Modern air purifiers are a saving grace for homeowners and allergy sufferers alike, helping you breathe cleaner air free from allergens, pollutants, and harmful particles. But what happens when your air purifier filter gets dirty? Or worse—what if it looks clean but isn’t doing its job anymore?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about replacing your air purifier filter, including signs it’s time to swap it out, why activated carbon is a game-changer, and common mistakes to avoid when dealing with a dirty filter. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to keep your home air purifier running smoothly.
My Filter Doesn’t Look Dirty - Do I Need to Change It?
Here’s the thing—just because your air purifier filter doesn’t look visibly dirty doesn’t mean it’s still working at full capacity. Filters are designed to trap microscopic particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and even pathogens that you can’t see with the naked eye. Over time, these microscopic pollutants build up, clogging the filter and reducing its efficiency.
How do you know it’s time to replace your filter if it looks clean? Keep an eye out for these signs:
- Weaker Airflow: If your purifier isn’t pushing air through as powerfully as it used to, it’s likely your filter is clogged.
- Allergies Acting Up: If your allergies or breathing issues worsen, your old filter isn’t effectively trapping allergens anymore.
- Check Your Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Most filters need to be replaced every 3-6 months, but this can vary depending on usage, air quality, and type of purifier. PuroAir recommends replacing your filter every 90 days for optimal air purification.
Taking preemptive action is crucial to ensure your air purifier can continue safeguarding the health of your home.
What is Activated Carbon and How Does it Make My Air Filter Better?
Activated carbon works by adsorbing (when molecules stick to a surface) harmful chemicals, gasses, and odors. Here’s how it improves your filter:
- Filters Gaseous Pollutants: While HEPA filters are great at filtering particles, they don’t stop odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or smoke. Activated carbon fills that gap by trapping these particles in its porous surface.
- Neutralizes Smells: Whether it’s cooking odors, cigarette smoke, or pet smells, activated carbon filters can keep your home smelling fresh.
- Extends Filter Longevity: By adding an extra layer of protection against harmful particles, activated carbon helps your filter work more efficiently.
However, while activated carbon is a powerhouse, even it can only do so much before it becomes saturated. The particles that are adsorbed by the activated carbon filter are too small for the naked eye to see. That’s why replacing filters regularly (even carbon-enhanced ones) is key!
Why Can’t I Vacuum My Dirty Air Filter?
It might be tempting to try and extend the life of your filter by vacuuming off the surface. After all, it looks like an easy fix, right? Unfortunately, vacuuming your air filter can do more harm than good.
Here’s why:
- Loss of Filtration Efficiency: Filters, especially HEPA filters, are designed to collect fine particles deep within their fibers. Vacuuming won’t fully eliminate these particles and could even push them deeper into the filter.
- Damage to the Filter: The force of a vacuum can damage the filter material, reducing its ability to trap pollutants.
- Releasing Particles Back Into the Air: A vacuum isn’t airtight, meaning you may accidentally release some of the trapped pollutants back into your home.
Instead of risking your filter’s performance, it’s always better to replace the filter when it’s due. Think of it as an investment in your home’s air quality!
How to Change the Filter in My Air Purifier
Replacing your air purifier filter might sound intimidating, but it’s actually a quick and simple task. Follow these easy steps to swap out your old filter for a fresh one on the PuroAir 240:
- For safety, turn off and unplug the purifier.
- Place your purifier on its side or upside down.
- Grip the middle handle on the bottom panel. Twist and lift in a counterclockwise motion.
- Pull the filter out of the base.
- Remove the new filter from its packaging and place in the purifier so that the PuroAir logo is facing out.
- Replace the base cover and make sure it is locked into position by twisting in a clockwise motion.
- Plug your purifier back in and hold the replacement indicator light for 10-15 seconds to reset.
Never Run Out of Filters with a PuroAir Filter Subscription
We all know how easy it is to forget to replace a filter until it’s too late. That’s why PuroAir makes it simple to stay on top of your filter replacements with our hassle-free subscription service.
Here’s what you’ll love:
- Convenient Deliveries: We'll ship filters directly to your door at intervals tailored to your purifier and usage.
- Exclusive Discounts: Subscribers enjoy lower pricing compared to one-time purchases.
- Premium Quality Assurance: Every filter is tested to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards.
Sign up today and you’ll never need to worry about dirty filters sabotaging your air quality again.
Join Puroair’s Subscription Service Now!
Breathe the Cleanest Air Possible
Regularly replacing your air purifier filter is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality and ensuring your purifier operates efficiently. By recognizing the signs of a dirty filter, understanding the benefits of technologies like activated carbon, and avoiding common maintenance pitfalls, you can enjoy clean, fresh air every day.
If you want to take the guesswork out of filter replacement, a PuroAir subscription is the perfect solution. With reliable deliveries and top-notch filters, your home will always be a haven of clean air.
Start breathing easier today—sign up with PuroAir and transform the way you care for your air purifier!