A:Answer Yes, and no. The unit has a three stage filter. The first is a pre-filter. It is permanent, and you vacuum it every two weeks. Do that. You'll find you need to, as this is a very effective air filter. Next is a charcoal filter. In the 5200 model, you rinse it every 3 months; in the 5300 model, the charcoal filter comes as four pieces, replacing one every 3 months. Finally, the HEPA filter is meant to last a year, at which time you will need to buy a replacement for it, which comes with new charcoal filter(s).
