Air filters are an essential part of any home, as they help to keep the air clean and free of pollutants. But how long do air filters last? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including filter type, size, and usage. Generally speaking, the most common types of air filters in most homes are expected to last about three months before they need to be replaced. However, this number can go up or down depending on the conditions.
For example, larger HEPA filters, such as those in the Amaircare 3000, can last up to five years under the right conditions. But in spaces with large amounts of particles in the air, two to three years is more realistic. Carbon filters typically have an average lifespan of three to five years. However, not all units have the same specifications, so be sure to read your air cleaner manual carefully to determine the life of the filter. In general, HEPA filters can last up to five years and media filters can be used for up to 12 months.
The best judge of filter longevity is how dirty it gets. Inspecting your unit is crucial to knowing if it's time to replace it. Other filters used in an air purifier may need replacement after three months or require cleaning every two to four weeks. Measuring the useful life of a HEPA filter and whether it can exceed recommended limits depends on air quality and operating hours. It's recommended that you change the HEPA filter every 150 days, approximately eight hours a day, or approximately every 1000 hours.
You can adjust this number based on the number of hours you use it per day. 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, its efficiency decreases. If your air purifier is malfunctioning or looks very dirty, it may be time to change the HEPA filter sooner than suggested. After a renovation project involving drywall, pieces of drywall, dirt and dust may build up in the air ducts, restricting airflow through the air filters. The fewer occupants there are in a house, the less pollutants and debris will accumulate in its air filters. When you change the air filter, it allows more air to flow through the system with lower energy consumption, resulting in better circulation, cleaner air and a lower electricity bill.
Using an air cleaner with a HEPA filter reduces the amount of viruses, bacteria, allergens and unwanted contaminants in the air. The type and amount of mold that HEPA filters can successfully remove depends on the brand and capacity of the air purifier. There are several different types of air purifying filters, each of which lasts a different amount of time depending on how it removes impurities from the air around you. During allergy season, air filters can work overtime to remove allergens, dust and other debris circulating through the heating and cooling system. Yes, changing the filter has several impacts on your HVAC system's ability to cool your home and overall air quality. General Motors suggests for many of its vehicles to change the air filter at the 60,000 mile (96,561 kilometer) mark. A good rule of thumb is that if debris needs to be vacuumed more frequently from the floor, it can be safely said that this debris also goes to the air filters.
