This guide outlines what affects when to change air filters, particularly Lennox ones.
When to change air filters
How long do air filters last?
Depending on the size of your air conditioner and your usage of your system, your air filters’ life span can vary. In general, you can expect them to last up to three months or longer depending on their quality and MERV rating.
According to Filter King, the duration for air filters will additionally depend on factors within your home. You don’t necessarily need Lennox air filters for a Lennox unit, as long as you’re buying one that fits and has an appropriate MERV rating.
What factors affect how long air filters last?
Your air filters can last longer under certain circumstances. However, if the following apply to your home and family, these filters may not last as long and you may need to change air filters more often.
Homes with Pets
You may love your dogs or cats, but the fur they shed—especially seasonally—can impact how long your filter lasts. Air filters capture dog and cat hair, dander, and odor. The more pets you have, the less longevity you’ll get out of the air filter, no matter how high-quality the filter is.
New Homes or Remodels
If you’ve just bought a new home or you’ve had your long-time home remodeled, there will be more particles from the materials used in the process. Your air filter will capture these, which is good news for your indoor air quality.
However, it means your air filter will not last as long as it would in a home without recent construction, so you will need to change air filters earlier.
The Climate Where You Live
In some locations, you may not have to run your air conditioning all that often. This would mean that your air filters would last longer than in a home in a hotter climate where the HVAC system is running all the time.
It only makes sense that the more use a system gets, the more it filters the air. This is also true for heating your home through your HVAC system.
Air Quality in Your Area
Those who live in areas where there is little pollution can expect their Lennox air filter to last longer than those in smoggy areas. The further you are from major cities, the fewer contaminants you’ll have blowing through your home and the less you will need to change air filters.
Is it time to change air filters?
For optimum cooling or heating from your HVAC system, you need to make sure your filter isn’t coated with dust and dirt. While the factors above can impact the longevity of these filters, there is nothing set in stone. It is always best to take a look at your air filters once a month.
It only takes a few seconds to pull it out and look it over. Generally, if your air filter needs to be replaced, you’ll notice more dust around your home. You may also notice that it doesn’t feel as cool in your home as it once did or that your air conditioner is making odd sounds.
Even the best quality air filters will get dirty in time. The best way to avoid problems with your HVAC system is to examine your filters monthly and replace them when you can’t see light shining through when you hold it up in front of a window or light source.
Final words
While Lennox does make its own filters, name brands can be expensive. As long as you are buying quality air filters that are the right size for your air conditioner and at a proper MERV rating, you’ll still get the benefits for your home. That includes better indoor air quality, cleaner surfaces, and optimum efficiency for your HVAC system.
Photo by cottonbro studio
