A Detailed How-To for Replacing the HVAC Filter in Your Rental Home

Maintaining an HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system regularly to increase its efficiency and extend its life is of vital importance, both landlords and tenants must regularly change an HVAC filter at their rental property to prevent reduced airflow, and energy efficiency, as well as costly repairs to reduce energy wastage. Here is a guide on how to change an HVAC filter at a rental property.

Find Your HVAC Filter

Locating the HVAC filter should be your initial goal. These can typically be found near either your furnace or air handler unit and behind removable panels or return air grilles of these systems.

Turn off the HVAC system

Switch off the HVAC system using a thermostat: Whilst changing out the filter(s), keep the system off to decrease the risk of damages or injuries caused by running the system during the filter replacement process. This reduces potential injury risks from running an HVAC system during such a process.

Remove Your Old Filter Carefully

Carefully take apart and extract your existing filter, noting its size (16x20x1) when purchasing its replacement filter.

Examine Your Old Filter

Carefully inspect and change out an older air filter if it becomes filthy with dust or debris accumulation since a dirty air filter can lower HVAC system efficiency as well as restrict airflow.

Purchase a Filter Replacement

It is best to choose an identical replacement filter of similar size and type as the old filter you will be replacing, such as fiberglass pleated and high efficiency. Select one compatible with your HVAC unit while meeting all filtration needs.

Installing the New Filter

Install the new filter into its housing while making sure it faces in the right direction, using its airflow arrow as a guide. Usually, this should point towards your air handler or blower motor.

Replace the Filter Housing Cover

Replace the cover securely if the filter is behind a removable panel, to minimize air leakage and ensure alignment and secure placement of the cover. To minimize air leaks, ensure it fits tightly while remaining aligned properly for airtight protection.

Turn On the HVAC System

Once your new filter has been installed, turn on your HVAC system using its thermostat and check that everything is functioning smoothly.

Monitor the Filter

HVAC filters must be checked and changed at regular intervals – typically every one to three months, depending on usage levels and filter type. Dirty filters reduce airflow while straining systems; additionally, they may increase energy costs significantly.

Tenant Education

It is vital that tenants understand the significance of changing their HVAC filters on an ongoing basis and, should any questions arise, feel empowered to reach out with any queries directly. Provide instructions for doing this while encouraging any queries they might have to contact you immediately.

Replacement of HVAC filters at rental properties should be an easy but essential task that ensures they operate effectively while improving indoor air quality. By following the steps laid out here, costly repairs could be avoided altogether.