When it comes to air purification, HEPA filters are one of the most effective solutions. But how often do you need to replace them? It depends on the specific filter you have, but as a general rule, replaceable HEPA filters should be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on air quality and environmental factors. Carbon pre-filters should be changed every 3 months, also depending on air quality and environmental factors. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that studies show portable air purifiers can achieve small improvements in cardiovascular and respiratory health by reducing indoor pollutants.
Some models even 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. Despite this, some HEPA filters are so strong that you can go a year without changing them.
This all depends on the type of filter you buy. At Service Champions, they recommend changing the filter once in the spring and once in the fall. Therefore, they suggest people change their Sqair HEPA filter every 1400 hours - that's 6 months if you run the Sqair high for 8 hours a day. There are companies that swear to replace HEPA filters every 3 years.
The maximum lifespan of HEPA filters that we have heard from customers is around 8 years, which does not mean that it has reached its maximum life expectancy by then. As long as filters are regularly evaluated and considered effective, they do not need to be replaced. Commercial vacuum HEPA filters should be checked twice a week for any problems. This is because commercial HEPA filters are used continuously on a daily basis in a company. Commercial environments using a vacuum system should replace the filter twice a year to ensure continuous performance. HEPA filters focus on the smallest particles and are often the final step in the filtration process.
As long as you maintain your pre-filter properly, the HEPA filter should be changed every 2-3 weeks. Not only do HEPA filters work to trap fine particles, but they also work to remove unnecessary moisture in sites suffering from sick building syndrome caused by mold or severe water damage. Consider replacing your filters if it's been more than a year and you don't remember ever changing your vacuum filters. There are signs that you should replace the HEPA filter in a vacuum, but if you want, you shouldn't have to do it for a long time. In such cases, replace the HEPA filter as soon as possible, as it is the main plausible cause of odor. In Europe, HEPA filters must remove 99.95% (ISO) of particles, in the United States they must remove 99.97% of particles that have a size greater than or equal to 0.3 μm.Whether your business is considered essential or not, several industries are considering HEPA filtration systems to keep infrastructure running properly, the safety of their employees and, in the healthcare industries, their patients alive. A heavily soiled filter is an obvious reason why the entire filter should be replaced as soon as possible.
By regularly checking the air quality, you can replace the filter not too soon, but also before there is a significant reduction in filter efficiency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high-efficiency particulate air systems (HEPA systems) are specially designed to capture 99.7% of dust particles that have a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 microns. Medical environments such as operating rooms, research laboratories and isolation rooms require HEPA solutions to keep air clean and free of dangerous pathogens. Vacuums vacuum and trap allergens, hair, dirt and more from floors and upholstery with built-in bags or filters that help contain fine particles - especially with HEPA models. The best way to know when to replace your HEPA filter is with the use of an economical air quality monitor.
