W hen it comes to efficient air or water filtering, most systems will include an activated carbon filter or a variant of it. This layer’s main purpose is to neutralize bad smells and volatile organic compounds that make the air harder to breathe and can pose a danger to health. Therefore, you shouldn’t be surprised if you find it in an air purifier for pets as we all know what a heavy smell can remain after a cat or a dog.
The process behind these filters is called adsorption, and we should mention that their efficiency depends on the surface of the carbon layer. Thus, for larger rooms, you will want to purchase a larger air purifier that uses a bigger carbon filter.
So how do they work? Stay with us as we present the components and the technology behind these types of filters, and find out if you need one for your home.
Air Purifier with Activated Carbon Filter
What Are Activated Carbon Filters Made Of?
They are basically blocks of granular or powdered carbon, which has been previously treated to become porous. The porosity allows it to cover large surfaces and remove a higher quantity of contaminants. Unlike absorption, which implies the material absorbing a substance, adsorption, which stands behind carbon filters, is the process in which organic compounds in the water or air interact with the activated charcoal and are attracted to the filter where they get stuck. Thus, specific contaminants, like for example oils that persist into the air after frying fish, are captured and neutralized, so they don’t get the chance to deposit on upholstery or clothes and persist days afterward.
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How Do They Work?
Activated carbon filters are parts of complex purifying systems and they usually double a HEPA filter. They go inside an air purifier, in the chamber designed for filters, which is usually placed at the back of the unit. Once the system starts working, the polluted air is drawn inside with the help of the fan and filtered through the multiple layers. The pre-filter will capture big particles like lint or dust mites, whereas the HEPA will remove small contaminants, namely dust, mold spores, allergens, or even bacteria. The carbon filter is the one in charge of odors and VOCs. The polluting particles interact with the charcoal and stick to the filter.
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Washable Activated Carbon Filter
The Pros of Activated Carbon Filters
Whether they are used for air or water purification, these filters are essential additions, especially if you are living in an area where the level of pollution is high. If used for a water filter system, it will capture bad odors and tastes, ensuring that the taste of the water is neutral. On the other hand, if placed inside an air cleaner, it can help remove the following contaminants:
- Cigarette smoke
- Pet odors
- Cooking odors
- Benzene and Toluene
- Chlorinated compounds
Therefore, these filters are the best solution if one of the family members is a smoker or if you are living in an area where smoke produced by wildfire is a serious problem. At the same time, if factories are functioning nearby your home, you should consider that they can release harmful substances. In this case, an air purifier that is specialized in dust removal would be the best choice.
How Long Does an Activated Carbon Filter Last?
If the filter is part of an odor removal system, then it is usually larger and thicker, so will last more than regular charcoal layers. Nevertheless, if used for this purpose, it means that it is often exposed to heavy pollutants which will reduce its lifespan. Most charcoal filters last for 3 months, but once again, we must stress that this may vary depending on how polluted the air is.
Bottom Line
Whether you purchase an air cleaner or a water filter, make sure it comes with an activated carbon filter. As you have seen, the benefits are considerable, and, although you will need to pay some extra money every few months to replace it, its action will show in the quality of the air or water. Just make sure you buy a high-quality product and use it in a performant purification system (for air filtering, a HEPA filter is a must). Only this way, you can rest assured that the air in your home is safe to breathe and that you can safely enjoy a glass of clean tap water.
