The filter on your Levoit air purifier is in charge of getting all the pollen, dust, and other contaminants out of the air. As it ages, it loses its filtering capability. It will either develop micro-tears, or the pores on the filter will grow bigger thanks to repeated cleaning.
When this happens, it is time to get a replacement filter since the old one won’t be any good no matter how often you clean it.
How Long Does a Levoit Air Filter Last?
On average, the filter can last for about six months. However, the timestamp varies depending on how often you run it and the contaminant levels in your environment. For instance, a pet owner or someone who lives out on the farm will have to replace often in summer with dust and pollen in the air.
Someone living in an apartment far away from highways and industries might not have to replace their filter as often as the farmer in summer, but they will still have more harmful contaminants in their environment.
But if you live in a clean area, the filter will serve you longer. Ideally, you should replace the filter after six to eight months. However, before replacing the filter, try cleaning it first. Turn off the air purifier, open its bottom and remove the filter.
Then, vacuum the inside of the purifier and the outer part of the filter or wipe it down with a dry cloth. Return the filter, put the bottom lid back on, and turn on the purifier. Then hold the red-light button for about 3 seconds to reset the unit. If this method does not work, replace the filter.
With this in mind, you should consider replacing your filter:
- At least twice a year if you run it daily for around 2 hours
- Thrice a year if you run it daily and for longer hours
- Once a year, if you don’t run it daily and only use it for a few minutes or hours on select days
A better way to figure out how often you should change your filter is by monitoring the air quality or checking for the filter light on your Levoit.
Some of the things you will notice when the HEPA filter is due for a change include:
- Too much noise when you turn the air purifier on.
- Unusual odors and stuffiness in your space.
- Reduced airflow: clogged filters decrease airflow to your space and complicate air quality in your home.
- Your filter is visibly clogged.
- The Check Filter indicator light turns on to signify it is time to change the filter.
- Pet dander: once you notice pet dander circulating through your ventilation system, it is time to change your filter.
- Eye test: most people overlook this simple test. In this test, look for dirt and dust on surfaces and check whether the filter is bent, damaged, or damp as that affects its efficiency.
- White sheet test: place a white sheet a few inches from one vent in your home and leave it for about an hour. If the sheet turns black or gray and has excess dirt, your filter needs changing.
- Increased power bills: a sudden increase in your electricity bill over a few months means your filter needs replacing. Air filters are built to be energy efficient, and when they work correctly, your HVAC system doesn’t need to generate extra power to remove air through the vents.
- Increased breathing problems and allergies: a rise in respiratory illnesses in your family means your air purifier is not working correctly because of potentially clogged filters. As a result, the unit cannot filter out pollutants that worsen these illnesses.
How to replace the filter on a Levoit air purifier
To replace the filter;
- Start by unplugging your air purifier. Then remove the filter cover.
- Remove the old filter you want to replace.
- Clean any dust or dirt from inside the housing.
- Then unwrap the new filter and place it into the housing. Make sure the pull tabs are facing out,
- Replace the filter cover on the housing.
- Plug in and turn on the air purifier. Press and hold the filter indicator button for 3 seconds to reset it.
How to Reset the Levoit Air Purifier Light
The Levoit air filter has a red light that pops up when the filter is beyond its estimated lifetime. When the light comes up, it is time to start thinking about replacing the filter or cleaning it to keep getting maximum air purification effect.
ProTip: Don’t reset the air filter light before replacing or cleaning the air filter. This will be counterproductive since even though the light won’t show, you will still be using a dirty filter.
- Plug in the air purifier and turn it on.
- While the air purifier is on standby, press and holds the filter reset button for 3 seconds.
- The filter reset button light will turn off, indicating that the reset is complete.
That is how you fix the bothersome red light on your Levoit air purifier. Remember, the light isn’t a fault. It is just a reminder that it is time to replace your HEPA air filter.