Time to fire up the bbq and light some fireworks, summer has arrived.  If you want to be cool, take a few minutes to do a bit of preventative maintenance for your air conditioner.  Check the basics on your air conditioning system: Change the filters, check the batteries in thermostats, and clean units outside. 

When it comes to filters, there are several options.  There are disposable, washable, and electronic.  We recommend disposable.  For most people, pleated filter is a great choice because of the increased surface area of the filter.  There are several levels of filtration and you can pick a filter that fits your needs.  A dirty filter prevents air from flowing through the system.  If air flow is restricted, the unit will not be able to efficiently cool the space.  If air flow becomes too restricted, the unit can freeze up and air flow becomes increasingly reduced.

Tell us a little bit about your company and its foundation.
I grew up working on home remodeling projects with my family and started A Helpful Handyman while in college. Homeowners liked my work and told their friends. Before long, realtors and property managers got my phone number and passed it around. Soon, I was doing repairs for homeowners, closings, and rental properties.

While making repairs on homes that had sold, I noticed variations in the home inspections. The reports from these inspections specify which repairs are needed to the home. Some inspectors provided well-written, timely reports with pictures and detailed comments; some did not. To address the need, I started Assured Home Inspectors, which uses licensed and certified home inspectors who take the approach of being thorough, efficient and an advocate for the customer.

Selecting a good and reliable contractor can be difficult. With a little time and effort up front you can save yourself time, money and a few headaches.

• Ask your family and friends to refer you to a contractor they've used that was reliable and honest.
• Check the contractor's online service ratings. The better the ratings, the more likely they are to provide good service.

When contacting a contractor, keep the following questions top of mind.