Nothing lasts forever—and especially not carbon filters.
If you have an air purifier or a different system to remove odors and harmful pollutants, there’s a big chance that there’s one of these filtered inside.
And knowing how long they last can help you ensure they will perform effectively and keep your environment safe. So let’s find out when it is time to replace your filters.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Carbon Filter?
If you look at typical information online, you’ll find that most carbon filters are designed to last between three to six months under typical usage conditions.
However, this is not always the case. With some high-end air purifying systems such as Rabbit Air’s purifiers—activated carbon filters can last up to six years.
For example, a BioGS 2.0 Charcoal-Based Activated Carbon Filter can last up to 18 months in optimal conditions, while you can replace BioGS Classic Charcoal-Based Activated Carbon Filter every three years if you use it non-stop. And if you use it sporadically, it can last even longer.
Of course, this can vary depending on the conditions—industrial or high-polluted areas will wear and tear the filter earlier. Plus, you’ll have to clean your filters every two to three months.
Now that’s sorted, let’s go a bit deeper into carbon filter maintenance.
What Affects Carbon Filter Longevity?
The main thing to remember is that usually the higher the quality of your air purification system, the longer the lifespan of your filter, too.
But the lifespan of a carbon filter can vary significantly based on several factors.
Type of Pollutants
The nature and concentration of pollutants in the environment play a critical role in determining how long your carbon filter will last.
If you expose your filter to higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other contaminants, they will saturate more quickly than those in cleaner air.
Environmental Conditions
Things like humidity and temperature can impact filter performance.
High humidity can cause activated carbon to clump, which can make it less effective and reduce its lifespan. In ideal conditions, a high-end carbon filter might last as long as six years.
But in humid or colder climates, this can drop to as little as six months to a year.
Frequency of Use
The more you use your filter, the quicker it will reach its saturation point.
For instance, in Rabbit Air’s BioGS Classic case, a charcoal-based activated carbon filter can last up to six years if used 12 hours a day in optimal conditions. Or three years if it’s on 24/7.
How to Know When to Replace a Carbon Filter?
This can be tricky. But recognizing when your carbon filter needs replacement is what will help you maintain air quality at all times.
Here’s what you should pay attention to:
You should also refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific replacement intervals tailored to your filter model.
If you want to know when to replace your Rabbit Air purifier’s filter, you can always check our FAQ page for filter replacement on any specific model.
Tips to Maximize Your Carbon Filters’ Lifespan
To extend the life of your carbon filter, try to implement some maintenance, such as the following.
Clean Your Filter Regularly
Depending on the type of your air purifier, you might need to clean your filter from time to time.
This usually involves removing dust and debris that can clog the filter after a specific period. For Rabbit Air’s purifiers, you might want to clean your filter every three months.
Monitor Humidity Levels
If your indoor humidity is high, carbon in the filter can clump and lose its adsorptive capacity.
You want to keep your indoor humidity low—either by using a dehumidifier or an air conditioner to prevent this from happening.
Tip: An ideal humidity level in your household should be between 30-50%.
Use Pre-Filters
Pre-filters can capture larger particles before they reach the carbon filter, which reduces the load and consequently extends the lifespan of your filter.
Rabbit Air’s pre-filters are easy to install and you just clean them every month for maximum efficiency. Simple as.
How to Choose the Right Carbon Filter?
If you want to get the best bang for your buck with your carbon filter here’s what you should consider:
Keep Track of Filter Replacement Season
Carbon filters can last from just up to three months, to up to six years.
Their lifespan varies on factors like air quality, humidity, usage, but the quality of the filter and air purifier itself.
You can also impact the filter’s lifespan by regular cleaning, monitoring, and using pre-filters, among other things.
Bottom line: a high-quality filter and a little effort leads to a long-lasting, clean and fresh environment.
