When I asked my dad about it, he said I should start by replacing the air filters.
- I had no idea where or how to change the air filters.
When Grandpa came out of the house, I was outside admiring the air conditioner. He was always mucking about in the garden while Grandma knitted in the next room. She made and donated knitted hats, gloves, sweaters, and slippers to those in need. She was wonderful, but she couldn’t stand being in the sunshine. She claimed to be allergic to its irritants, but Grandpa noticed my fixation on the air conditioner and inquired as to whether or not I had discovered anything of interest. I explained to him that my father had instructed me to replace the filter but that I had no idea how to do so. The air filter access port was demonstrated to me. We went into the garage, and my friend pointed out the container containing the filters for the air conditioner. When I returned with the air filter, he instructed me to install it in the reverse direction of the previous one. He indicated the top and the side that was inserted first with arrows. After we finished with the air conditioner, my great-friend took me down to the basement and showed me how to swap out the furnace’s air filter. I felt lucky to have a grandfather who was willing to share his knowledge of HVAC air filters with anyone who asked. If my dad hadn’t come home early from work, I would still be sitting by the AC unit, staring at it.