The flowers are blooming, the sun is climbing higher into the sky, and soon, the temperatures will be soaring. If you don’t want to feel yourself melt every time you step foot into your home or business this summer, it is important to have a working HVAC unit. Do you know when you can get a unit working yourself and when you should call a professional? Check out this guide to learn the difference.

When You Can Do It Yourself

While there are plenty of times you should call a professional, some of your HVAC maintenance needs are things you can take care of yourself. Most homeowners can handle the basics, such as changing the air filter. If your unit uses a 1-inch or 2-inch filter, you should change it every 1-2 months. If it uses 4-inch to 5-inch filters, you can change it once or twice per year. Other maintenance tasks you can complete on your own include removing blockages, such as leaves or twigs, from the top and sides of the outside portion of the unit, changing the batteries in your thermostat to ensure it can read the interior temperature properly, and keeping furniture away from interior vents.

When You Should Call a Professiona

Sometimes, calling a professional HVAC technician is necessary. If your unit seems to be operating too noisily, doesn’t cool down the property even after you perform routine maintenance, cycles too quickly, or is causing a rise in your utility bills, a professional is more likely to accurately diagnose and repair the problem. It is also essential to hire an HVAC professional if you are removing an old unit to install a new one, as improper installation can cause serious issues or even create a safety hazard.

How To Hire an HVAC Technician

If you decide you need to hire a technician, check out several HVAC companies in Tampa FL, first. Verify their licenses, check the certifications of their technicians, and read their online reviews. You may even consider asking for references. After you ensure each business you call is legitimate, you can ask for a written estimate that includes what services they’d provide and how much they’d charge. From there, you can determine which company is right for your HVAC needs. Keep in mind that customer service is important as well, though. If a company looks good on paper, but you feel that the people you talk to aren’t providing good customer service, it is a good idea to keep searching.