
The Differences Between Mechanical and Electronic Air Cleaners
When you consider that indoor air can be 4-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, maintaining healthful indoor air can be a concern. Air cleaners improve your indoor air quality, making it both healthier and more comfortable. There are several types of air cleaners from which to choose, and there are important differences to note between mechanical and electronic air cleaners. Goettl Good Guys Air Conditioning installs and repairs both mechanical and electronic air cleaners in Tucson, and we can help you choose and install the right air cleaner for your home.
How Do Air Cleaners Work?
The best way to outline the differences between air cleaners is to describe how they work. Let’s start with mechanical air filters.
Mechanical air filters are square-framed components with filter media secured into the frame. Filter media can be made of different types of materials, including fiberglass and paper. The media filters out particles, trapping them in the weave of the media. The amount and type of particles that a mechanical filter captures depend on the material used and how tightly the material is woven. The best way to assess a filter’s effectiveness is from its MERV rating, which rates on a scale of 1 to 20 how effective a particular filter is. Typical MERV ratings for home air cleaners are 5-12. Most mechanical filters fit into the space where your AC’s standard mechanical filter resides and require changing every 3 months. (NOTE: HEPA filters are also mechanical filters, but to be classified as a HEPA filter, strict guidelines need to be met).
Electronic air cleaners work differently. First, there are two types of electronic cleaners: ion generators and electronic precipitators. They both use electricity to charge particles, but go about it in different ways. An ion generator uses a small amount of electricity to disperse ions into the air. These ions attach to particles that, once charged, are attracted to the surfaces in your home (wall, floors, etc.). An electronic precipitator also charges particles, but does so by creating an ionization section into which it attracts particles to be charged. Once the particles are charged, they are captured by oppositely-charged metal plates.
As you can see, each air cleaner is effective, but is in its own way. So which one is best for you?
The best way to determine this is to work with an expert, like the ones at Goettl Good Guys Air Conditioning. Call us today and schedule an appointment.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us






On time, clean, and very thorough with any potential issues.
Thank you.



Thank you Jesus!
Adrianna Cardenas
Tyler Leija came to my home and flushed out my two water heater’s. This had never been done to the home since it was purchased in 2017. Let me tell you the stuff that came out of the water heater’s was an eye opener! It was filled with so much calcium deposits. Tyler was very knowledgeable and explained everything going on. Thank you Tyler for coming to our home and flushing out our water heaters.











Chris R came out for our Sadie Membership inspection and review before the cold comes here in TX. He did a fantastic job and really knows his stuff. Thank You!


As always great experience with Goettl services and staff. Thank you!





















Mike provided truly exceptional service. From the moment he arrived, it was clear he was extremely knowledgeable; he quickly and confidently diagnosed a very tricky issue that we had with our pipes, explaining everything clearly and answering all of our questions with patience. He also installed our new water heater and did an outstanding job. If you need a plumber who gets the job done right the first time, we highly recommend Mike. Thank you!


Edit 5/30/2025: It was A/C rejuvenation time and she needed a little maintenance work done. Andrew Morgan came out to give her the attention she needed this time. He diagnosed the issue, thoroughly explained what was going on and what was needed to help keep her in good working condition, and proceeded to take care of things today - which I greatly appreciated! Would recommend him to anyone.
Edit 11/22/2024: Since Google doesn't allow you to leave another review for the same company, I'm editing a previous one to add a new review for Matthew Lopez. It was time for my furnace rejuvenation and fortunately it was a cool enough day to turn the heater on for the first time. He was prompt, friendly and knew his stuff. He took his time checking things out and made sure I didn't have any questions or issues before he left. Because I have allergies and pets, he did tell me about an air purification system that I might want to consider in the future, which I appreciated. Would definitely recommend him and Goettl.
Edit 12/23/2022: previously I've used them for plumbing but today I used their AC/Heating service. My poor system decided it was time to go on one of our coldest nights. Called very very early and had someone out that morning to triage what needed to be done (Billy) and then Raymond and Manny G came out and installed my new unit and a new thermostat. Everyone was friendly, informative, didn't mind questions, let me know what was happening along the way and Raymond even cleaned up after they were done! Thanks guys!
I've used Goettl a few times for plumbing issues and have always found them to be very communicative, knowledgeable, polite and friendly. Ralph was the latest one to come out and I appreciate the way he listened to me and answered my questions. Even more importantly, I appreciate the price! I've recommended them to family, friends and co-workers as a company that can be trusted. Nice to know I'm in good hands.










