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How often you change your air filter depends on your home and lifestyle. Things like how many people are in your home, pets, the season, the size of your home, the air quality where you live, and more all impact your HVAC system. The best practice is using visual indicators to determine when it needs changing by checking if light can pass through it. If you can’t see any light, it’s clogged and needs to be changed.

It’s not customary to tip HVAC technicians, and most professionals won’t expect it. However, it’s a nice way of showing your appreciation for the work they do, especially if they come out in inclement weather or on a weekend or holiday to fix an emergency issue if your heat or AC goes out in extreme temperatures. A good tip would be between 10% to 20% of the total bill, depending on how above and beyond the tech goes for your repair and on the total cost of your HVAC repair or service. For something like a routine tune-up or scheduled maintenance, tips aren’t expected.

NATE-certified technicians may charge slightly higher service fees compared to non-certified technicians. This is because NATE certification signifies a higher level of expertise and professionalism, often leading to more efficient and effective HVAC repairs and installations. While the upfront cost may be marginally higher, NATE-certified technicians can potentially save you money in the long run by reducing energy consumption, preventing frequent breakdowns, and extending the life span of your HVAC system. When looking for a local HVAC company to hire, it never hurts to ask about NATE certifications.

Air filters with a MERV rating of 11 or higher need to be changed every three to six months. If your filters are incredibly strained because of environmental factors, such as living in a smoggy, pollen-rich area with a large household, you may need to change your filters every two months regardless of the MERV rating.