The real 5-year numbers — what to replace, when, and what it costs
The purchase price of a fume extractor is only the beginning. The real cost is the consumables you buy over the next 5 years. A HEPA-only unit can cost $1,300+ in replacement filters before you've paid it off. A Reborix ESP unit totals $290–500 over 5 years — about $50–90/year — because the electrostatic cell is washable, not disposable. Here are the schedules and costs for every Reborix line.
| Cost Item | 12 Series (ESP) | Competitor HEPA-Only |
|---|---|---|
| Filter replacements | $0 (washable ESP cell) | $1,200-3,600 (HEPA × 2-4/yr × 5yr) |
| Pre-filter mesh | $0 (washable) | $0 (washable) |
| Carbon fiber cotton ($10 × 5-10) | $50-100 | N/A (or included in HEPA) |
| Activated carbon granules ($80 × 3-5) | $240-400 | $100-175 (similar carbon stage) |
| 5-Year Total | $290-500 | $1,300-3,775 |
ESP-based Reborix 12 Series saves ~$800-3,500 over 5 years vs a HEPA-only competitor. 💰
Washable electrostatic cells — the workhorse of our ESP technology. Most of the schedule is free: rinse, dry, reinstall.
| Component | Maintenance | Frequency | Cost per Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-filter mesh | Remove, wash, dry, reinstall | Every 1-2 weeks | $0 (washable) |
| ESP electrostatic cell | Remove, soak in degreaser, rinse, dry | Every 1-3 months | $0 (washable) |
| Carbon fiber cotton | Replace | Every 6-12 months | $10 |
| Activated carbon granules | Replace | Every 12-18 months | ~$80 |
PTFE membrane cartridges with automatic pulse back-blow cleaning — ideal for welding and dry metal powder.
| Component | Maintenance | Frequency | Cost per Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-filter mesh | Remove, wash, dry, reinstall | Every 1-2 weeks | $0 (washable) |
| PTFE cartridge (pulse-clean) | Pulse cleaning (automatic) | Continuous during operation | $0 (auto) |
| PTFE cartridge replacement | Replace when pulse no longer restores flow | Every 12-24 months | ~$80-180 each × 2-6 cartridges |
| Activated carbon filter | Replace | Every 6-12 months | ~$20-35 |
| Model | Application | Maintenance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| FH-6 / FH-6-2 | Printing & sublimation | Wash dual ESP cells every 1-3 months; replace activated carbon every 12-18 months | Same as 12 Series ESP pattern |
| DF-2 | DTF powder collector | Quick-release ESP + stainless mesh — both washable, rinse and dry | ~$0 consumables |
⚠️ Important: After cleaning, allow the ESP module to dry completely before reinstalling and operating the machine. Installing a wet or damp ESP module may cause electrical short circuits or equipment faults.
Pro tip: Buy a spare ESP cell ($200) and rotate them — one in use, one drying or standing by. No production interruption.
Want the technology deep-dive? See how ESP electrostatic precipitation works, or compare all Reborix models side by side.
Switch to Reborix ESP. Washable cells. 5-year consumable cost under $500.
Get a Low-Maintenance Quote →