How long should a HEPA filter last?

Author: Mireille Heaney  |  Last update: Monday, December 22, 2025

The average lifespan of HEPA filters can vary significantly depending on their usage, environment, quality, and maintenance, as previously discussed. However, as a general guideline, HEPA filters typically last between 6 months to 3 years before needing replacement.

How often should I replace my HEPA filter?

The HEPA filter replacement frequency also depends on whether it is a commercial or residential setting. If you are using it in a commercial space, you may have to change it more frequently due to the heavy usage. However, in a residential setting, the filter should last two to three years before replacing.

What is the life expectancy of a HEPA filter?

Some companies swear by replacing HEPA filters every three years. The maximum lifespan of HEPA filters, as reported by our clients, is about eight years, which does not mean they have reached their maximum lifespan. As long as the filters are regularly checked and prove to be efficient, they do not need to be replaced.

How do you know if a HEPA filter needs replacing?

Your HEPA filter will have heavy clumps of dirt and dust and it'll look black if it's dirty. That's an indication that your filter needs cleaning or replacement. A HEPA filter should be changed every year, pre-filters last 30 days and carbon filters can last three to six months.

Do HEPA filters lose effectiveness over time?

Specialists are clear: If the air purifier isn't regularly maintained, it loses effectiveness and can become a source of air pollution itself! Here are some things to know about maintaining air purifiers with HEPA filters: The pre-filter usually needs to be cleaned every 3 to 4 weeks.

How long will a water filter last?

Why are HEPA filters rarely used in homes?

Part of the reason that HEPA filters are so rarely used in HVAC systems is that they are extremely restrictive in terms of airflow. This means that the system needs to be extremely powerful and use additional fans in order to properly draw air through the HEPA filter and circulate it throughout the room or building.

Can I clean my air purifier filter instead of replacing it?

Most air purifiers have a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and sometimes an activated carbon filter. You can wash, dry and reuse most pre-filters and carbon filters, but you'll need to buy a replacement HEPA filter from time to time.

What are the two disadvantages of HEPA filters?

The first is related to their cost. A high-quality HEPA filter can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand depending on the size and model and the area to be covered. Secondly, they need to be regularly maintained and replaced in order to keep them working properly.

Can I just clean my HEPA filter?

Bottom Line: How to Clean and Wash a HEPA Filter? Vacuuming HEPAs may improve performance, but the effect is small. Washing HEPAs strongly decreases performance. We do not recommend washing HEPAs.

Do air purifiers help with mold?

Mold is an obvious health risk in any home, but investing in an air purifier can help limit your exposure. The best among them will ideally offer HEPA-level filtration, with this level of filtration being able to trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter.

Should I run my HEPA filter all day?

Many people think that switching it off during the night or when they're not present is a logical energy-saving measure, but it is recommended to keep it running constantly. Once you turn off your air purifier, the air quickly becomes contaminated again with mold, dust, dander, and other pollutants present in the air.

What causes HEPA filter failure?

HEPA and ULPA filters can tolerate some humidity. Humidity higher than 95%, however, can cause the filter media to plug, resulting in failure (EPA, 1991).

Is there a permanent HEPA filter?

HEPA-type permanent filter captures particles as small as 2 microns so you can breathe comfortably. Service light indicator let's you know when the filter needs to be cleaned.

Do I need a HEPA air purifier in every room?

Can One Air Purifier Work for Multiple Rooms? In general, yes—one air purifier can work for multiple rooms. However, it's important that the unit's capacity fits the layout of your home and is specific to the type of air pollutants you're targeting.

Do HEPA filters work better when dirty?

HEPA filters will capture 99.97% of particulate larger than 0.3 microns (about 1/75,000 of an inch in size). If the filter gets dirty... it filters SMALLER PARTICLES than 0.3 microns ... and a larger percentage of the particles larger than 0.3 microns. Yes.... a dirty filter filters BETTER than a brand new fresh one.

What is the lifespan of a HEPA filter?

The average lifespan of HEPA filters can vary significantly depending on their usage, environment, quality, and maintenance, as previously discussed. However, as a general guideline, HEPA filters typically last between 6 months to 3 years before needing replacement.

How do I know if my HEPA filter is dirty?

Signs Your HEPA Filter Needs Replacing
  1. The Filter is Damaged.
  2. Power Consumption Rises.
  3. Allergens are High.
  4. Dust and Dirt Build Up.

Can HEPA filters be vacuumed and reused?

HEPA filters can be vacuumed, but in the process, the HEPA filters are designed to trap particles up to 99% accuracy; this means that it's near impossible to vacuum all of the remaining particles and bacteria from the filter. You may end up damaging the filter by washing it, as it is extremely fragile.

What do HEPA filters not remove?

HEPA filters will not remove most viruses, because they are simply too small. HEPA filters will also not remove VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, as they are also too small. Still, HEPA filter technology can be combined with other technologies that will remove these things from your air too.

Is there anything better than HEPA filter?

ULPA filters trap more and smaller particulate matter than HEPA filters. ULPA filters are 99.999% effective at removing submicron particulate matter of 0.12-micron diameter or larger, while HEPA filters are 99.97% effective for eliminating particulate matter of 0.3-micron diameter or larger.

Which is better HEPA or charcoal cabin filter?

Unlike carbon filters, HEPA filters are not designed to remove odours, smoke, fumes or chemicals. HEPA filters also trap microorganisms, which is why it is recommended to use both HEPA filters and carbon filters. Carbon or charcoal filters were designed to filter out odours, smoke, fumes and other chemicals.

What is the failure rate of HEPA filter?

The annual average filter failure rate is 0.5251%, and the decadal failure rate is 4.3%.

Are washable HEPA filters as effective?

First of all, while washable filters can handle larger particles made of dust and dirt, they're not as good at trapping tinier contaminants, viruses, and bacteria. Not to mention that washable filters still need to be properly maintained to be able to function well.

How do I know if my air purifier filter needs replacing?

You see more pet dander moving around. Your air purifier is making unusual noises. Your air purifier doesn't seem to be working properly. The filter looks gray and dirty when you check it.

Do air purifiers remove existing dust?

The answer is yes. By filtering particles, air purifiers remove pollutants, allergens, and other toxins from the air. However, how effectively they eliminate dust will depend on the device's specific features.

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