How many of us have woken up in a cold sweat, realizing it’s been a year since we’ve changed the vacuum filter? Probably none of us.
But joking aside, vacuum filters contain dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria. The longer you leave them, the more time that toxic brew has the chance to escape and do harm. Now you can see why it’s something worth setting a reminder on your phone for!
With more than 50 million Americans suffering from allergies, we need all the help we can get to keep allergens out of our homes. But exactly how often should you change your vacuum filter to get the maximum benefit from it?
Let’s dig into this question in more detail.
How Does a HEPA Filter Work?
Many people buy their vacuum because it comes with a HEPA vacuum filter. Somehow, we all know that’s a good thing, but it’s hard to say what it actually means. Basically, it’s a highly efficient filter that can, in theory, remove 99.97% of airborne particles from the air.
The smallest particles it can filter out are often quoted as 0.01 microns. Of course, filter efficiency varies from product to product. For context, the virus that causes COVID-19 is 0.125 microns in diameter, meaning a 0.01 micron HEPA filter should catch it.
This does not mean that a HEPA filter in a vacuum or an air purifier is effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19. But it does show that they are capable of removing even the tiniest particles when they are kept in good condition.
How Often to Replace a HEPA Vacuum Filter
The answer to this million-dollar question really depends on how often you use your vacuum. You will find they last much longer at home than they do in the workplace.
Commercial Settings
In a commercial setting, like an office that is vacuumed every day, you will need to check your HEPA filter every month. First, put on a mask and gloves. Unplug the vacuum cleaner and remove the filter.
It’s best to do this outdoors on a clear, dry day. You’ll be able to see the dust and dirt that has accumulated on the filter. You can clean vacuum filters by carefully brushing them with a clean brush or by giving them a good shake. If you can remove all the dirt and the filter is quite clean, it should be OK to continue using it.
A good way to test is by holding it up to the light. Can you see through it? If not, you need to replace it.
The same applies to filters that are torn or damaged. They can’t contain the dirt any longer, so it’ll just leak back into the room. It’s time to get a new filter.
If you try to clean it and the stains won’t budge, the filter needs to be replaced. If you’re vacuuming heavily soiled floors most days, expect them to last for about a month. Otherwise, they can last for up to six months.
When you’re replacing filters this often, you need to find a reliable, affordable supplier like Discount Filters.
At Home
How often you need to change your vacuum filter will depend on how often you vacuum your floors. If you vacuum several times a week (and bravo if you do) then they may clog a little more quickly. That said, you can probably still use them for a year or more.
The key is to check them regularly. Do this the same way you would check a commercial vacuum filter, always wearing a mask and gloves.<
When designing or upgrading a kitchen, selecting the right appliances is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A well-chosen suite of appliances can enhance your cooking experience, increase your home’s value, and provide a cohesive aesthetic that ties your kitchen together. Achieving the perfect balance between functionality and design might seem daunting, but […]
Got a small space and big dreams for your living room? You’re not alone. Many face the challenge of finding living room furniture that fits tight spots but still oozes style. It’s like trying to squeeze into jeans from high school—tough, but not impossible. Here’s a cool fact: you can have chic and functional spaces […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]
A thoughtful U shaped modular kitchen design can enhance functionality, and aesthetics in your kitchen, as well as in the dining and breakfast areas. With the various modular kitchen options available in India, the following ideas can help you envision your customized U shaped modular kitchen design. 1) Explore Neutral Color Palette The kitchen’s neutral […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
Gate Design is an important feature of any home. Numerous scopes for experimentation open up when delving into the design possibilities. Materials like wood and black steel are popular options in Indian homes. At the same time, designers also experiment with a combination of materials that suits their aesthetic. Buying mass-produced Sydney automated gates has […]
Hyderabad is a city that boasts a rich and diverse architectural heritage that has been shaped by its history and cultural influences. The city has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Qutb Shahis, the Mughals, and the Nizams, who have all left their mark on its architecture and influenced young architects in Hyderabad. The […]
Should I study architecture or Interior Design? This is a question every high school graduate comes across. Moreover, the difference is not as commonly clear as it seems. Students often end up getting wrong advice like ‘they both are very similar’ and ‘you only need to be good at drawing’ etc. Well, that’s not true […]
The magic of creating a Space is the end-users ultimate urge to wish and spend all their time and grow old in it! This might just be the biggest success of an Architect, who is responsible for turning the client’s requirements and designing an aesthetically pleasing livable space. The Architect’s Diary has carefully curated a […]
Turning an empty plot and executing an entire design from plinth to top is like taking a blank canvas and painting an entire story on it! Architects are creators; creators of spaces, giving life and meaning to them. The Architects not only represent their city, but are also extraordinarily responsible in shaping the city’s skyline.The […]