If you have a Lennox HVAC system, you might wonder if you need Lennox air filters. Also called furnace filters, these keep the air in your home clean and protect this important appliance to keep it running efficiently.
Lennox furnace filters have one major purpose, which is to filter all the air flowing through your home. Even if you keep an immaculately clean home, dust, dirt, and debris accumulate. As the blower in your system operates, it circulates air in your home. These particles also circulate.
These air filters stop the particles from building up in your ductwork and on your HVAC system. The filters also give you better indoor air quality to keep you and your family healthy.
Do You Need to Use Lennox Air Filters in a Lennox HVAC System?
Homeowners with Lennox HVAC systems or furnaces don’t have to be loyal to Lennox. However, Lennox air filters do have some benefits that you may want to compare with other brands.
Efficiency
The key to buying the right filter for your home is in the efficiency rating. The more small particles your filter can capture, the more efficient it is. It will have a MERV rating to reflect it.
For homes, a MERV rating between 8 and 13 is ideal. While air filters are rated from 1 to 20, the sweet spot for efficiency seems to be in the middle of this spectrum. Lennox makes air filters that have the efficiency ratings you need for your system.
Type of Filter
Lennox, like other brands, makes air filters available with pleated materials. These pleats increase the ability to capture more particles and keep your air cleaner.
Naturally, it will all depend on how often you change your filters. Even the best filters will no longer be effective if you leave them in for too long.
Cost
Sometimes, it pays to spend a little more to get the best quality. The higher the MERV rating of your air filters, the more they will cost. This is why many homeowners are tempted to buy the cheapest option with a MERV 1 rating. The fact of the matter is that those filters don’t catch all that much.
You want a filter that keeps all the dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander, viruses, mold, and other airborne particles out of the air in your home. However, one thing about Lennox air filters is that they can cost more when there are comparable options for less.
Can My System Run Without a Filter?
Your HVAC system can still run without a filter. However, just because it can still operate this way doesn’t mean you should ever do such a thing. If you do not use an air filter, dust and debris will get into the major components of your system. This will lead to damage.
You may destroy your coils, blower motor, and other integral parts. Before that happens, though, your system won’t be operating efficiently. If you’ve somehow taken out the air filter and forgotten to put a new filter in, you’ll likely notice your energy bills have significantly increased.
All in all, furnace filters are necessary for the best functioning of your system. They keep your system clean and prevent it from having to work too hard to create the same output.
Can I Use Any Type of Air Filter In My System?
When it comes to air filters, it’s more about getting the size right than going with a specific brand. You don’t need to buy Lennox air filters for your Lennox system. The first consideration you need to make is the size of the filter.
Air filters come in various sizes, and getting them right is imperative. If they’re too big, they will restrict your airflow. If they’re too small, they’re not going to live up to their effectiveness since particles can still get into your system.
For new homeowners who have just moved in, you may not know what size you need. You can find out by taking a look at the filter that’s currently in your system.
From there, you can search for filters of the same size. But there’s a little more to it than that. You will want to get the right MERV rating for your home. A good one for most homes will be a MERV 8 air filter. This will capture dirt, dust, pollen, bacteria, and pet dander—though if you have more than one pet, you should go with a higher MERV rating.
MERV 11 may be a better rating if anyone in your household smokes or you live in an area with more pollution. MERV 13 air filters are recommended if you have more than one pet and see more pollutants.
It’s not wise to just use a MERV 13 air filter without checking if your system can handle it. While it is effective at cleaning your air, it can reduce airflow for certain systems, forcing them to work harder. You should ask an HVAC professional if your system can work with a MERV 13 filter. If not, go with a MERV 8 or MERV 11.
Do Air Filters Come in Universal Sizes?
Once you know the specific size air filter your HVAC system needs, you can buy any in that size at the appropriate MERV rating. If you have a Lennox system, it doesn’t mean you must buy a Lennox filter.
In fact, you can buy air filters that are made with the same quality and effectiveness for less. This way, you do not have to compromise on getting the benefits you need for your indoor air quality or the efficiency of your air conditioning system.
