Our pick
Winix 5510 Air Purifier
HEPA + carbon: every 12 monthsPre-filter: clean every 14 daysReplacement set: Filter Q 1712-0123-00Check Filter indicator light
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Buyer question · Filter care
How often do you need to change the filter in a Winix 5510 air purifier?
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Short answer
Winix recommends changing both the True HEPA filter and the AOC carbon filter in the Winix 5510 Air Purifier once every 12 months, using its Filter Q replacement set (SKU 1712-0123-00). The pre-filter is permanent: the manual says to clean it once every 14 days instead of replacing it. A Check Filter light shows when the HEPA and carbon filters are due, and Winix notes intervals may vary with your environment.
At a glance
Best for
- Buyers who want a once-a-year filter change built around one replacement set, Filter Q
- Homes with cooking, pet or smoke odors: Winix says Filter Q's AOC carbon filter reduces VOCs and household odors from these
- People who like a reminder: a Check Filter light signals when the True HEPA and AOC carbon filters are due
Skip it if
- You want a main filter you can wash and reuse: Winix says not to wash and reuse the True HEPA and carbon filters
- You need a purifier for use outside the USA or Canada: Winix says this product is suitable for 120 V only and made for use only in the USA/CA
What we like
- Both filters that need changing, True HEPA and AOC carbon, are on the same 12-month schedule
- The pre-filter is listed as permanent; Winix says to clean it once every 14 days
- Filter Q also fits the Winix 5520 and 5530, per Winix
- Resetting the filter light takes one button held for at least 5 seconds
Good to know
- Winix says intervals between filter replacement may vary depending on environment
- The AOC carbon filter is marked as one that cannot be washed
- Winix says not to operate the unit without a filter
- Winix says the unit will not remove carbon monoxide from heating appliances or other sources
Why the Winix 5510 filter schedule is easy to plan
Two filters, one 12-month change
Winix recommends changing both the True HEPA filter and the AOC carbon filter in the 5510 once every 12 months, and it describes Filter Q as a complete one-year replacement filter set. So the yearly change is planned around a single set rather than separate schedules.
The pre-filter is cleaned, not replaced
The Winix 5510/5520 manual lists the pre-filter as permanent and says to clean it once every 14 days with a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. If it is very dirty, Winix says to rinse it in room-temperature water without detergent or soap and let it dry for 24 hours or more.
The unit tells you when filters are due
Winix's manual says that when the Check Filter indicator LED is on, it is time to replace the True HEPA and AOC carbon filters. It also says replacement intervals may vary depending on environment, so the light is the cue to watch.
One named replacement part
The 5510/5520 manual names Filter Q, SKU 1712-0123-00, as the replacement filter, and Winix's Filter Q page says it is compatible with the 5510, 5520 and 5530. That removes guesswork about which set to buy.
A closer look
How to use it
- Remove the front panel by grasping its upper edge and gently pulling it forward.
- Remove the pre-filter, then the plastic bag of filters behind it, and take the filters out of the bag.
- Install the filters until they fit securely: True HEPA filter at the back, AOC carbon filter in the middle, pre-filter at the front.
- Close the front panel and plug the power cord into an outlet.
- After replacing the filters, with the unit on, hold the Filter Reset button for at least 5 seconds until you hear the beep.
Steps 1-4 follow the filter installation steps in the Winix 5510/5520 user manual (Initial Operation section). Step 5 is from the manual's Replacing Filters section. The manual also says to make sure the unit is unplugged before cleaning or maintaining it.
Use it with
- Winix Filter Q (SKU 1712-0123-00) Winix's 5510/5520 user manual names Filter Q as the replacement filter.
Key details
- Replacement filter set
- Filter Q, SKU 1712-0123-00
- True HEPA filter
- Change every 12 months (Winix recommendation)
- AOC carbon filter
- Change every 12 months; cannot be washed
- Pre-filter
- Permanent; clean once every 14 days
- Filter reminder
- Check Filter indicator LED
- Fan speeds
- Low, Medium, High, Turbo, plus Auto Mode
- Verified room size
- 392 sq ft
- Dimensions
- 13.59 in W x 8.27 in D x 22.17 in H
- Power
- 65 W; AC 120 V / 60 Hz
- Warranty
- Limited warranty of 2 years from the date of purchase
Figures come from Winix's 5510/5520 user manual and its Filter Q page. The manual covers both the 5510 and 5520 models.
From the maker
Do not operate without a filter.
Ensure filters are inserted before running unit.
Do not wash and reuse the True HEPA Filter and Carbon Filter.
Do not use hot water over 104°F.
Unit will not remove carbon monoxide emitted from heating appliances or other sources.
Before cleaning or maintaining, ensure unit is unplugged.
Questions buyers ask
Can I wash the True HEPA filter in the Winix 5510?
No. Winix's manual says not to wash and reuse the True HEPA filter and the carbon filter. The pre-filter is the part you clean.
How do I clean the Winix 5510 pre-filter?
Winix says to use a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. If it is very dirty, rinse it in room-temperature water without detergent or soap, then let it dry for 24 hours or more before using it.
Which replacement filter fits the Winix 5510?
Winix names Filter Q, SKU 1712-0123-00, in the 5510/5520 manual. Its Filter Q page says the set is compatible with the Winix 5510, 5520 and 5530.
How do I reset the filter light after changing filters?
Winix's manual says: while the unit is on, hold the Filter Reset button for at least 5 seconds until you hear the beep.
Will I need new filters exactly every 12 months?
Winix recommends 12 months, but its manual says intervals between filter replacement may vary depending on environment. The Check Filter light shows when the True HEPA and AOC carbon filters are due.
Can I run the 5510 without filters while I wait for a new set?
Winix says not to. The manual states not to operate without a filter and to ensure filters are inserted before running the unit.
The bottom line
For the Winix 5510 Air Purifier, plan on one Filter Q set (True HEPA plus AOC carbon) about every 12 months and a pre-filter cleaning every 14 days. The Check Filter light and a 5-second reset make the schedule easy to keep.
Check price on AmazonHow this page was made
Smoov Discovery wrote this page from the maker's own product information and retailer copy, listed below. We did not test the product ourselves. Nothing here comes from Amazon.
Sources
- Winix: 5510 Air Purifier product page
- Winix: Filter Q 1712-0123-00 product page
- Winix: 5510/5520 user manual (PDF)
Photos: Winix (winixamerica.com).
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