Home Care Challenge: Trash Talk and HVAC Filters

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission. Read my disclosure policy here.

Maybe it’s just my husband, but there’s a reason I carry the majority of the household management load.
Take trash, for example. A while back, I delegated this task to my husband. I told him, “I want you to *manage* all trash responsibilities.” Sounds simple enough, right?
Now, when I say trash, I don’t just mean wheeling the bins to the curb. I mean collecting garbage from every trash can in the house, cleaning out soon-to-spoil leftovers in the fridge, emptying the diaper pail (yes, that’s part of it!), and hauling out the mountain of delivery boxes that has inevitably built up in the garage. Plus, making sure the bins are out early Thursday morning before pickup. You know, the *whole* trash lifecycle.

When he first took this over, he started strong—dragging the bins out on Wednesday night and then running around collecting the house trash. Not exactly efficient, but a good-faith effort. Lately, we’ve evolved into a "maybe Wednesday, maybe Thursday morning" system. And if you’re wondering—no, many of my original trash tasks haven’t yet made it into his version of the job description.

We’re inching toward diaper pail duty. Slowly. At this pace, maybe in six months he’ll get promoted to fridge cleanup.

And yet, every Wednesday evening, I find myself watching him settle on the couch, trash untouched, and I just… sigh. If anyone has top-tier husband training tips, I’m all ears.

But let’s talk about this week’s actual home care task: changing your HVAC filter.
(Thankfully, no training required.)

Keeping your HVAC system running smoothly is one of those low-effort, high-impact tasks that makes a big difference—both in air quality and energy efficiency.

Why it matters:

Dirty filters restrict airflow, make your system work harder (read: higher bills), and stir up allergens, dust, and pet dander in your home. Especially this time of year—with pollen, pet shedding, and open windows—it's worth switching to monthly filter changes.

How often?

Depends on your filter and home environment, but the general rule is every 1–3 months. I’ll remind you in future home care posts when it’s time again.

So, let’s get started….

Replace HVAC Filters

Identify the Filter Type & Size
Check your current filter or user manual.
Turn Off Your HVAC System
Safety first!
Remove the Old Filter
Carefully pull it out to avoid stirring up dust.
Insert the New Filter
Follow the airflow arrows printed on the filter.
Turn It Back On
And breathe easier—literally.

HVAC Professional Servicing

It's important to have your HVAC system professionally serviced at least twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. Professional technicians can thoroughly inspect hard-to-reach areas and ensure all components function correctly.

Why it’s worth it:

Improves air quality
Reduces energy use
Prevents breakdowns
Extends your system’s lifespan

Housework isn’t always glamorous (see: trash management), but a clean filter and smooth-running HVAC system? That’s a win in my book.

Happy cleaning—and good luck with your own version of trash negotiations.

Shop

Products mentioned or used in the blog post: