Do carbon filters expire?

[the123321]

I have a small tent and I have the ac infinity 6" fan with ac infinity filter on it. I am thinking about getting a backup filter to keep in storage to have it ready to go if I smell anything from the tent. The filter has only been used for like 3 months now so I do not know if it has a few months or a year left on it. If i buy a backup filter and keep it in the box would it expire or be less effective if I do not start using it for a few months or a year for it on there?

 

[Boognelson87]

I say if you can afford a backup one. Not a bad idea. My first one was still working fine after 13 months. I decided just to replace it to be safe and now my first one (used) is my back up. But depending on the kind I think alot of folks I've heard are getting 2+ years.

 

[saskraider12]

how well do the carbon filters reduce the smell? is it non existent in other areas of the house?

 

[Mañ'O'Green]

Carbon filters stored in a plastic bag will remain effective indefinitely. My filters run 18 months to 2 years. I replace them when I can smell my grow outdoors where it vents. Some filters can be reversed by swapping the the position of the ends. This will give you a little extra time.

 

[Jpkindbud]

This might be an idiot question, but... aren’t carbon filters built to empty and refill carbon? I’ve seen that some just refill their carbon when smell starts wafting... just asking...

 

[CannaDaTaBiz]

This might be an idiot question, but... aren’t carbon filters built to empty and refill carbon? I’ve seen that some just refill their carbon when smell starts wafting... just asking...

Its not a stupid question at all. You can refill them, but with many(if not all) filters when you refill it, you wont likely be able to pack it as good as factory packed. This will reduce its efficiency a bit, but it might work good enough for you. If you need to be absolutely sure no smells leak, then its better to buy a new one instead of refilling, unless ofc the manufacturer says that refilling can give as good results.

How big the difference is in reality, i dont know and it will naturally depend on how well you are able to refill them. Who knows maybe you might be able to do as good as a job as some factory machine does or you might get good enough efficiency that you dont get any smells, even if it was not perfect and how easy it is to refill properly depends on the filter itself. But in general this is the downside with refill

 

[automan2]

I recently changed my filter and was surprised to find how nose blind I had become. If growing inside your home, filters need changing on a timing basis as your smeller isn't reliable after a while. I have to rely on my GF's..... nose.

 

[the123321]

Thanks.

 

[Olderfart]

This might be an idiot question, but... aren’t carbon filters built to empty and refill carbon? I’ve seen that some just refill their carbon when smell starts wafting... just asking...

I checked this out at one point, and found that the cost and availability of activated carbon was a problem for me. Unless you have a supply of high quality activated carbon for a price that would save you significant money, I wouldn't bother with a refill.

 

[Jackson]

I have a hydro farm filter that’s 3 years old and still has no smell in room. I also bought a Vivosun as a back up for 50.00 bucks on amazon and it’s still in the box