An air filter with carbon uses activated carbon to remove contaminants from the air. Activated carbon is an actual type of carbon that has been treated to have a high surface area. This means that it has a large number of pores, which allows it to adsorb (or bind) more molecules of contaminants than other types of carbon.
The activated carbon in a carbon air filter is usually made from coconut shells. The large surface area of the activated carbon makes it effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and smoke. Carbon air filters are often used in commercial and industrial settings, as well as in homes.
How Does a Carbon Air Filter Work?
When air passes through a carbon air filter, the contaminants are adsorbed onto the surface of the activated carbon. This process occurs because the molecules of the contaminants are attracted to the pores in the activated carbon. The contaminants are then trapped on the surface of the carbon and cannot pass through the filter.
The efficiency of a carbon air filter depends on several factors, including the type of activated carbon used, the filter’s size, and the airflow rate. The higher the quality of the activated carbon, the better it will be at adsorbing contaminants. The larger the filter, the longer it will take for the air to pass through it and the more time the contaminants will have to be adsorbed. The slower the airflow, the more time the contaminants will have to be adsorbed onto the activated carbon.
Carbon air filters typically need to be replaced every 3-6 months. The replacement frequency will depend on the type of filter, the amount of use, and the quality of the activated carbon.
How to Clean an Activated Carbon Air Filter?
Activated carbon air filters are very effective at removing contaminants from the air. However, they can become clogged over time and need to be cleaned to continue working properly. There are different ways to clean an activated carbon air filter, but the essential thing is to be gentle so as not to damage the carbon.
You can wash the air filter following the manufacturer’s instructions if it is labeled “washable.”
- One way to clean an activated carbon air filter is to vacuum it with the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner.
- Another way to clean an activated carbon air filter is to soak it in water and vinegar for about an hour. This will help to loosen any dirt or debris clinging to the carbon.
Once you have cleaned the activated carbon air filter, be sure to rinse it well with clean water. You may also want to vacuum it again to ensure all the dirt and debris have been removed. These simple steps ensure that your activated carbon air filter will continue working properly and help keep your home’s air clean. As we all know, carbon filters are relatively expensive, so this can be done a few times before the air filter needs to be replaced.
When choosing a carbon air filter, it is vital to select one that is the right size for the space that will be filtered. It is also important to select a filter with high-quality activated carbon. The higher the quality of the activated carbon, the better it will be at adsorbing contaminants.
