As you might know, humidifiers that provide cool invisible moisture need a wicking filter in order to operate. The filter is what allows the water to evaporate invisibly into the air. The filter also removes minerals and physical impurities from the water before evaporation, helping prevent white dust (mineral content from the water). Show To keep a filtered humidifier running well, you’ll need to replace the filter every 30-60 days, depending on how frequently you use the humidifier. But keep in mind, there are some dirty secrets when it comes to replacement filters. Dirty Secret #1 – Off-brand filters are a big “no”You shouldn’t substitute a generic filter for a filter made by your humidifier’s brand. This is because each humidifier is designed to use very specific filters.Using an off-brand filter can prevent your humidifier from working correctly, or even damage it. Using the right filter ensures maximum moisture output and the longest life from your humidifier. For Honeywell humidifiers, only use genuine Honeywell Replacement Filters. Dirty Secret #2 – Antimicrobial protection is a big “yes”A humidifier filter spends its time soaked in water. Without built-in antimicrobial treatment, the filter can develop mold and bacterial growth. When you choose a replacement filter, be sure the filter is designed with antimicrobial protection. Honeywell replacement filters are made with Protec®, a treatment that inhibits up to 99.99% of mold growth on the filter*. (*Based on internal laboratory test report #SM211AF) Dirty Secret #3 – Filters shouldn’t be cleanedYou may think that you can prolong your filter’s life by cleaning it – in fact, the opposite is true. A filter should never be cleaned with vinegar, soap or any chemical solutions. This kind of cleaning can actually damage the filter. If the filter is hardened with mineral buildup, you can loosen the buildup by soaking the filter in cool water. This will temporarily improve the filter’s performance, until a replacement can be purchased. Dirty Secret #4 – You can extend your filter’s lifeAlthough the filter can’t be cleaned, there is something you can do to extend its life. Simply turn the filter over each time you fill the humidifier’s water tank. This keeps the top of the filter from drying out, and it helps the filter age more evenly and last longer. Dirty Secret #5 – Replacement frequency can varyThe recommended schedule for filter replacement is once every 30 to 60 days, but if you have very hard water (high in minerals), you may need to replace your filter more frequently. If you notice that the filter is hard and crusty with buildup, if the filter is giving off an odor, or if your humidifier’s moisture output has decreased, then you should replace the filter promptly. It’s no secret – regularly replacing your filter is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your cool invisible moisture humidifier continues to perform well. Be sure to keep a few genuine Honeywell Replacement Filters on hand so that you can always enjoy your humidifier’s benefits! Find the right humidifier for you – or visit the product page of your humidifier to purchase replacement filters. Filter Replacement...With proper maintenance, your Honeywell air cleaner is designed to provide years of high efficiency air cleaning. Your Honeywell air cleaner contains two filters: one activated carbon pre-filter and one primary HEPA filter. The activated carbon pre-filter captures large airborne particles, and helps remove odors. The pre-filter should be replaced every 3 months. You may need to replace the pre-filter more often if the unit is used in a smoking environment or if unpleasant The primary HEPA filter should remain effective for 1 to 3 years, depending upon the environment in which the air cleaner is operating. Honeywell recommends changing the HEPA filter based upon operation conditions–every 3 years for light usage, 2 years for normal usage and 1 year for heavy usage. Our recommendations regarding filter replacement intervals are intended as guidelines only. Life expectancy of any filter media is dependent on the concentration of the contaminants to which the system is exposed. If there are sources of large amounts of contaminant generation (such as woodworking or heavy smoking) the useful life of the filter media in your air cleaner may be reduced. Whenever the combined air resistance of the activated carbon pre-filter and primary HEPA filter becomes excessive due to the amount of contaminants they have captured, the air cleaner will begin to audibly pulsate. Instead of a steady stream of air, rapid "puffs" of air may be felt at the outlet slot. When this occurs, one of two conditions exists: 1. The activated carbon pre-filter is clogged and must be replaced. 2. If the unit continues to pulsate after a new pre-filter is installed, the useful life of the HEPA filter has been reached and it must be replaced. Replace the activated carbon pre-filter at least every 3 months. The activated carbon pre-filter is the element of your air cleaner that helps reduce normal household odors, captures lint and other large particles and protects and helps extend the life of the HEPA filter. If there are heavy concentrations of odors, smoke, or large particles in the home, you may need to change the activated carbon pre-filter more often. We DO NOT recommend operating the air cleaner without the activated carbon pre-filter. The HEPA filter may become contaminated and begin to emit any odors captured. CAUTION: Do not attempt to wash either the activated carbon pre-filter or the HEPA filter. They are not washable and washing will damage the filters. |