I do not believe so .If it smells ,it could be just overheat in the moving component namely the motor . One smells like ozone emitting , try the comparison with your desktop at the back of the exhaust . I think the filter only traps dust particles or germs with the ever weak ultra violet emitter on the circuit board.
A good indication would be the dust on the casing grill . If a vaccum cleaner does not do the job of refreshing the look of your unit , it is a high time to change your filter . Three months or less ?
