A little upkeep goes a long way in keeping your home comfy and costs down. One of the easiest ways to do that is by regularly changing your air filter. It’s a quick task that helps your HVAC system work efficiently, keeps your air clean, and makes your home a healthier, happier place to live.
Your home’s air filter is a rectangular screen made of pleated paper or mesh that fits inside your heating and cooling system. Its job is simple but important — it traps dust, pollen, pet hair, and other tiny particles floating in the air before they can circulate through your vents. Over time, that filter fills up, which means air can’t move through as easily. Replacing it regularly keeps your system running smoothly and helps ensure the air you breathe stays fresh and clean.
Cleaner Air for You and Your Family Your air filter captures dust, pollen, and pet hair as air circulates through your system. Over time, that filter fills up and becomes less effective. Replacing it helps keep the air you breathe cleaner — a big plus if you have pets or allergies.
Helps Your System Work Smarter A clogged filter forces your heating and cooling system to work harder to push air through. That can lead to higher energy bills and less efficient systems.
Keeps Your Home Comfortable Clean filters improve airflow, which helps maintain even temperatures throughout your home — warm in the winter, cool in the summer – keeping your home comfortable all year long.
Small Task, Big Impact Changing your air filter takes just a few minutes, but it makes a real difference in your home’s comfort, air quality, and energy use.
Step 1: Locate Your Filter Most filters are behind a vent grate on a wall or ceiling — or inside your HVAC unit, behind a small panel. Not sure where to find it? There are multiple videos available on YouTube that can walk you through it.
Step 2: Check the Size Look along the edge of your current filter for the printed size (for example, “16x20x1”). You’ll need that same size when buying a replacement. Most retailers such as Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, and Lowe’s carry air filters.
Step 3: Remove the Old Filter Slide out the used filter and take a peek — if it’s covered in dust or pet hair, it’s definitely time for a new one!
Step 4: Insert the New Filter Make sure the arrow on the new filter points toward the HVAC unit (that’s the direction of airflow). Slide it into place snugly but gently.
Step 5: Replace Regularly Check your filter once a month and replace it every 60–90 days. If you have pets, or notice dust buildup sooner, swap it out more often.
Still unsure? You can always find how-do videos on YouTube, like this one.
Set a quick reminder on your phone every couple of months — or tie it to your rent payment date — so it becomes part of your regular home care routine. You can even set up a regular subscription on sites like Amazon so they are delivered automatically!
Changing your air filter is one of those small steps that make a big difference. You’ll enjoy cleaner air, better comfort, and a more efficient home — all in just a few minutes.
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