It is crucial to know how long activated charcoal water filters will last. This is not only to maintain the quality of your water but also to avoid having to buy a new filter. We have compiled a detailed guide to help you understand how activated carbon lasts and what can be done to prolong its life.
Activated carbon water filters can last for about 6 months after their first use. Some activated carbon water filters can be protected by other filters and may last as long as 12 months. Activated carbon’s lifespan is reduced by poor quality tap water and frequent usage.
Activated carbon filters don’t last forever. There are many things that can quickly reduce their lifespan. Continue reading to learn everything you need.
How Long Can Activated Carbon Filters Last In Water Filters?
Most water filters are made from activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal. It is used to reduce harmful contaminants and to improve the taste. It is important to know how long these filters last in order to maintain their effectiveness and keep your family safe.
Some companies provide information on the amount of activated carbon filter life expectancy, while others only provide one. However, regardless of how long water filters are supposed to last, most companies will not provide these numbers.
“The filter life can vary depending on the local water conditions and how often you use it.”
They are actually correct. An activated carbon filter can only be placed with an exact date stamp. The carbon’s lifespan will depend on the level of contaminants in the water. The activated carbon will last longer if it is used frequently.
Lifespan Is Based On The Number Of Months
Water filter systems all have an expiry date. It is important to ensure that activated carbon filters are replaced within the manufacturer’s recommended time frames. It doesn’t matter if a water filter lasts for months or years, it is important to know when it should be replaced.
ONE from them that expires FIRST.
Activated carbon filters can remove contaminants from water. There are more than 150 types of manufactured activated charcoal. Each type has been designed specifically and will have unique properties such as:
- Surface area
- Pore size distribution
- Catalytic properties are the ability to change certain contaminants at the carbon surface.
- Absorption
- Adsorption ( How contaminants stick to the carbon).
These properties, together, are what set activated carbon apart among other forms of filtration. These properties provide a high level of porosity and a large surface area that allows for surface chemical reactions and, most importantly, adsorption to occur.
In just a few minutes, I will discuss adsorption in more detail.
There is currently no way to determine how long activated carbon will last, as this can vary between households.
Manufacturers are conservative when estimating the expected lifespan in months. Manufacturers should be realistic about how fast activated carbon will age due to adsorbing impurities in different regions. Also, when the water quality is likely to become unacceptable.
Activated carbon could last longer than the suggested number of months, but it could also last for much less. The lifespan of activated carbon depends on where you live, how much you use it, and the quality of your tap water.
This is why activated carbon filter material should last for a minimum of six months before needing to be replaced.
It is important to know that activated carbon still provides effective filtration. It is important to know that your activated carbon filter will expire in six months.
Lifespan Is Based On The Number Of Gallons
Let’s now take a closer look at the maximum gallons that the activated carbon filter can be used before it needs to be replaced.
Activated carbon filters filter water to a limited extent. We need to first understand how activated carbon filters work and why they become “filled up”.
This post was written by a water treatment expert at Paragon Water Systems. We manufacture home water solutions such as reverse osmosis systems, under sink water filtration systems, showerhead filtration systems, carbon cartridges, and a wide variety of other products. Our focus is to provide America with safe and clean water throughout the home. Click here for more information!
