I lived in a college dormitory and then rented apartments for the first years of my adult life.
I had no housekeeping responsibilities. I didn’t worry about roofs leaking, energy bills or faulty appliances. There was always a maintenance department that I could call to fix a problem. Heating, cooling and all the energy expenses were included in the rent. When I purchased my first home, I was totally unprepared for the many tasks involved with taking care of the property. I didn’t own a lawn mower, vacuum cleaner, wheelbarrow or a ladder. I called a plumber when there was insufficient water pressure only to learn how to clean an aerator. I called an electrician when there was no power in the kitchen and was shown how to flip the switch on the breaker box. I hired an HVAC contractor when the air conditioner couldn’t cool down the house and learned about the importance of replacing the air filters. The technician removed the outer cabinet of the outdoor component and showed me the inner workings of the air conditioner. There was algae thriving in the condensate drain and mold growing on the cooling coil. The technician explained that the air filter in the air conditioner and furnace aren’t designed to protect indoor air quality. They are intended as a level of defense against contaminants getting inside the system and causing havoc. He said that the buildup of toxins and debris within the cooling system was restricting airflow and causing my complaints with discomfort. This was leading to longer run times, greater energy usage and higher utility bills. The added strain on components increased the risk of malfunction. Plus, every time the air conditioner started up, those allergens were possibly becoming airborne and getting spread throughout the house. I am still learning but am trying to be conscientious about household upkeep.