6 Signs to Replace Your Hepa Air Filter
It is generally recommended that you change your HEPA filter every 6 to 12 months. However, it's difficult to know exactly when you should change your air scrubber's high-efficiency filter. This involves time of use, air pollution, location of the filter, and even humidity.
Generally, the time to change is when the filter's ability to filter large amounts of particles decreases. It takes about twice as long for the same machine to clean the air in the same room if you don't replace it.
While it's hard to know definitively when it's time to change your filter, there are signs that tell you, and this article will give you six obvious ones.
What Is A Hepa Filter?
A HEPA filter, which stands for "High Efficiency Particulate Air filter," is a type of mechanical air filter defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. It’s designed to capture at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other airborne particles that are 0.3 microns (µm) in size. That 0.3 µm spec refers to the most difficult particle size to trap, known as the most penetrating particle size (MPPS). In practice, HEPA filters are even better at catching both larger and smaller particles.
HEPA filters are installed in air purification equipment. They filter out mold, dander, dust, allergens, and other contaminants, thereby purifying indoor air and reducing health problems.
These HEPA filters are made from multiple strands of woven glass fibers that form an interlocking, finely woven pattern that traps even the tiniest airborne particles as they pass through. The filters are trapped by a variety of processes such as filtration, diffusion, interception, and direct impingement.
6 Signs to Replace Your Hepa Air Filter
Going too long without changing your high-efficiency filter may affect air quality and put an unnecessary burden on your HEPA air scrubber. Here are six signs that it's time to change your high-efficiency filter.
1. Is the Airflow Decreasing?
If you notice that the airflow from your vents isn't as strong as it used to be, it could be a sign of a clogged high-efficiency filter. Over time, dust, pet hair, and other particles can build up and restrict airflow. Reduced airflow not only affects air quality, it also increases the workload of your air scrubber, which can lead to higher energy bills and even system damage. When airflow slows down significantly, it's time to check the filter.
2. Are You Seeing More Dust in Your Home?
Dusting more than usual, or noticing dust settling in quickly after cleaning, your high-efficiency filter may no longer be working properly. A clogged filter can't catch dust, pollen, and other particles as well as it should. If dust becomes a constant battle, this is a sign that the filter has reached its limits and needs to be replaced.
3. Does the Filter Look Dirty?
Visual inspection is one of the easiest ways to check if your HEPA filter needs replacement. If the filter appears gray, brown, or covered in debris, it’s time for a change. Ideally, check the filter every 1-3 months, depending on how often you use your system and the air quality in your area. If it looks dirty and clogged, don’t wait—replace it right away.
4. Is Your Energy Bill Increasing?
A dirty HEPA filter makes your system work harder to circulate air, which can cause your energy bill to spike. If you notice a sudden increase in your monthly energy costs and haven’t changed your air filter recently, this might be the culprit. Changing the filter can help your system run more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills in the long run.
5. Are Allergy Symptoms Getting Worse?
Allergy purifiers have HEPA filters designed to capture allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. If your allergy symptoms (such as sneezing, itchy eyes, or nasal congestion) suddenly worsen in your home, your filter may be past its replacement date. Clogged filters are not effectively trapping these allergens, leading to poor air quality and worsening symptoms. If your allergies are flaring up indoors, this is a strong indication that the filter is not working efficiently.
6. Has It Been More Than 6-12 Months?
Even if none of the above signs are present, it’s still a good idea to replace your HEPA filter every 6 to 12 months as part of routine maintenance. The specific time frame depends on factors like how often you run your system and whether you have pets or live in a high-pollution area. Waiting longer than recommended can reduce efficiency and compromise air quality.
Conclusion
Your HEPA air filter is a key player in keeping your home’s air clean and your HVAC system running efficiently. If you notice any of these signs—reduced airflow, more dust, increased energy bills, or worsening allergy symptoms—it’s time to replace your filter. Don’t forget to check it regularly and make sure you’re swapping it out at least every 6-12 months for optimal performance. After all, cleaner air means a healthier, more comfortable home for you and your family.
We've described various signs by which you can know if your HEPA air filter needs replacing to maintain the quality of indoor air. A clean and effective HEPA filter can significantly trap pollutants, ensuring the elimination of bad odors and harmful airborne particles that can affect health.
Make sure to perform regular monitoring or keep an eye on in-built indicators to take quick action on your air scrubber filter replacement and breathe in fresh air every moment!
FAQs
Can You Clean Hepa Filter Instead Of Replacing?
Check if your high-efficiency filter is washable or permanent. Not all high-efficiency filters are washable. Some filters are labeled ‘washable’ or ‘permanent’ while others are disposable and must be replaced when dirty. Check the manufacturer's instructions before attempting to clean a filter. Attempting to clean a disposable HEPA filter may damage the filter and reduce its efficiency.
Washable HEPA filters can be rinsed with water. If you are using a washable filter, here's what you should do: Remove the filter and rinse it in cool water (do not use soap or scrub). Allow it to dry completely before placing it back in the air cleaner. This may take up to 24 hours. Remember, even washable filters lose efficiency over time and will eventually need to be replaced.
Permanent HEPA filters are not washable but can be vacuumed to remove surface dust and debris. To clean the permanent HEPA filter. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently clean the filter. Be careful not to puncture or damage the filter material during cleaning. Even though the permanent HEPA filter can be vacuum cleaned, the filter will wear out over time and will need to be replaced.
For disposable filters, cleaning should not be performed. Attempting to clean these filters can damage the filter material and cause it to lose its ability to effectively capture small particles. If your filter is disposable, replace it as soon as it becomes dirty.
What Happens When A Hepa Filter Gets Old?
When a high-efficiency filter ages, its ability to effectively clean the air decreases. Here is what happens when a filter ages:
- Decreased airflow
- Reduced filtration efficiency
- Increased energy costs
- Overloading the HVAC or air purification system
- Increased allergy or asthma symptoms
- Increased dust in the home
