The service life of the high-efficiency filter without separators is not a fixed value. It is affected by a combination of multiple factors and usually fluctuates between 6 months and 2 years. In industries with extremely high cleanliness requirements such as semiconductors, due to strict control over micro-contamination, the replacement cycle may be more inclined towards the middle and lower limits of this range. In ordinary clean environments with a lower level of pollution, the lifespan may approach the upper limit or even be longer.
The core factors affecting the service life of high-efficiency filters without separators

The efficiency and maintenance status of the pre-filtering system
This is the most crucial factor affecting the lifespan of high-efficiency filters (HEPA). High-efficiency filters mainly intercept fine particles. If the pre-installed primary filters (G3-G4 levels) and medium-efficiency filters (F5-F9 levels) can effectively filter out most large particle dust (such as ≥5μm, ≥1μm), it can significantly reduce the load of pollutants entering the high-efficiency filters, slow down the rate of resistance increase, and thereby greatly extend their service life.
Negative case: If the pre-filter is not replaced for a long time, a large amount of dust will directly penetrate and deposit on the filter paper of the high-efficiency filter, which may cause it to fail due to excessive resistance within 3 to 6 months.
The degree of pollution in the usage environment
The concentration of particles in the environment directly determines the “dirtiness rate” of the filter.
High-pollution environments: such as the wafer cutting and grinding areas in semiconductor workshops, or clean rooms near outdoor roads and factories, where the concentration of pollutants is high, will significantly shorten the lifespan of filters.
Low-pollution environments: Such as core process areas of semiconductors like photolithography and thin film deposition (which are already in a high-cleanliness environment, and the fresh air entering undergoes multiple filters), or aseptic filling areas of biopharmaceuticals, where the filter lifespan is relatively longer.
The matching degree between the operating air volume and the rated air volume
The resistance of the filter is proportional to the square of the air volume. If the actual operating air volume exceeds its rated air volume for a long time, it will cause the air flow velocity to be too fast, increasing the frequency and force of particles colliding with the filter paper, accelerating the clogging of the filter paper. At the same time, it may cause damage to the filter paper fibers, resulting in a decrease in filtration efficiency and a shortened service life. Conversely, operating smoothly within the rated air volume range helps to extend the service life.
The quality of the filter
Filter paper material: High-quality glass fiber filter paper (H13-H14 grade) features uniform fiber distribution, greater dust holding capacity, smoother resistance rise, and longer service life.
Separator and sealing process: High-quality hot melt adhesive or glass fiber cotton is used as the separator, along with a good frame sealing process. This can prevent the leakage of unfiltered air caused by material aging or sealing failure, indirectly ensuring the effective service life of the filter.
Maintenance and management norms for cleanrooms
Regular inspection and cleaning of the HVAC system in the cleanroom, as well as strict adherence to the replacement cycle of the pre-filter, can provide favorable operating conditions for high-efficiency filters. In addition, avoiding unnecessary dust in the clean room (such as improper operation or inadequate protection during equipment maintenance) can also reduce the burden on the filters.
How to determine whether a high-efficiency filter without separators needs to be replaced?
In the industry, it is not merely based on time for replacement, but rather combines the following two core indicators:
The resistance reaches the final resistance: This is the most important criterion for judgment. During the operation of the filter, the resistance will increase as the dust holding capacity rises. When the resistance reaches 2 to 2.5 times its initial resistance (i.e., the final resistance, which is usually clearly marked in the product manual, for example, the final resistance of the H13 grade non-woven filter is approximately 250 to 300Pa), the fan needs to consume a huge amount of energy to maintain the rated air volume, and at this point, the filter must be replaced.
Decline in filtration efficiency: Through regular detection by the cleanroom air particle counter, if it is found that the cleanliness level cannot meet the production requirements (such as excessive 0.3μm particle concentration), and other factors (such as seal failure, fresh air contamination) are ruled out, it may be that the filter efficiency has declined and needs to be replaced.
Summary
The service life of the high-efficiency filter without separators is a dynamic value, and 6 months to 2 years is an empirical range based on common situations. In practical applications, especially in precision manufacturing industries such as semiconductors, it is more necessary to rely on objective data such as resistance monitoring and cleanliness detection to determine the timing of replacement, rather than simply following a fixed time cycle. A well-developed pre-filtering system and standardized operation and maintenance management are the keys to extending its service life and controlling costs.