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HVAC Air Filters Icon

HVAC Air Filters

  • The furnace and air conditioning air filters need to be replaced, on average, every 3 months, depending on the quality of the filters, to prevent breakdowns, poor airflow, and clogs.
  • Some systems may use more than one filter so you will need to check the location(s) prior to purchasing the filters. For example, your property may have an AC for the bottom floor and a separate one for the top floor or the furnace uses one filter while the AC needs another one. Some filters are located next to the units and others could be in the air return.
  • Make sure you know the correct size as well. Depending on the brand, the size can be listed on the stickers left on the AC/furnace or written on the filter tray. You can also pull out the current filter and the size should be listed on the front or one of the sides, otherwise, you can measure the filter but make sure you write down the height, width, and depth.
  • Here are some examples of how to replace the filter, note that some HVAC techs may say “AC filter” and others “furnace filter”, it depends on how your specific system is set up; both AC and heat may be getting air from the same return or separately.
  • Example of air filter next to the furnace unit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOcfx5o9-B4
  • Example of air filter in a hallway return: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h36GCWdQBI8
Refrigerator Water Filter Icon

Refrigerator Water Filter

  • If your fridge has a water dispenser you will eventually see a light or a sign (usually in color red) letting you know that it’s time to replace the water filter. The common recommendation is to do it every 6 months.
  • The filter location depends on the brand and model of the appliance itself. Some makers put the filter casing in the fridge section, others in the freezer and sometimes you can see it just behind the dispenser itself. It can be at the top, bottom, or even inside a drawer. If you can’t easily locate it then just search online for the make and model and you should be able to find it (the information sticker is usually inside the fridge but it may even be on the exterior back panel).
  • Most brands have official online guides on their websites or Youtube channels.
  • There are many different sizes and configurations of filters so if you don’t already have a replacement or this is the first time you’re changing it then you can search online for the type of filter your brand and model of fridge needs. You can also just remove the filter you have and take it to a hardware store and they should be able to provide you with new filters but be sure to also have your band and model written down in case they ask you for it.
  • Here are some video examples of different brands and locations:
  • Official LG video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llkyuIRTiVA
  • Official GE video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OltHbmgtiIU
  • Official Samsung videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSCn2Ebtf4c and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMrk6NJKrqg
  • Whirlpool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cinh_Yp7PH8
  • Video showing multiple brands and locations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWHBlKTNyTc
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Batteries Icon

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Batteries

  • The alarms start beeping when it’s time to replace the batteries but the fire departments recommend checking the batteries every 6 months and replacing them once a year.
  • Make sure to check the date on the smoke alarm because replacement of the alarm is required every 10 years.
  • There are multiple brands and models of alarms and each one has its own way of replacing the batteries. Also, some alarms may use a 9v battery while others use three AAA batteries and so on; please make sure to confirm what your specific alarm uses before purchasing the replacements.
  • Replacing the battery is usually pretty straightforward once you have detached the smoke alarm from the ceiling or wall. You should be able to search online on how to do so by finding out the brand.
  • Here’s a helpful video showing multiple models of alarms and how the batteries are replaced, hopefully, one of the examples is close to what you have at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djGUZp3p6VY
Thermostat Batteries Icon

Thermostat Batteries

  • If you’re seeing that your thermostat’s display is not as bright as usual or it’s missing numbers or they are faded then it may be time to replace the battery. Some models may show the battery charge on the display itself.
  • Keep in mind that not all thermostats are powered by a battery but a large amount of them are so it’s important to check what your specific system uses.
  • It’s recommended to check the batteries about every 6 months and replace them once a year or so.
  • There are multiple brands and models of thermostats but the most important thing is to learn how to remove the cover or panel. Some have buttons, others use screws or are attached by pressure. You should be able to search online on how to remove the cover, the brand is usually displayed at the front of the thermostat.
  • Once you remove the cover you will immediately see if yours uses batteries. Depending on the model it may use a 9v, AA, AAA, etc. However, some may have an internal battery that is not replaceable because it recharges while being hooked up to the HVAC.
  • Here’s a helpful video showing different types of thermostats. One of the examples may be close to what you have at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1AC3zfs7sQ