How often should you change your air filter? Common replacement mistakes may affect air quality

As a factory specializing in the production of air filtration materials and filter components, we are well aware that "how often should the filter be replaced" may seem like a simple question, but it is often overlooked or misunderstood. For brand customers, OEMs and equipment manufacturers, understanding the correct replacement cycle is not only related to equipment performance, but also affects the air experience of end users.

Myth 1: If it looks clean, you don’t need to change it

Many customers often judge whether the filter should be replaced based on whether it looks dirty. In fact, whether it is a granular activated carbon HEPA composite filter, an aluminum-based catalytic filter, or other multi-layer filter materials, the internal micropores may have been saturated with PM2.5 or VOC harmful gases, and the filtration performance has decreased.
We recommend that the replacement cycle should be based on product design parameters and usage environment, rather than "visual inspection".

Myth 2: Filters should be replaced once a year

Different scenarios and different material structures have completely different service lives:
Home air purifiers: generally 6-12 months
Commercial air conditioning systems (HVAC): every 3-6 months
Car air conditioning filters: every 10,000-15,000 kilometers
Industrial sites: may need to be replaced every 1-3 months
To meet the needs of multiple scenarios, we provide a rich product portfolio, such as Activated Carbon Air Filter, Catalyst Air Filters, Primary, medium and high efficiency filters, each with different lifespans and applications.

Myth 3: Filters can be washed and reused

Most of the mainstream filter types on the market are disposable and non-washable. Especially for HEPA, meltblown cloth, photocatalyst/cold catalyst chemical treatment filters, washing with water will not only destroy the structure, but also cause complete loss of performance.
We recommend that customers choose a modular structure and quickly replaceable filter design to improve after-sales convenience and end-user satisfaction.

The harm of not replacing air filters in time

If air filters are not replaced in time, the following negative effects will occur:
Deteriorated air quality: Dust, pollen, bacteria and other pollutants accumulated inside the filter will affect the purification effect of the air purifier. If it is not replaced for a long time, the indoor air quality will become turbid, and harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and allergens may remain in the air for a long time.
Increased health risks: Pollutants in the air cannot be effectively removed for a long time, especially for the elderly, children, people with allergies and patients with respiratory diseases. Long-term exposure to such an air environment may lead to aggravated health problems.
Equipment loss: Excessive blockage of the filter will cause the air purifier to be overloaded and even damage the equipment. Due to the obstruction of air circulation, the motor and internal components of the air purifier may be damaged, resulting in reduced equipment efficiency or failure.
Rising costs: Although delaying filter replacement can save money in the short term, in the long run, you may have to pay higher repair costs or more frequent equipment replacement costs. Moreover, if the air quality decreases, there may be additional medical expenses.

Advice to customers

As a filter supplier focusing on air purifiers, air conditioners, automotive ventilation systems and other fields, we recommend partners:
1. Set the replacement frequency according to the use environment and equipment type
2. Develop clear filter maintenance instructions
3. Choose different structural combinations according to regional air quality
4. Promote composite filter products to improve purification performance 
Our main products include but are not limited to: 
· HEPA
· Corrugated Paper-based Activated Carbon Filter
· Honeycomb Pore Granular Activated Carbon Filter
· Activated Carbon paper 
· Catalyst Air Filters
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