Air purifiers are devices that you can hardly do without these days. Almost all air purifiers require filters to clean the air, helping our lungs to clean themselves and reducing the risk of respiratory disease. But like any other device, it wears out over time.
How long do air purifier filters last?
The life of the filter of an air purifier varies depending on many factors. Most importantly, the service life depends on the type. To avoid overloading it, do not keep the air purifier switched on all the time.
You should read the manual for your air purifier to find out which filter is installed in your air purifier, so you know the exact time to replace it. Here you will learn more about the service life of several types of filters.
You need to replace HEPA filters every 12 to 18 months.
Carbon filters must be replaced every three to six months.
Pre-filters must be cleaned every month and replaced when worn out.
Permanent filters must be cleaned every three months and replaced if damaged.
Be sure to specify the type of air purifier you have and its filter type, as there are many types of air purifiers and each manufacturer specify the life of the filters, all of them need regular maintenance.
When should I replace my air purifier filters?
There are several signs that it is time to do the air purifier’s filter replacement. Many air purifiers have a filter replacement indicator light that starts to flicker, indicating that it’s time to change them. You can also see if the airflow is working properly.
If your air purifier does not have a filter change indicator light, the best way to tell when it is time is to keep track of the time after the last change and do it at the recommended interval.
Why should I replace filters in my air purifier?
Air purifiers are very useful devices to have at home. It refreshes the air, thus cleaning the air from any harmful bacteria. The air becomes clean and refreshing.
The main component in the air purifier that refreshes the air is the filter. It lets the steam flow through, trapping allergens and particles. This way, all the irritants get trapped and accumulate until the filter gets dirty.
Types of air purifier filters
As a rule, there are four main types of different filters in air purifiers. The most common among them are HEPA filter, carbon, pre-filter, and permanent filter. Each type has a different service life.
Such replacement filters as HEPA filters have a service life of 12 to 18 months. In special cases, they can even last up to five years. HEPA filters have a thin, porous material that can trap small particles.
Carbon filters have chemically activated carbon that can trap not only dust but also various odors. These filters last 3 to 6 months or 2 to 5 years, depending on the type.
The pre-filter does not need to be replaced, but only washed once a month. It can usually only trap larger dust particles that are visible to the human eye.
Permanent filters are also not replaceable and should only be cleaned once every few months.
The life of any filter depends on how it cleans the air in the room. Filters that capture the smallest allergens need to be changed more often than those that can only capture large dust particles.
Signs that it’s time to change the filters in your air purifier
If your air purifier does not have indicators that show when it is time to do the replacement, you can notice some signs yourself.
First of all, pay attention to the air quality in the room. If you see more harmful pollutants such as pet hair and dust, or notice odors and smoke, it may be a sign that it’s time to change or clean the filter in the air purifier.
You can also check the filter itself. If you see noticeable dirt and grayish color, it means that it can no longer clean the air, because the air filter in your air purifier is dirty.
If you feel that your breathing is getting heavier, and you feel the allergy symptoms, it can be a sign of changing the filter in the air purifier.
You may not notice all of these signs, but it’s always better to replace the filter when it’s time because it prevents damage to your lungs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just wash my air purifier filter?
Pre-filters and permanent, are washable filters. You don’t have to replace them very often, which can make it easier to use the air purifier. Here you can read how you should clean them.
You need to remove contaminants with water, scrub off the dust and remove the dirt with a vacuum cleaner, but this can severely damage the mesh fibers that allow the air filters to be removed without damaging the material. Even if it appears intact, the filter can break and expand.
To avoid damaging the fibers with the vacuum, you can simply let the filter dry before putting it back in the air purifier.
How do you know if your air purifier filter needs replacing?
If a filter has been used for several years, its function will decrease. If you are using a replacement filter such as a HEPA filter that is less than 95% to 90% efficient, it may need to be replaced.
What happens if you don’t change filter in air purifier?
Changing filters in air purifiers is important for many reasons to avoid health risks. If you do not change them, they can clog your system and collect microorganisms. This will not remove the dirt, but only trap it on the surface.
How can I make my air purifier filter last longer?
To prolong the life of your filter, you must wash it at least every two months. It will make your air purifier filter last longer. Remember that HEPA and carbon filters cannot be washed, only replaced.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you know all the answers to the question of how long do air purifier filters last. As you now know, it all depends on the type of air purifier’s filter.
