Change HVAC Filters In Your Rental Property: 6 Easy Ways To Do It

A malfunctioning HVAC system is the fastest way to put an end to Summertime enjoyment. This is an unpleasant inconvenience for the tenant, but it might be an expensive fix for the landlord. Industry experts concur that regular maintenance and care are the best ways to avoid an untimely HVAC breakdown. However, the tenant in a rental property shares some of that obligation with the landlord. Therefore, year-round cooperation is required to guarantee a cool and enjoyable summer. The procedures to changing an HVAC filter, how to size your filter, and potential consequences are all covered below.

Who Is In Charge Of What?

As we have discussed, both the landlord and the tenant must work together to maintain the HVAC system. By doing this, the system will operate at its best during any season. Let’s briefly go over each party’s responsibility for maintaining the most costly system in your rental home.

HVAC Maintenance Responsibilities For The Tenant

• Each month, tenants must inspect the filter and replace or clean it as necessary.
• Report any thermostatic concerns.
• If the system malfunctions, get in touch with the owner or property management right away.

HVAC Maintenance Responsibilities For The Landlord

• Seasonal preventative maintenance should be carried out by a qualified expert to make sure the system is functioning effectively.
• Teach tenants how to replace an HVAC filter.
• Tenants should be reminded and followed up with to ensure filters are replaced as needed.

HVAC Filter, What Is That?

HVAC filters are available in a range of forms, dimensions, and materials. Therefore, it’s crucial to utilize the right size HVAC filter for your system when it’s time to replace one.

These disposable filters can frequently be bought in bulk packs to save money. Their carefully created cells or fins collect dust, grime, allergies, and other fugitive materials in the air, preventing them from moving around the house.

How Should My HVAC Filter Be Measured?

Fortunately, the size is often displayed on the side of modern HVAC filters. However, there are times when it is not, therefore people need to be aware of how to measure for a good fit. Therefore, use the methods below to determine the size you require:

• The current filter’s length and width should be measured.
• By measuring the thickness, you can determine the filter’s depth.
• Your filter size is determined by adding the numbers together to read Length x Width x Depth.

Changing An HVAC Filter In 6 Simple Steps

Depending on the type of HVAC system in your rental, there may be differences in how to change a filter. So, for instructions on how to replace a filter when in doubt, consult the manufacturer’s manual. Additionally, it is a good idea to wear a dust mask, gloves, and have a bag available for the old filter because these filters retain dirt, dust, and allergies.

How to Change An Air Filter

1. Power off – put safety first! Turn off the power before removing the cap or filter. You won’t accidentally touch any moving parts or “live” cables if you do this. Furthermore, it will stop the machine from drawing particles back in when the filter is jostled.
2. Remove the Old Filter – Locate the Old Filter and slide it out of the slot holding it in place. If necessary, remove the Cover.
3. Examine the Old Filter – Take a time to see if the Old Filter is clogged. You might need to clean or replace your filter, depending on the kind you have. Remember that a variety of things affect how quickly a filter might clog. Therefore, even if more regularly than the manufacturer’s advice, inspect frequently and replace as necessary.
4. Clean the Filter – Your device might occasionally employ a washable, coated, reusable filter with a metal frame. Therefore, take it out and clean it, making sure to fully rinse it and allow it to dry entirely. Your filter is disposable and won’t hold up to cleaning if it’s in a cardboard frame made of fiber mesh.
5. Replace the Filter – At this point, you have the option of replacing the reusable filter with a new disposable filter in the device. To guarantee proper airflow, make sure the filter is inserted correctly. Look for an arrow on the filter frame that points in the direction of the air handler mechanism, away from the return air duct, to show how the air should flow.
6. Get Rid of the Old Filter – HVAC filters may have allergens and toxins in them. As a result, put it in a plastic bag and take it outside the house.
   As a result, put it in a plastic bag and take it outside the house.

How Frequently Should I Replace My HVAC Filter?

HVAC system emergency maintenance is expensive. Therefore, year-round good maintenance is essential. A general service appointment should be made by landlords at least once a year, and a qualified HVAC specialist should inspect the unit. It relies on a number of things and is normally handled by the renter when it comes to adjusting the filter. Here are some factors to take into account when choosing how frequently to replace an HVAC filter.

Replace The HVAC Filter Right Away If:

• You examine and discover that the filter is harmed.
• The filter is wet, which might encourage the growth of mold and spread dangerous spores throughout your home.

Most HVAC filters need to be changed about every three months on average. Yet, as we previously stated, a variety of circumstances could cause this figure to increase or decrease. To maintain maximum HVAC performance, it is crucial to frequently check the filter and replace it as necessary.