How many home maintenance tasks and home improvement projects are on your To Do list? See how an air filter subscription helps busy moms get more done.
This post is sponsored by Sears PartsDirect. All opinions are my own. I have also included affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Every once in a while, I wish we were renters like the old days, before kids. I didn't know it at the time, but we were so lucky. We always had attentive landlords who took care of every repair and issue quickly. Apparently, that's not most people's experience!
I remember once, when I was on bedrest with the twins, our heating system went out. Our landlord was so concerned that he rushed over, and his wife came along to bring me soup and make sure I was doing okay.
Once you become a homeowner, there are so many tasks and repairs to add to your responsibility list. As a busy mom, home repairs and maintenance always gets pushed to the end of my To Do list–until there's an emergency, of course. But I know that maintenance is key–whether it's your car or your house. That saves you trouble (and money) in the long run!
Make HVAC Maintenance easier
With three little ones underfoot, it was so hard to stay on top of simple home maintenance. But now I have systems! My simple system is: identify what you need, order/schedule, and get it on the calendar. See how I use this to keep our home air flowing.
How often should you change your air filter?
Most HVAC system manuals recommend changing your air filter every 3 months. However, if you have other factors–like allergies, asthma or pets–you should change it more often. Because we have all three of those, one of the ways we control indoor allergens is to replace our HVAC filter every month.
How do I know which size filter to buy?
If your current system doesn't have a filter or have the correct size, you'll need to look at your owner's manual. You can also look on the side of your current filter for the measurements, and then use the tool at Sears PartsDirect to determine the right size for your HVAC system.
What do the different air filter ratings mean?
Once you've found the right size filter, there are three levels to choose from: good, better and best. These MERV (minimum efficiency reporting values) ratings compare different air filters based on how effectively they trap pollen and dust particles. Apartment and single-family home HVAC systems use filters rated 8-13.
What happens if you don't change your air filter?
Basically, a clogged air filter makes your HVAC system work harder to circulate air in your home. That's not energy efficient! That makes the system work overtime, using more electricity (money) to get the temperatures you're used to.
Why would I want an air filter subscription?
Don't you have enough to do?! Make it easy for yourself and get on top of your HVAC maintenance right now. Start with filters from Sears PartsDirect:
- Purchase a 4- or 12-pack now so you're prepared for months to come. Then, add a note to your calendar to purchase again before you insert that last filter.
- Sign up for a filter subscription with FREE shipping so that you don't have to store extra filters. They'll show up at your door, and that will be your reminder to go change your air filter!
What other HVAC tasks should I do?
Now that you have a plan in place, use that cue of the air filter delivery to do these other HVAC maintenance tasks:
- vacuum the intake vents in your home
- vacuum around the indoor system, looking for leaks or any other issues
- cleaning around the outdoor system, removing leaves and rinsing with the hose
I also add it to my calendar with a reminder. Scheduling home maintenance tasks makes them a priority so they actually get done.
I've been using an air filter subscription for about a year, and it's the first time I've been consistently keeping up with these tasks. It feels so good to be on top of this for a change!
