A vacuum filter plays an integral part in the life of a vacuum cleaner. The purpose of a vacuum filter is to collect the dust that passes through the suction nozzle from the carpet or floor. This prevents the dust from being spread around the room. In addition, the vacuum motor can become overheated if the dust particles are not filtered out and make their way into the motor.

There are two primary groups of vacuum filters: the surface vacuum filter and the depth vacuum filter. The surface vacuum filter is the more modern of the two. It is efficient enough to prevent clogging, which allows it to preserve the airflow that passes through. The surface vacuum filter gets its name from the fact that dust particles can easily be cleaned from the filter’s surface.

A depth vacuum filter, on the other hand, is the more common type of vacuum filter. With the depth vacuum filter, dust particles are pulled and captured inside the filter. Unlike the surface vacuum filter, the depth vacuum filter clogs quickly and prevents airflow.

A High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum filter is also available. This type of vacuum filter prevents asthma and other problems people with allergies may experience while vacuuming. The HEPA vacuum filter is a micrometer filter equipped to suck up soot, pollen, and most dust particles. This type of vacuum filter only needs to be changed or cleaned every six to 12 months.

Regardless of the type of vacuum filter used, the basic vacuum process is the same. First, the particles picked up by the vacuum are pre-filtered. Pre-filtering, also referred to as motor filtering, is the process of the vacuum intercepting the air before it moves to the suction motor.

The filtration of the air as it returns to the vacuumed area is called exhaust filtering or final filtering. The vacuum bag plays an integral role in this part of the filtration process. In both the pre-filtering and the final filtering stages, the vacuum filter is utilized.

The pre-filter is generally made from foam, cloth, or paper. For a more efficient vacuum, this vacuum filter should be replaced every three months. The exhaust vacuum filter should be changed every three months as well, though it may be necessary to change it more often if there are children or pets in the home. If either vacuum filter is not changed, the vacuum will experience a loss of suction power and will not pick up dust particles properly.