Was very friendly and informative.
Good job Eric!
Thank you Goettl!


On time.
Answered my questions to my satisfaction.
Took care of drain problem quickly.
Work space was cleaned.
I highly recommend Corey and Goettl



The Goettl team has been very professional and helpful to me as their customer. Thank you, Kelli Stoika.
PS… If there would’ve been 6 stars on the scale, that’s what I believe they should’ve received.


Thanks Goettl for sending such a great employee to our house 👏 !
And more importantly thanks IVAN for outstanding job ! 👏 👏👏👏👏🙏🙏



He repaired our toilet in a very timely manner and left the room tidy
Would highly recommend Adam










Sally











UPDATE Julian and his team, Nick & Jeffery, were here to fix my sewer pipe. They explained everything thoroughly and kept me apprised of their progress. When they finished, it looked as if they hadn’t been here even though they dug a giant whole in my yard! Most impressive! I highly recommend Goettl.
UPDATE November 14, 2025
Goettl continues to be a 5-star company for me. Always, on time, clear explanations, fair pricing, respectful of property and competent, friendly staff. Caelin was my team member today and upheld all of these values.




Jason and Marco operated like a well oiled machine with one replacing the AC unit while the other replaced the furnace. Clean up was excellent and the system works beautifully now.

I appreciate Goettl being professional and respectful of my home thank you
Highly recommended company!


I will definitely use their services going forward.
Thank you Goettl Air crew!

Greg Sanches


Thank you Jef, for helping me keep my home cozy and safe.



I especially want to give a shout out to Connor, who did the replacement, he was awesome. He was respectful and cleaned up afterwards. I even commented on how impressed I was that he was able to fit everything needed in a small space.
Overall I would recommend Goettl services especially in an inconvenient situation like mine. They will make you a priority.

This appointment was to check that my heater is working properly before winter arrives.








Given the extent of the work I need to get multiple quotes and some companies insist on expensive trip charges (one up to $500) to have a “specialist” assess before providing a quote for the work.
These guys were timely, transparent and uncomplicated. I appreciate Shane for quickly putting together an estimate before even leaving the house, providing multiple options at various price point and without pressure of upfront commitment.
I would feel confident moving forward with these guys. Thank you Shane!







Thank you,
Greg Sanches






















This past week our service technician was Andrew Morgan and he is such a friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled technician. He spent time making sure the job was done correctly and he explained it in terms that I could understand. Not only is our unit functioning even better than before, I also gained knowledge of how the system works.













I highly recommend Goettl as this is the second time l've used them in less than a year. (2 seperate issues)... and I highly recommend them..anytime and anyday.
They have exceeded to top any expectations I could have ever had with any company.


Jerry also noticed our water pressure was low after flushing toilet then trying to wash hands in bathroom sink which were so he suggested a new pressure regulator as we have had a new better water conditioning system installed. We now have the best water pressure even when using a shower and kitchen sink faucet at the same time. Also Jerry is a master plumber and we appreciate his knowledge and experience. Will definitely call Goettl again when a plumber is needed.
Ralph & Kathy Lesmeister



Darean Guerra today. He arrived on time and took the time to explain what he was going to do. He was very knowledgeable which helped me trust what he was doing. He left his work area clean. I am very pleased with his work.




Now we have a new flange, installed correctly, and ready for the new toilet!






The company is installing a tankless heater and the customer service is outstanding.
I recommend Geottl to all!


They made sure my carpet was covered and when they were all through they cleaned up perfectly
I would recommend your company to anyone looking to put in a new air conditioner.
Thank you so much for all you did for me.
Sincerely, June Jones

And I would highly recommend the company and the quality technicians like Jarod.
Jarod is the go to if you want excellent
Customer service and communication for any AC related issues. He is very knowledgeable, personable and trustworthy. I am grateful and satisfied.







They listened to my issue, were very through, checked for leaks, etc. I’ve lived in Lakeway for 30 years, used MANY local plumbers - but Goettl will definitely get all my business moving forward. HIGHLY recommend!
Ty, Wil & Adrian!

Everyone from the Goettl sales representative Christian, Tech / Advisor Josias recommended a HVAC A/C and Heating system replacement. Technicians team Veronica and her partner.


Jeremy Canchola serviced our mini-split today with the usual Goettl efficiency and professionalism.
Highly recommended!


Hopefully, we will get Jack for our next service call.




