Activated Carbon Air Filters: Untangling the True From the False

During the past half century, using activated carbons in filtration techniques has been pretty common, in residential and industrial applications. A 2022 study also discusses the performance evaluation of activated carbon sorbents for indoor air purification during normal and wildfire events. The study analyzes the potential of activated carbon filters to improve the indoor air quality of residential and office buildings.

Activated carbon air filters have become increasingly popular for their ability to improve indoor air quality. As with any widely-used technology, a variety of true and false claims surround their effectiveness and use. In this article, we’ll untangle the facts from the myths to provide a clear understanding of what activated carbon air filters can and cannot do.

What is Activated Carbon?

Activated Carbon or Activated Charcoal, is a form of carbon produced from coconut shell, coal or wood. These materials are activated by exposure to 900°C temperature in an oxygen free chamber to create a porous structure. The activated carbon is sometimes formed into granules or small vermicelli shaped blocks, which are then used in air filters.

It is processed to create many small, tiny pores, resulting in a large surface area, and helps in trapping and removing pollutants. This high surface area is effective in adsorbing (not absorbing) a large range of contaminants.

There are numerous benefits of activated carbon as it is very efficient in wiping out contaminants from the air. It can be used in different forms in many applications like powders, blocks, etc and last but not least, it is natural and safe to use in food, water, and air purification.

What Are Activated Carbon Air Filters?

Activated carbon air filters are an essential component in many air purification systems, renowned for their ability to remove contaminants, odors, and pollutants from the air. These filters are used in various settings, including homes, offices, industrial environments, and even in grow tents for indoor gardening.

As we have read above how activated carbon is produced, this carbon is used by the carbon air filters aka activated charcoal filters to trap pollutants and provide healthier and pollutant-free air around us.

How Do Activated Carbon Air Filters Work?

The science behind the activated carbon air filter is simple, it is a three-step process:

1. The first step is adsorption, no it is not absorption! In this process, contaminants are collected on the surface of the carbon particles rather than being absorbed into the material. A bigger surface area provides more adsorption, hence the air purifier can hold a significant amount of pollutants.
2. In the second step, contaminants are removed, as air passes through the activated carbon filter, contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and certain gasses are trapped in the pores of the carbon. This results in cleaner, fresher air exiting the filter.
3. The third and last step is the output which improves air quality. The air is purified, all kinds of pollutants are removed and fresh air is available for humans and plants to breathe.

Benefits of Activated Carbon Air Filters

The benefits of activated carbon air filters result in purified and clean air around us, some other benefits that they offer are:

1. Odor Removal: Activated carbon filters remove unpleasant odors like cooking odors, pet odors, and cigarette smoke gas, from the air. This makes them ideal for use in homes, kitchens, and bathrooms, as well as in industrial settings where strong odors may be present.
2. VOC Removal: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are found in household products like paints, cleaning supplies, and new furniture, can be harmful to health. Activated carbon filters are effective at trapping these compounds, improving indoor air quality.
3. Allergen Reduction: These filters also help to catch allergens by trapping certain gasses and chemical compounds that can exacerbate allergies.
4. Long Life Span: Activated carbon air purifier filters have a long lifespan, which means that you won't need to replace the filter as frequently as you would with other types of air purifiers. 

Misconceptions about Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon air filters contribute significantly to providing healthier and cleaner air in the environment. However, there are many misconceptions about their capabilities and usage.

Misconception # 1: Activate Carbon Filters Are Harmful for Health

No, this is not true, instead, carbon filters are safe for home usage as they help improve the air and environment around us with their amazing technology and carbon powers. 

Misconception # 2: Carbon Filters Last Forever

No, this is false. Activated carbon filters have a limited lifespan and must be replaced once the pores on the surface of the charcoal get saturated with pollutants, which happens within 12-24 months if the filter was properly sized for the application and the volume of air in the room. The pores in the carbon become saturated with pollutants and reduce the filter’s efficiency, also the same pores can be saturated with airborne water particles hence it is not recommended to expose carbon filters to humidity over 70% for the sake of prolonging its lifespan. If it has been 12 to 24 months since you last changed your filters, and you nose is "telling" that the level of odors, VOCs is increasing then it is time to replace the filter by ordering it here.

