Air filters are essential for keeping your home's air clean and healthy. But how often should you replace them? In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. Pleated air filters are more expensive at first, but they are also more efficient at trapping particles and can last up to 90 days, depending on use. Most reputable purifiers use a true HEPA filter or HEPA filter, which can last up to 12 months under normal circumstances. However, improper installation or filtering of a larger, heavily contaminated space can shorten the average lifespan.
A general rule of thumb for pleated air filters (such as those manufactured by FilterBuy) is to replace the filter every 90 days. As the filter traps more dirt, dust and allergens from the air, the efficiency of the filter decreases. EPA studies show that portable air purifiers (or air purifiers or disinfectants) can achieve small improvements in cardiovascular and respiratory health by reducing indoor pollutants. Some models indicate when it's time to wash, vacuum, or replace filters. In general, a HEPA filter needs to be changed every year, pre-filters last 30 days, and carbon filters can last three to six months. Clean the permanent filters every three months and replace them if they are damaged.
Our guide will save you hours of online research in search of the best air purifier for your room. Before deciding if it needs to be replaced, you must first determine the type of filter and whether it is a replacement or permanent filter. Some air purifiers require a permanent or long-term washable filter. These models eliminate or significantly lessen the need to purchase replacement filters on a regular basis. But you should still clean these air purifying filters to maintain efficiency.
Should be washed or vacuumed regularly (every 3 months depending on use). However, experts recommend changing it once every 30 days if your air filter is made of fiberglass filters, which are of relatively poor quality. On the other hand, expensive pleated filters can work well with a replacement once every three months or six months. After discussing in detail how often your air filter needs to be changed, it's important to know which type of air filter is ideal for your needs. But if your air purifier uses a HEPA filter, you'll wonder how long it will last.
Also, can you wash and reuse your HEPA filter? We've done some research to answer your questions and put your mind at ease. As mentioned above, the presence of pets, young children, and people with allergies will require you to change the air filter more often. Disposable filters or humidifier pads help absorb mineral deposits and impurities in the water and particles and bacteria in the air. So if you're investing in a quality air purifier to improve indoor air quality, it pays to know the difference between HEPA and True HEPA filters. I had purchased the wrong size filter and you did everything you could to get me the right ones. If you have young children at home, it's a good idea to use high-quality pleated air filters and change them every two months. A house that is occupied most of the time, for example, will require more frequent use of the air conditioning system and therefore will need to replace the filter much sooner compared to a house with no occupants. As such, there is no clear answer as to how long the air filter can operate efficiently before needing a replacement.
If your air cleaner does not come with a filter change indicator, you can also determine if the filter needs to be changed through the following indicator signals. Invented in 1902 by Willis Carrier, air filters work by transferring unwanted components in the air from indoor to outdoor spaces. Many HEPA filters are great for removing mold and other annoying respiratory irritants from the air. If you live alone, without pets, and with good surrounding outdoor air quality, the manufacturer's filter change recommendations will likely work well for you. Typical recommendations range from every 30 days for cheaper fiberglass filters (which often don't do a good job of filtering), to 6 months for high-end pleated filters.