How long do air purifier filters last

Air purifiers can be beneficial for those who suffer from asthma, allergies, and chemical sensitivities. Pet owners will be extremely happy with this device too and can get rid of dander in a few days. But, one of the most important factors of any air purifier is how long the product will last and how often you need to replace the HEPA filter. Since almost all air purifiers require filters to remove contaminants from the air, the lifespan of these filters is critically important.

Why should you replace the air filter in an air purifier

It is cool to use an air purifier to refresh air at home and get rid of allergens, bacteria, and mold. Therefore, your family enjoys a clean and refreshing air that’s free of irritants. This is because the air purifier’s filter traps all these irritants. As air passes through these filters, dust, pet dander, and other allergens and particles get trapped and accumulate over time until the filter gets saturated.

A filter that’s too full of collected pollutants loses its effectiveness. So, how often should you change the HEPA filter in air purifiers? To keep your air purifier running at its optimal state you should regularly replace the filter.

Do all filters need to be replaced

Before you can decide if it needs to be replaced, you must first determine the type of filter and whether it is a replacement or a permanent one.  Some air purifiers require a long-term washable or permanent filter. These models eliminate or significantly lessen the need to regularly purchase replacement filters. But you should still clean these air purifier filters to maintain effectiveness. They have to be washed or vacuumed regularly (every 3 months depending on usage).

So, whether you have a disposable, washable, or permanent type filter in your air purifier, all filters have a lifespan. They have to be replaced or cleaned regularly as part of your air purifier’s maintenance requirements.

Some devices let you know when it needs to be cleaned. However, note that eventually, even permanent filters – or the air purifier itself – will need replacing to run as efficiently as possible.

How often to change the filter in the air purifier

Every air purifier owner has to know how to maintain and clean their device. The ideal frequency by which you should replace your air filter depends on several factors. Let’s look into the details.

Default indoor air quality

If the air at your home is too dirty, the air purifier’s filter will reach its maximum capacity very fast. For example, if your house is situated along a busy road. Exposure to a large number of cars that emit pollutants and smoke can shorten the filter lifespan. Smokers and pets in your household can impact the lifespan of a filter too.

Frequency of usage

If you use an air purifier 24/7, your device will need more maintenance than another unit that only runs during certain times of the day or certain days of the week.

Water quality

The lifespan of washable filters is affected by the quality of water in your household. Tap water that’s rich in mineral deposits can compromise the longevity of your filter since these mineral deposits can potentially cause unwanted clogging.

Filter type

Some filter types need to be replaced more frequently than others. Pre-filters typically need to be cleaned every month. Some include carbon to attract dust and other allergens and neutralize odors, while others use HEPA technology to trap some of the tiniest allergens. It can be difficult to determine the best time to change it by yourself. Therefore, a lot of air purifiers come with filter check indicators. This feature lets the user know that the filter inside has to be replaced or cleaned. However, not all models include this feature. To get more information about different types of filters you can read our article.

Are there signs that my filter needs changing

If your air purifier doesn’t come with a filter change indicator, you can also determine if a filter change is needed through the following telltale signs.

• The filter exhibits noticeable dust and dirt buildup, giving it a distinct gray color.
• Your home is dustier than usual.
• There’s a big amount of pet dander in the air.
• Asthma and allergy symptoms increase.
• You’re starting to notice odors and smoke in the air.

Your intuition may really help. But you should remember that it’s best to replace or clean the filter as soon as you notice significant dirt and deposit buildup that considerably hampers performance.

How to maintain the air purifier

We want to help you understand everything about air purifiers and filters. Therefore, we will answer the top 4 questions about using the different types of filters and their replacement. Let’s examine everything in more detail.

Filter replacement schedule

We researched the typical replacement schedule for different filter types. This should help you determine how often different filters have to be replaced. But, keep in mind that this is a general guide. Therefore, keep an eye on how your device works and clean it regularly.

Here is a typical replacement schedule for different filter types to guide you.
HEPA Filters: Must be replaced every 12 to 18 months
Carbon Filters: Must be replaced every three to six months
Pre-Filters: Must be cleaned every 30 days and replaced when worn out
Permanent Filters: Must be cleaned every three months and replaced when damaged

Do you need to dry a washable filter after cleaning

Yes! It’s important to thoroughly dry washable filters before putting them back inside your unit. Failure to do so can lead to mold formation and growth, which will make your air purifier emit foul odors.

What happens if you don’t change the HEPA filter

If you don’t take care of your filter, it will start building up a lot of dust and grime. This will damage it extremely fast. However, that’s not all that will happen. It will also make it easy for mold to grow, bacteria to spread, and you will notice a lot of pet dander and dust. That should be plenty of reasons to motivate you to keep up with the maintenance of your air purifier. Turning it off is better than letting it run without being washed or cleaned. To keep your home free from mold and other microbes that can grow and make you and your family sick, you should clean it often.

What else can you do to ensure the longevity of an air purifier and filters

You can significantly extend the lifespan of your filter by minimizing inside smoking and closing windows to prevent excessive dust, smoke, and dirt from entering your home. You can also ensure that your purifier continues to function well by keeping up a regular filter check and replacement schedule. Neglecting your air purifier’s filter replacement schedule can result in harmful pollutants and bacteria getting recirculated around the room.

Do air filters last long

Air purifiers need regular maintenance and will periodically require filter replacements. The replacement schedule generally varies according to the type of filter. Knowing the degree of upkeep required by different air purifier types will help you make an informed purchase. Do not forget to clean and maintain your air purifier properly and everything will be ok. 🙂