Activated carbon filters and odor removers are commonly used in residential and commercial HVAC units to reduce levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as chemicals from household cleaning products. These heavy, high-quality filters can help improve efficiency and longevity, but what exactly do they remove from indoor air? Activated carbon filters are best suited for trapping particles smaller than 0.3 micrometers in size, such as tobacco smoke, cooking oil vapors, bacteria, viruses and VOCs. The most important difference between a carbon air filter and a conventional air filter is the filter material. Carbon air filters have a carbon layer that links aromas, vapors and gases at the molecular level to prevent them from passing through air ducts, unlike normal filter media which simply retain foreign material that enters the air stream. When it comes to air purification, activated carbon filters are one of the most effective solutions. They are designed to capture particles as small as 0.3 micrometers, including dust, pollen, smoke, bacteria, viruses and VOCs.
This makes them ideal for removing odors and improving indoor air quality. How often the filter must be replaced depends on several factors such as airflow speed and air quality, but it must be replaced approximately every three months to ensure maximum performance. Allergy sufferers may prefer to use a pleated MERV 13 air filter or invest in a few genuine HEPA portable air purifiers to be used in conjunction with carbon air filters. Since World War I when coal was used to filter out some lethal chemicals used against the military, activated carbon has been used to purify the air. It is generally recommended to use an air purifier with an activated carbon filter and a HEPA filter for optimal performance. Just because you have a heavy, high-quality activated carbon filter doesn't mean you're also buying a high-quality air purifier. But with the right activated carbon filter, you can be sure that you're getting the most out of your air purification system.
