Do you use this carbon filter with the Hepa filter?
1259636
No, this is the first filter that takes all the particles out of the air. The HEPA is internal. You need both: one to remove the crud, the other to scrub the air
1259637
Yes, this is the pre-filter that catches dust, pet hair, and large particle items then the HEPA filter scrubs the air for all the smaller particles.And, yes, it helps the HEPA filter be more efficient and last longer. Usually we replace these carbon filters quarterly and the HEPA filter only needs to be replaced annually.
1259638
Yes, we use this carbon pre-filter. It protects the Hepa filter from having to be changed as often. These are high quality filters and we change them every couple of months. The Hepa we only change once a year. Of course, how often you have to change them depends on your personal environment.
1259639
Yes, this is the "pre" filter that takes a lot of dust, etc. out of the air. It makes the hepa filter last longer.
1259640
Yes, I do use the carbon filter in front of the HEPA filter as recommended by the manufacturer. The carbon filter catches so much dust that it must be changed 4 times per year while the HEPA filter (2nd line of defense) builds up dust much more slowly and doesn't need changing very often ... every year or so.
669868
According to the booklet, when to replace the HEPA filter depends on hours used, air quality, and location of the unit. In most cases the unit will need to be replaced annually, and it should be changed after the 'change filter' light comes on. For best performance change the carbon pre-filter every 3 months. It warns specifically: "Caution, do not wash and reuse the true HEPA filter or the carbon pre-filter as they will not work effectively." Having said that, I have vacuumed the carbon pre-filter with a vacuum cleaner attachment since it collects a huge amount of dust. I haven't needed to change the HEPA yet.
1437243
No, but it last for 12 months under normal use. If you have a relatively high useage, I would check it more often. On the other hand, the charcoal pre-filter that comes with most air cleaner units is washable and should be changed every 3 months which should help your HEPA filter last for the advertised 12 months (Google cleaning charcoal filters). And lastly, they do make "washable" HEPA filters...THEY ARE MORE EXPENSIVE and I haven't seen many good reviews.
472072
I have another Holmes and bought this one for a 2nd room... I only change the HEPA filters maybe 1ce a year, but I vacuum the Carbon filter weekly and replace them every quarter or 6 months.
991257
There is no HEPA filter. There is a dust filter but it does not qualify as HEPA.
370402
The filters are not washable in this unit. The HEPA filter should be replaced every 12 months and the Carbon filter should be replaced every 3 months per manufacturer recommendations.
1496381
I vacuum the Carbon pre-filter once a week and never need to change the expensive Hepa-filter.I lay it flat on the carpet dirt side up, use the vacuum hose, no attachment, just as a routine ~~ after 2 or three years I replace the carbon filter.
634921
True HEPA filtration removes up to 99.97% of airborne allergens from the air that passes through the filter. We recommend using carbon-infused filters with the unit, like http://www.amazon.com/Holmes-HAPF30-Filter-1-Pack/dp/B00006WNO8, to help absorb odors.
996752
I believe that it should. Mine is next to some gerbil cages that get dust baths. The dust gets caught in the carbon filters and what doesn't get caught there it gets caught in the HEPA filter.
1652223
No, it is not a true hepa filter. I wouldnt recommend it as it was not well made and also mine did not come with the car charger. I returned it.
1295945
NO! I purchased it and the carbon filter is slightly longer and fits differently. I could not completely close the canister and water went everywhere. Unless I have a defective one, they don't fit.
617110
It can definitely be used with a carbon filter. I have one in my room now scrubbing the air, it works great and is quiet. I highly recommend. This is the filter I paired it with, http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005HT0GZ8
199854
It is not. HEPA filters are required to filter out 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns. This one can filter out 94% per Filtrete.
808542
It may help with smell if you could "rig" it. Yet you really would want a hepa based system because particles are too small for just plain carbon. I use the carbon in my hepa system.
827568
According to the user manual, you can use either as they are shaped the same & will install the same way. You just don't get the benefit of the hepa super filtering.
786198
No, I believe you must replace it. However, my wife has vacuumed it to extend the life a bit. Also, be sure to use the pre-filters sold. They're cheap and extend the life of the more expensive HEPA. Also, they're the ones that remove smell.
199853
No,it isn't a HEPA filter & uses no activated charcoal.It is a finely constructed filter & is also electrostatic in operation.I'm not sure a HEPA filter is much more effective.