Air Purifier’s Filters and Sensor - How and When To Clean/Replace It

Air purifiers are the potential devices to remove contaminants in the indoor air. The air purifier has an internal fan that pulls air into a series of multiple filters and the pure air is recirculated in the environment. Air pollution is increasing at a faster pace. It is vital to take great care of the air we breathe. In this pandemic situation, air purifiers help by filtering harmful germs in the environment and keeping us healthy and safe.

There are different types of air purifiers available in which HEPA air purifiers are most preferred as it has the capacity to filter very fine particles in the air. An air purifier that uses different types of filters. It is important to know what types of filters are used in the air purifiers to identify whether the air purifier is a better fit for your current need. 

It is also important to understand the technologies and how these filters work. At the same time replacing filters frequently is a must. Unless the filters are replaced and cleaned properly it will provide adverse effects which are not good for our health. 

Here we discuss 5 common types of air purifiers and when air purifier filters and sensors should be replaced and cleaned.

1. HEPA Filters
2. Activated Carbon Filters
3. UV Lamp
4. Negative Ion Air Ionizers
5. Ozone Generator

HEPA Filters

HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air is the highly effective and recommended filter that helps to remove particles of very fine size. HEPA filters have the capacity to trap at least 99.97% of all the airborne particles that are larger than 0.3 microns. The fine particles like pollen, dust mites, bacteria, viruses, harmful chemicals, and other gases in the air can be easily trapped with the HEPA filter. These filters do not generate ozone or any other harmful byproducts.

The HEPA filter is an interlaced thin glass fiber tightly weaved back and forth to create the shape of the accordion. The internal fan in the air purifier pushes air into a very large surface of the HEPA filter. The airflow passes through the filter once in an hour, the air will get purified. Once the HEPA filter is filled with dust particles no longer the air can enter the filter. It is important to replace the HEPA filter as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

HEPA filters effectively trapping airborne particles, but do not remove odors, chemicals, or other gases. And hence HEPA air purifiers have activated carbon filters with it. So that the odor, chemicals, or gases are removed from the air that is not caught by the HEPA filter.

Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon is a charcoal bed that has been processed to make carbon into an extremely porous surface. These activated carbon have a high ability to absorb and chemical bonding. These properties of activated carbon make them an effective tool for capturing harmful gases, chemical emissions, tobacco, odors. 

Air purifiers with carbon-activated filters are especially needed for people with multiple chemical sensitivity. These filters absorb formaldehyde from the carpet, wood paneling, furniture. Harmful Chemicals and VOCs from the household cleaning are also removed with these filters. It helps asthma sufferers, allergic sensitive persons, low immunity persons, babies, children, and the elderly and provides them a healthy environment. These filters enhance lung and heart health in large.

Carbon filters effectively remove contaminants from the air. However, these activated carbon filters do not effectively remove allergens or airborne particles from the air. These filters also need to replace regularly for effective operation.

UV Lamp

UV light is most often used with the particulate system since this UV light does not remove any airborne particles in the air. This UV technology is the best method to kill microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens present in the air. The UV rays radiated from the UV light damages the DNA of the microorganisms and kill them. The UV light is to be replaced regularly as recommended by the manufacturers.

Even though the UV technology is effective at killing viruses and bacteria, it is usually used with HEPA filters as too many microorganisms are shaded from the particulates. Most HEPA -UV air purifiers filter the air with HEPA and carbon activated filters and use UV as the final stage of filtration.

Negative Ion

An ion is a particle with a positive or negative charge by either gaining or losing an electron. Negative ions are oxygen atoms that gained an electron and these negative ions attract positively charged airborne particles such as pollen and dust. This makes the particles too heavy to remain in the air and so the particles attach themselves to the floor, window, wall, door, or any solid items in the room.

This technology is less effective compared to other types of air purifier technology. These negative ion air purifiers do not absorb or dispose of any of the contaminants in the air. The particles stuck on the surfaces become loose and recontaminate the air again.

Ozone

Ozone air purifiers produce ozone (O₃) intentionally. Even though these air purifiers effectively control indoor air pollution. Health professionals have refused to use these devices. Exposure to ozone may create health hazards such as ignite asthma symptoms and affect lungs in large. So, no agency of the federal government has approved these devices.

How and When You Have To Clean/ Replace The Air purifier Filters or Sensors

It is important to know when and how to clean/replace the pre-filter, filters, and quality sensors of your air purifier.

General Guidelines For Cleaning Professionals

1. Best air purifiers for home with HEPA filters when used for residential purpose then HEPA filter may last for two or three years before that it should be replaced
2. Natural air purifiers with HEPA filters used in commercial settings on a daily basis must check the filters for every six months or be replaced once in a year.
3. HEPA filters are used in vacuum cleaners as well. If a musty odor is detected from the vacuum cleaner then the HEPA filter should be changed. 
4. The pre-filters are to be cleaned every three or four months.
5. Carbon activation needs to be changed every two or three years. 
6. If the filter or air purification unit is damaged then the filter needs to be checked and replaced.

When To Clean the Filters

Some filters in the air purification system are not washable nor vacuum cleanable. These filters need to be replaced as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is a must to know the replacement indication of your air purifier model.

When To Replace The Filters

Some air purifiers have an automatic indication of the filter replacement. If the automatic indication is not there then check the manual or manufacturer’s instruction to replace the filter. If you are in an area where pollution is more, it is advised to frequently replace the filters before the expiry date.

When To Clean the Quality Sensor

The air quality sensor is to be cleaned every two months. It depends on the air purifier model. If the air purifier is placed in a highly polluted environment then it should be cleaned most frequently. 

When To Clean the Pre-Filter

Pre-filters are used in the air purification system to prevent the damage of the high-efficient and expensive filters such as carbon activated filters and HEPA filters. The large particles that are present in the air should not pierce the high efficient and expensive filters. Most of the pre-filters are easily removable and washable. Air purification system pre-filters are usually cleaned every month for optimal output.

Follow these steps to clean the pre-filter:

1. Power off the appliance and unplug it
2. Depending on the specified model the pre-filter is located either at the front or back of the panel. Check the pre-filter location with your model and remove it from the appliance.
3. Wash the pre-filter in the running water tap. If the pre-filter is very dirty, use the soft brush to wash the dust away.
4. Dry the pre-filter in the air until it gets dry completely.

Conclusion

Now it is clear that it is important to know and understand the different types of filters used in the air purifier to know the best air purifier for your current need. The best air purifier comprises filters to remove particulates from the indoor air. It is also vital to understand how to maintain these filters properly i.e, cleaning and replacing filters. This helps you to enjoy the output of the air purifier for the long term. HEPA and activated carbon filters are to be handled with great care while replacing.AerMax 500-air cleaner is the best air purifier with HEPA filter and carbon activated filters that provides you with a healthy and clean environment. AerMax -500 air cleaner is the IoT-enabled air purifier that indicates and helps you monitor the filter’s air quality and replacement requirements. This enables you to use the air purifier effectively and enjoy the maximum output from the air cleaner.