You may think that rinsing or vacuuming your air filter is a good way to make it last longer, but this is not the recommended approach. Washing the filter can damage the fiber mesh that allows it to capture particles from the air, and it also increases the chance of mold or bacteria growing on the filter. Vacuuming is a better option, as it can easily remove all the dust and particles trapped in the filter. However, it is important to note that vacuuming can also damage the filter, and it can release dust and other toxins into the heating unit's ducts when it is reinstalled. Electrostatic air purifiers are known as low-cost maintenance air purification solutions because they allow filters to be washed over and over again without having to buy a new one.
However, even if the filter appears intact after vacuuming, some of the fibers may break or stretch. The reason HEPA filters have a very strong fiber is because they are tested and confirmed to trap 99.97% of airborne particles, so you know that if you buy this air purifier, it will do its job. It is possible that some powerful vacuums will remove all the dirt, but over time they will destroy the HEPA filter and it will stop working properly. It is usually better for your home's heating and air quality to change the filter to a new one when the old filter is used up. Smart Air provides sensible, empirically backed purifiers and masks that remove the same particles as large companies for a fraction of the cost. Before placing a washable filter back inside an air purifier, make sure to dry it thoroughly.
Vacuuming your air filters is a good idea, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. Why pay for an expensive, 100% functional system just to save a few dollars and not know if your air purifier is actually working at peak performance?.
