS, designed to collect large sized dust that would shorten the life of the big HEPAs.

This allows me to visually inspect the dust on the surface of the prefilter stack.

I would also do this to an air cleaner that could no longer be supplied with OEM replacement HEPA filters and needed a fabricated MERV 13 furnace filter substitution for the missing HEPA.

Great idea, but unfortunately it won't work out technically.

Best wishes,

Ed

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