How Often Should You Change HEPA Filters?

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when to change hepa filters

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One of the most important factors of any purchase, big or small, is how long the product will last.

If the item doesn’t last very long, it’s likely either cheap material or food.

Whenever you’re looking for something luxurious or important to health, you’ll want it to last longer than a few months. When it comes to HEPA filters and HEPA air purifiers, you’ll find the longevity you’re looking for.

There are many types of HEPA filters, but the two main kinds are washable and permanent. They both have pros and cons but also need maintenance and upkeep to extend their life.

Washing and vacuuming them is key in extending their longevity, but even the permanent ones need to be replaced after a time. Changing them is important if you want to help with your allergies.

How often should you change a HEPA filter?

Now let's get to the point concerning HEPA filter replacement! One of the most common questions we get asked is: how often should I change my HEPA filter?

It is recommended you change your HEPA filter every six to twelve months. This will ensure your air purifier runs at its best and provides the cleanest air possible.

But, of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. If your air purifier is used in a particularly dusty or polluted environment, you may need to change your filter more frequently.

On the other hand, if you're only using your air purifier occasionally or in a relatively clean environment, you may be able to stretch out the replacement timeline a bit.

Ultimately, the best way to know when it's time to replace your HEPA filter is to keep an eye (and a nose) out for any signs that it's not working as well as it used to.

This might include decreased airflow, strange smells, or just a general feeling that the air quality isn't as good as it could be.

So, there you have it: a general guideline for how often to change your HEPA filter.

Remember, though, that every situation is different, and you should always trust your instincts when it comes to the air quality in your home.

Washable HEPA Filters

Alrighty, let's talk HEPA filter maintenance! Washing your HEPA filters is super important and should be done every one to two months (make sure to check your manual first to see if your filter is washable or not).

One thing to remember: permanent filters are not washable and can be ruined if they get wet. So, ensure you're following the instructions carefully and not risking damage to your filter.

With proper care and maintenance, your HEPA filter can last three to five years (depending on the brand). Not too shabby, right?

Just be sure to read your manual and take care when cleaning to ensure the longevity of your filter.

And here's the best part: these filters are usually smaller and more affordable than other types of air purifiers. So, if you're looking to improve the air quality in your home without breaking the bank, a HEPA filter might be the perfect solution.

Long story short: taking care of your HEPA filter is key to keeping it running smoothly and bringing the pollen and dust mites down in your environment. So, ensure you're following the instructions and washing (or not washing) your filter as needed.

Permanent HEPA Filters

The thing about permanent HEPA filters is… well, they’re permanent! They’ll last for years if you care for them well enough.

They should be thoroughly (and carefully) vacuumed every two to three months. They will only need to be replaced when damaged, which can be relatively expensive.

Permanent filters will always be a bigger purchase than washable ones considering they should last much longer.

What happens if you don’t change the HEPA filter?

Listen up, folks: taking care of your HEPA filter is no joke. You could be in serious trouble if you neglect it and let dust and grime build-up.

Not only will your filter start to malfunction (and eventually become damaged beyond repair), but you'll also be creating the perfect breeding ground for mold.

Yep, you read that right: a dirty filter is a moist and clumpy filter, like heaven for mold spores. And trust me, you do not want mold spreading through your air purifier and into your home.

So, ensure you're cleaning your filter often and not letting it sit around without good washing.

And here's a pro tip: it's better to turn off your air purifier and clean the filter than to let it keep running without proper maintenance. Trust us, your lungs will thank you.

Keeping your home free from mold and other harmful microbes is crucial for your health and well-being. So, if you want to avoid having to change your filter (or worse, deal with mold spores infecting your home), make sure you're taking good care of it.

It might require a little extra effort, but in the end, it's a worthy investment in your health and happiness.

Conclusion

You should replace them as needed. When they start showing wear or if they get damaged, they should be replaced. This will happen after three to five years if it’s a washable filter, it will deteriorate faster. A permanent one will last much longer, but both will need occasional cleaning. This means you must wash or vacuum your filters, or they’ll get damaged.

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