Replacing Your Apartment’s Air Filter

Close up shot of an HVAC air filter.Doing the dishes, vacuuming, dusting, laundry — a lot of work goes into maintaining apartments and keeping your apartment clean. But one simple task that’s easily overlooked is changing your apartment’s air filter, which is something that needs to be done every 1 to 3 months depending on the type of filter you have. Not only can it improve the air quality inside your home — it catches dirt, dust and pet dander — but it can help your apartment’s air conditioner run more efficiently.

Since regularly changing the air filter can help keep an apartment’s air conditioner running smoothly, some apartment complexes may handle doing this for you. For most renters, though, this is something you’ll need to remember to do on your own. Set a reminder on your calender, or pick an easy day to remember like the first day of the month, so you’ll always know when it’s time to change your apartment air filter.

Know the Size of Your Air Filter

Before you go out and buy a new filter, write down the size you need — there are quite a few sizes to choose from, so you’ll more than likely wind up guessing wrong if you try. If you don’t see the size clearly written on the air filter that’s currently in there, call up your apartment manager and ask.

Buying an Air Filter

Air filters range in cost from a few dollars to as much as $30. The cost depends on the quality and lifespan of the filter, so consider doing some research beforehand. A good air filter may make an apartment more comfortable for allergy sufferers.

Replacing the Air Filter

No need to be intimidated by a big A/C unit. Replacing your apartment’s air filter is easy — you typically just have to pop it into place or slide it into place. If you’re unsure of where the filter goes or how to put it in, contact your apartment maintenance to ask, or to request that someone come in and do it for you.