Carbon filtration is applied to air purifiers, gas masks, refrigerators, fish tanks, and various other devices to remove dirt particles and odor molecules from air or water. It is a truly unique element, one that has been utilized by humanity since ancient times. For use with air and water purification, you'll often hear it referred to as "activated carbon."
The Carbon-Activated Air Filter
In order to be effective, carbon filters must be activated. Carbon is a base element, and in its solid form, can be charcoal, graphite, coal, or wood, to name a few. So how does carbon turn into an air filter?
Activation Process
Activation involves exposing the carbon-based material, usually charcoal, to approximately 900 degrees Celsius. Afterward, it is exposed again to high temperatures but with oxygen.
This activation process creates a highly porous surface area on the carbon, which allows it to trap particles and odor molecules. Although carbon air filters do an excellent job at capturing large particles, such as pet hair, lint, and dirt, their main selling point is their ability to neutralize and trap odor when it makes contact with carbon.
Once activated, a carbon filter can last for three to four months before it needs to be replaced.
What if my carbon filter doesn't work?
The pores in activated carbon filters become clogged over time, which reduces their ability to remove contaminants from the air or water. For these reasons, activated carbon filters generally must be replaced every three to four months. If you are using a carbon air filter past this time, this is one reason your filter isn't working.
Additionally, high humidity levels can cause the pores to close, making the filter less effective.
There will be no visual indicators to tell you that the activation of your carbon air filter is expired. It will struggle to capture particles and might smell musty.
Can I wash and reuse my carbon filter?
While it is possible to reuse a carbon air filter, it is not recommended. Washing a carbon air filter can remove some of the impurities trapped inside, but it will not fully reactivate the carbon. The pores will not open up, and it won't be any better at collecting odor molecules. As a result, your filter will not be as effective at trapping new impurities.
Carbon filters are only effective for a certain amount of time before they need to be replaced. This is because the pores in the carbon gradually close up, and the filter becomes less effective at capturing particles. Additionally, carbon filters can become saturated with moisture, which also reduces their effectiveness.
For these reasons, it's generally not a good idea to try to reuse a carbon filter.
Reuse Vs. Replace Activated Carbon Filters
So what happens if you wash and reuse a carbon filter? In most cases, it won't be as effective as a new filter.
The activated carbon will have lost some of its ability to capture particles, and the filter will likely be full of moisture. Additionally, you risk introducing bacteria and mold into your home if you don't wash the filter properly.
It's best to buy a new carbon filter when the old one needs to be replaced. Most people don't have the tools or resources necessary to reactivate carbon on their own. Carbon air filters are plenty and very affordable as a result. They are designed to be disposable!
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The LifeSupplyUSA catalog has carbon air filters for a variety of different air purifier models. The carbon filters are cut precisely to specifications that are compatible with different models. If you simply want a large sheet of a carbon filter that you can cut to size at your discretion, the 18" x 48" inch carbon sheet is also available.
