The importance and replacement interval of an activated carbon filter - Everything you need to know

Activated carbon filters are an integral part of many home and industrial air and water purification systems. They help remove harmful pollutants such as odors, gases, chemicals and toxins from the air and water. But what do activated carbon filters actually do, and how often should they be changed? In this comprehensive guide, we explain how activated carbon filters work, what factors affect their lifespan, and how to find the perfect replacement interval for your home or business needs.

Why is an activated carbon filter important in shower water?

Water quality is of great importance for the well-being of the skin and hair. Many people do not think that shower water may contain chemicals and impurities that can dry out the skin, weaken the condition of the hair and cause irritation. By using an activated carbon filter, you can ensure that the water is cleaner and softer.

Benefits for skin and hair

  • Skin moisture balance:Chlorine and other chemicals strip the skin of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and irritation. Thanks to the WACF active carbon filter, the shower water is gentler on the skin, which helps maintain the moisture balance.
  • Hair health:Harsh chemicals in water can weaken the hair structure, making it dry and brittle. Filtered water helps keep hair healthy and shiny.
  • Care for sensitive skin:People with sensitive skin or skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis can especially benefit from cleaner water, as it reduces the amount of irritants.

What is an activated carbon filter and how does it work?

An activated carbon filter is a filter that uses highly porous activated carbon to bind impurities. Activated carbon has been processed to have a large surface area, which enables its effective ability to bind chemical compounds and pollutants.

How does activated carbon clean air and water?

The power of activated carbon is based on its ability to absorb impurities in its pores. In a process called adsorption, the carbon's pores trap gaseous and liquid contaminants such as organic compounds, chemicals, and unpleasant odors.

  • In air cleaningactivated carbon filters trap chemicals, odor molecules and even certain gases that can be harmful to health.
  • In water purificationactivated carbon removes chlorine, organic impurities, such as pesticides, and improves the taste and smell of water.

One of the biggest advantages of an activated carbon filter is its ability to handle a wide range of contaminants without significantly affecting the basic properties of the medium being filtered, such as air or water.

Where are activated carbon filters used?

Activated carbon filters are widely used both in households and in industry. They are common, for example, in the following applications:

  • Air purifiers:The filters of air purifiers intended for the home often contain activated carbon, which removes odors, gases and chemicals from the room air.
  • Water purifiers:Filters used to clean tap water often use activated carbon to remove chlorine, organic compounds and other harmful substances.
  • Kitchen hoods:Many range hoods have an active carbon filter that removes cooking odors and prevents them from spreading to the rest of the apartment.
  • Aquarium filtration systems:Activated carbon filters remove toxins and impurities from the aquarium water, which keeps the fish's habitat healthy.

In addition to these, activated carbon filters are also found in the automotive industry, hospitals and even in special applications, such as controlling chemical leaks.

How often should the activated carbon filter be changed?

The replacement interval of the activated carbon filter depends on several factors, such as the amount of use, the level of impurities in the filter medium and the size of the filter.

In water purifiers

In water purifiers, activated carbon filters typically last about 4-6 months, depending on the quality of the water and how much water is used. Chlorinated or otherwise contaminated water will wear out the filter faster, so it is important to check the manufacturer's recommendations and monitor the taste and smell of the water.

Signs that the activated carbon filter needs to be replaced

Although it is good to follow the manufacturer's recommendations, the time to change the filter can sometimes come before the recommended change interval. The following signs may indicate that the activated carbon filter is already saturated and needs to be replaced:

  1. The water has an unpleasant taste or smell:The activated carbon filter removes chlorine and other impurities from the water that affect the taste and smell. If the water starts to taste unpleasant again, it is worth replacing the filter.
  2. Service life is full:If the filter is used for longer than the recommended time, it no longer works optimally. Even if you don't notice any changes in the air or water, it's a good idea to change the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  3. Filter clogging:If the active carbon filter is physically blocked, i.e. the filter material has hardened or water does not pass through it properly, it must be replaced immediately.