Misconception # 3: Carbon Filters Are Only for Industrial Use

No, this is incorrect! Activated carbon filters are used in various settings, including homes, offices, grow tents, and commercial spaces. They are especially useful in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where odors and VOCs are common. Their versatility makes them a valuable tool for improving indoor air quality in many environments. Since on a chemical level all odors fall into the category of VOCs it does not matter to the filter whether it is being used in an industrial or residential application. 

Choosing the Right Activated Carbon Air Filter

It is important that you choose the right carbon filter for your space, i.e. home, office, or grow tent. There are a couple of parameters that you should consider before buying yourself a filter.

1. Amount of carbon and thickness of carbon layer: The size and thickness of filters play the key role in their effectiveness. The filter market is flooded with home air purifiers which claim that they are effective at odor and VOC removal, yet many of such filters are very compact and have 1-2 pounds of carbon. Such claims cannot be true since such inadequate amount of carbon will be filled with VOCs very quickly and cannot possibly provide filtration for any meaningful amount of time. The amount of carbon in TerraBloom Carbon Filters ranges from 11 lbs to 35 lbs depending on the size of the canister ensuring that the filter stays effective for 1-2 years when properly sized for the room it is used in. Our filters also feature 46mm thick carbon wall which 30% more than most of the filter brands that have wall thickness ranging from 32-35mm. Having thicker layer of carbon ensures that more VOCs are captured on a single pass of air through the filter. 
2. Airflow Rate: You need to ensure that the fan you’re using with a carbon filter canister is compatible with with such application. While many fans have high CFM ratings, some of them, in particular weaker booster or boosting fans do not have the pressure resistance to push the air through a thick layer of carbon. A filter that restricts airflow will reduce system efficiency.
3. Maintenance and Replacement: To ensure best results you need to keep the filters safe from highly humid conditions as water can occupy the same pores on the surface of the carbon as VOCs therefore reducing its lifespan. Furthermore conditions in excess of 80% humidity can cause carbon to get wet and clump together reducing the uniformity of carbon layer and potentially creating air gaps that would leak untreated air through. Lastly, the carbon filter canister should be protected from dirt, dust and large debris which can cause clogging and reducing the air flow rate of the filter. Luckily, TerraBloom Carbon Filters come with 2 cloth pre-filters which when placed over the canister will capture all of the larger particles before their enter the filter. Our pre-filters are machine washable and would last for the lifespan of the filter when maintained properly. By properly taking care of the carbon filter you will extend its useful life and protect its effectiveness agains VOCs and odors.  

FAQs

Do activated carbon air filters remove odors?

Yes, this is true. Activated carbon air filters are highly effective at trapping and neutralizing odors from cooking, pets, smoke, and other sources, helping to keep indoor environments smelling fresh.

Can activated carbon air filters effectively remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?

Yes, this is true. Activated carbon filters are effective at removing VOCs, which are harmful chemicals emitted from household products like paints, cleaners, and adhesives. The porous nature of activated carbon allows it to trap these chemical molecules, improving indoor air quality.

Are activated carbon air filters safe for home use?

Yes, carbon air filters are safe to use in the home. Activated carbon is a natural and non-toxic material that effectively removes pollutants from the air. Moreover, it does not release any harmful substances in return, unlike other chemicals.

When to Replace Your Carbon Filter?

It should be replaced after every 3-4 months. We offer many sizes of carbon air filters to ensure all your needs are met at our store. We will take care of delivering the air filter so you can have a healthier environment.

Is it difficult to maintain activated carbon air filters?

No, this is false. Maintaining activated carbon filters is straightforward. Most filters come with clear guidelines for replacement, and the process for swapping out old filters for new ones is usually easy. Regular maintenance ensures that the filters remain effective and continue to improve air quality.