The Importance of Air Purifier Pre-filters

The air purifier models sold by ClearFlite, typically include a pre-filter which needs to be changed more often than the HEPA filter or the gas and odor filter. Why does an air purifier need a pre-filter, and is it really important to change the pre-filter according to the prescribed schedule, or manufacturer’s recommendation?

First, let’s take a look at the phenomenon of particles in the air. Indoor air is full of particles, and in fact, most of the mass in the particles is in the larger particles, not the tiny pollens, etc. These large particles (dust, pet dander, etc) will be captured by the majority of air purifier filters at about the same rate. What this means, is that unless you use a pre-filter, the high-efficiency, more expensive HEPA filters will clog up with big particles too quickly. Even though HEPA filters have a large number of pleats which gives them lots of surface area, they can fill up more quickly if the larger particles are not pre-filtered out. In a typical family, with kids, dogs or cats, and a lifestyle that’s highly active, an air purifier has to deal with a lot of large particles!

Pets are not the only ones with dander! Our customers using an air purifier for the first time, are typically surprised at how much human hair is caught in the pre-filter. Between humans and pets, especially cats, just the hair and fur can load up the pre-filter. That’s one of the main reasons that the pre-filter on your air purifier should be changed, or at least checked according to the prescribed schedule. In some cases, as with the Austin Air HealthMate models, the outside of the air purifier can be vacuumed occasionally and that will remove some of the larger pieces like the hair and dander. The aim is to keep the air purifier optimally pulling in the more toxic pollutants in the home or office. In both locations air purifiers can really help.

Does changing your pre-filter according to the prescribed schedule mean you’ll never have to dust again? This is one of the most hopeful questions we get from our new customers. Unfortunately, an air purifier doesn’t take the place of cleaning and dusting a home. Blame it on the laws of physics. Dust that you can clearly see is very large – maybe 20 microns or more. An air purifier is not designed to remove the giant particles. You should clean and dust your home and vacuum frequently as well. Because all of that cleaning does result in filling the air with particles of all sizes, it is important to turn your air purifier on the highest speed after you’ve cleaned. That way the surfaces and the air are clean.

Should you purchase an extra pre-filter when you purchase your air purifier? It’s a good idea to have one on hand, but not absolutely required. ClearFlite normally ships very quickly so you should have one that you’ve ordered within a week or so, depending on the brand and where you live. It is a very good idea to put the date that you should check the pre-filter either on your calendar or on a piece of paper taped to the air purifier. An air purifier is another expense in running a healthy home, so you might as well use it most efficiently and effectively by changing the pre-filter as prescribed by the manufacturer. Each page on the different brands we sell, stipulates how long the filters typically last. It varies of course, depending on how many inhabitants occupy your home and in which part of the world you live, but generally the manufacturers estimate the longevity fairly closely.  Air purifiers can be an aid to better health for the office staff and the family.