It has been some time since I first posted regarding these carbon filters. Since writing that original series of posts I purchased a second inline carbon filter. After putting this new one into service I took the top off of the original filter by drilling out the rivets, and emptied the carbon into a 5 gal bucket. I then took this outside and added water from the hose. This boils off the contaminants in the carbon, and after about an hour of adding new water, draining and stirring, I ended up with water running off clear, and all the black sludge from the contaminants flowing down the driveway.

Then I took a large foil turkey basting pan and moved the carbon to my BBQ grill and heated the carbon up to 500 deg for 2 hours. This burns off the remaining contaminants and "re-activates" the carbon. The carbon retains heat remarkably well, and after a couple hours of cooling it was ready to move back into the empty filter shell. I used machine screws and a couple of new holes to re-attach the lid to the filter, and presto....

$0, and I have a completely refurbished filter ready for another year's service! In the process I lost a little bit of carbon as it broke up, and some ended up flowing down the driveway. This lost was minimal however, and a $10 bag of carbon bought on Amazon.com was sufficient to make up this small loss with plenty left over for next time.

I now know that my fan will probably expire (10 year warranty) before I EVER have to throw away a filter that has worn out.

Enjoy!


Emmie