In order to work properly and for a long time, appliances, such as air purifiers need to be maintained appropriately and regularly. That means that you have to take care of the air purifier filter in the right way, i.e. you have to know when to clean it and when to replace it. So, how often should you change the filter in an air purifier?
Air purifiers have different kinds of filters, which means that every filter will require a different time of replacement. Generally, most manufacturers recommend that you change filters every 6-12 months, however, some factors may change this time frame, so your filter might last longer than that.
If you are looking for help when it comes to replacing air purifier filters, you have found the right article. Here, I have discussed the lifespan of most filters in these appliances, as well as the factors that affect their life expectancy. I have also explained why proper maintenance is important, and what types of filters can actually be washed regularly.
How Long Does A Filter Last In An Air Purifier?
The lifespan of a filter depends on many factors, meaning that you can never have an actual time for a replacement. Even though generally, most manufacturers recommend that you replace your air purifier filter every 6-12 months, you cannot entirely rely on this recommendation. This is due to the fact that the life expectancy of a filter depends on different factors, meaning that your filter might last longer than that.
On the other hand, there are filters that last even for up to five years, which leads us to the fact that different filters have different requirements. This means that you first need to know what kind of filter you have in your air purifier, so you would know its approximate lifespan. Also, knowing the type of your filter is essential in order to understand how to maintain it, so it could last for a long time.
For instance, some air purifiers have larger HEPA filters, and they can last for about five years, considering they are kept under the right conditions. However, if they are used all the time in very polluted areas, then the more realistic lifespan would be about two or three years. On the other hand, air purifiers that have smaller HEPA filters are known to have a life expectancy of about a year, meaning that you will have to change them every 12 months.
Another type of filter that can be included in an air purifier is a carbon filter, which is known to last for about three to five years on average. But, make sure that you consider the other specifications and features of air purifiers. Namely, some air purifiers can have the same filter, but their system and configuration do not work in the same way, meaning that this might affect the lifespan of the filter.
This means that some air purifiers might need more frequent replacements of the filters, while others can last for longer periods of time without requiring one. Since the recommendation given by the manufacturer is not really valid, this means that you will have to rely on your own assessment of the filter. In other words, you might use some techniques to determine when your filter will need a replacement.
In order to do that, you have to think about the conditions under which you use your air purifier. For instance, if you use it non-stop, even overnight, your air purifier might need a replacement sooner rather than later. On the other hand, if your air purifier is turned on for several hours a day, then the filter might not need to be changed so soon.
Furthermore, you have to think about the levels of pollution in the environment in which the air purifier is used. For instance, if you live in an area with a high level of pollution, the filter in your air purifier might work harder, meaning that it will soon get worn out. Therefore, sometimes some filters might not live up even to six months.
In addition, you have to take into consideration that a clean or new filter is very important for people with medical conditions, such as asthma. If you or any other person in your household is suffering from respiratory conditions, you should consider a more frequent replacement of the filter.
However, to know exactly when your filter needs a replacement, you can check on your own and not rely on the predictions given by the manufacturer. To do this you will have to clean your filters regularly, and check the pre-filters often.
Pre-filters, also known as secondary filters serve to remove a part of the dirt and dust from the air, while the main filter takes most of the load. So, if you notice that the pre-modifiers are getting dirty more often than usual, then you might consider a replacement. If you want to be on the safe side, you can always consult a professional.
What Happens If You Do Not Change Your Filter?
If you do not change your filter, the filter will get clogged, so the air flow will be significantly reduced. This can lead to malfunction or a complete breakdown of the air purifier. If this happens, you might need to seek professional help to fix the appliance, or the malfunction can be beyond repair.
However, that is not the worse thing that can happen. You have to consider the fact that the main task of the filter is to trap particles inside the machine. So, when the filter is not working properly the particles can cause the growth of mold because there is a lot of moisture from the air as well.
If mold starts growing inside an air purifier, there is a risk that it will start spreading and infect your home. This might lead to additional issues, and make you sick. Therefore, in order to avoid this kind of complication, make sure that you are responsible for the filter of your air purifier.
Can Filters Be Washed And Reused?
There are two types of filters when it comes to washing and reusing – permanent and washable. Washable filters can be cleaned with water, and it is recommended that you do that every month or in some cases, less than that. These filters are quite affordable, so that is the main reason why many people opt for them.
On the other hand, permanent filters are not washable, meaning you cannot clean them with water. Also, they are known to be way more lasting in comparison to washable filters, and that is why they are more expensive. However, permanent filters can still be cleaned by vacuuming, so make sure you do that regularly if your air purifier works on the basis of this kind of filter.
How Often To Change Filter In An Air Purifier?
In order to determine how often you should change the filter in your air purifier, you need to know its type. For instance, permanent filters do not need frequent replacement, but they need to be regularly cleaned. If they are maintained and taken care of in the right manner, they can last for up to five years or even more.
On the other hand, if you have a washable filter, then you might need to replace your filter every 6-12 months. However, you will always have to clean it and check whether it really needs replacement. Air purifiers are not used in the same way and in the same conditions in different areas, which means that for each appliance the lifespan of the filter would be different.
If you need a more precise estimation, manufacturers recommend that HEPA filters should be changed every 12 months, while carbon filters need to be changed every 6 months. Nonetheless, regular check on your filters is of crucial importance, and should not be avoided under any circumstances. In other words, make sure that you clean the filters of your air purifier regularly if you want them to reach their life expectancy.
However, if you do not want to go through all the trouble of checking and determining when you should replace your filter, you might opt for an air purifier that comes with a filter indicator. More modern air purifiers have an indicator that signalizes when it should be replaced. So once it notifies you with a certain type of beep or light, you will no that replacements are in order.
The precise time for replacing the filters in your air purifier is impossible to be determined since there are different filters and they work under different circumstances. Therefore, you should always check the performance of your filters and see whether they have ceased to work properly.
Sources:
https://www.usairpurifiers.com/blog/how-long-do-air-purifier-filters-last/
https://fellowes.knowledgeowl.com/help/what-will-happen-if-i-dont-change-my-air-purifier-filters
https://hunterpureair.com/blogs/news/how-often-to-replace-air-purifier-filters
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/how-often-you-should-replace-filters-at-home/