It’s the middle of July, which in HVAC terms means two things: long days and hotter tempers—both systems and people.
Today was one of those “every call is urgent” days. A rooftop unit locked out at a restaurant right before lunch rush. A family with three box fans and zero working air conditioning trying to convince me they’ve “never changed a filter, but it’s probably fine.” (It wasn’t. It was practically a felt blanket.)
Here’s the thing: mid-summer isn’t forgiving—not to equipment, not to techs, and not to homeowners who waited too long for maintenance. But that’s what I love about this trade. It’s problem-solving at its purest. You walk in, assess, sweat (a lot), and leave someone better off than you found them.
Since we’re in peak season, here are a few things I recommend every homeowner keep on hand (or every tech keep stocked):
- MERV 8 or MERV 11 Filters – Change them regularly, especially in summer. Your system will thank you.
- Digital Thermometer – A cheap one can help you confirm room temps and spot issues early.
- Rechargeable Headlamp – For crawlspaces and attics. I don’t go anywhere without mine.
- Insulated Water Bottle – Because attic work in July without hydration is a bad idea.
So if you’re in this line of work too, hang in there. Hydrate. Take pride in the fact that you’re keeping people comfortable in the worst heat of the year. And if you’re not in the trades yet but thinking about it—this is what it’s all about. Real work, real impact.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to clean the dust off my gauges and see if I can squeeze in six hours of sleep before it starts all over again.
— Riley
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