Which factors significantly affect filter life?

The factors that significantly affect filter life are closely tied to the characteristics of the particulate matter that the filter encounters. Particulate size is critical because larger particles tend to be trapped more easily by air filters, while smaller particles may pass through or accumulate, affecting the filter's efficiency over time. This ties directly into the concept of underrating and overrating — when a filter is rated for a specific particle size but encounters different sizes in real-world conditions, its life expectancy can dramatically change. Underrating occurs when a filter is not capable of handling the actual particulate load it faces, leading to rapid saturation and clogging. Conversely, overrating refers to using a filter rated beyond what is needed for a particular application, which can also impact performance if not correctly matched with the environment.

Other factors, such as temperature and humidity, while important, mainly influence the physical properties of both the filter and the particulate matter rather than the intrinsic compatibility of the filter’s design with specific particulate sizes. Type of media used relates to the efficiency and capacity of the filter, but again, it does not impact the life of the filter as directly as the size and load of the particulates it is designed to manage. Lastly, airflow speed and direction play roles in how effectively