Tightly Sealed Homes Need Proper Ventilation

When it comes to insulating your home, you can have too much of a good thing. A tight house often lacks proper ventilation, which is necessary in order to keep mold, mildew, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other contaminants from building up. Ventilation also helps prevent moisture build-up that can cause structural damage.

Good air flow is important for a healthy home. So, the general rule of thumb for insulating is that you should do what you can to seal up your home, then mechanically ventilate your indoor air. This creates cleaner, healthier air inside your home, reduces air leaks and keeps moisture from rotting your wood and damaging insulation. Some air leakage is likely in any home, especially older ones. However, if you have good ventilation that removes indoor air pollution and brings fresh outside air in, you should see an improvement in your home comfort as well as the quality of the air you breathe.

Whatever the status of air leakage in your home, mechanical ventilation systems can play a significant role in promoting air flow and reducing odor and moisture in your home. One way to achieve better ventilation is to install fans that remove moist air. Every home should have both kitchen and bathroom fans to effectively remove moisture and odors. In fact, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering (ASHRAE) recommends that kitchens have an intermittent exhaust capacity of 100 cfm (cubic feet per minute), and bathrooms 50 cfm.

ASHRAE also recommends a minimum ventilation rate of 15 cfm per person (or .35 air changes per hour), whichever is greater. That means introducing fresh or filtered air equal to just under one‐third of the total volume of air in your home every 60 minutes or more than 8 complete air exchanges per day. To put this rate of exchange into perspective, an older home without insulation or weather‐stripping might have as many as 8 air exchanges per hour. During the heating or cooling season, that adds up to a lot of energy consumption, and a lot of wasted energy dollars.

So, if your home is showing signs of ventilation problems such as high energy bills, moisture build up, condensation on the windows, mold, mildew and other unpleasant effects of poor air quality, have us come out to assess the situation. This is also a good time to talk about how to improve air quality through various mechanical means, such as dehumidifiers and air cleaners that work with your air conditioning to provide clean, cool and dry air year round.

Overinsulating has become an issue, especially with newer homes that are built to more energy-efficient standards. Mechanical ventilation helps keep your indoor air healthy and prevents costly repairs to your home down the line. Ask us about your options for sealing and ventilating your home to achieve better comfort.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Ventilation and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.

Make Sure your System is Installed Correctly

Over half of the HVAC systems in the U.S. are not properly installed. As a result, they aren’t performing to their rated efficiency, and are more likely to suffer from breakdowns and costly repairs down the line. When it comes to getting the most comfort and energy savings out of your system, a quality installation is key. So, homeowners need to know what distinguishes a professional job from one that’s going to cause future problems. When it comes to installation, there are many points to look at, including:

* Proper sizing- Bigger is not better when it comes to your heating and cooling system. A system that’s sized too large will cycle on and off too much, leading to poor performance, early equipment failure and less comfort. Your contractor should do a load calculation to determine what size components are right for your home.

* Duct sealing- About 20% of your conditioned air is lost to leaky ducts. During installation, ducts should be properly sealed with tape or mastic, and all kinks should be eliminated for proper air flow.

Refrigerant charge- Over 60% of air conditioning systems are incorrectly charged at the time of installation. This leads to reduced life for system components and poor performance.

* Air flow- Your contractor should test for proper air flow through your system. Too much or too little air flow could result in higher energy bills as your system has to work harder to keep your rooms comfortable.

It’s also a good idea to have a checklist of important points for your contractor to cover during the installation:

1.Equipment has adequate space around it for maintenance.
2.Proper air flow is tested and verified.
3.Programmable thermostat is set and tested, and instructions for use are provided.
4.Instructions for changing filters are provided.
5.Furnace or boiler is tested for proper venting and burner operation.
6.Refrigerant levels in A/C units are checked and at the proper level.
7.Outside condenser unit is placed in a protected area.
8.Certificate for energy tax credit is provided, if applicable.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has a Quality Installation Specification available online that contains important guidelines for homeowners and contractors, so check it out for more details. A professional, quality installation job gives you years of comfort and energy efficiency, so make sure your contractor does it right the first time.

Replacing your Existing Heat Pump

We’ve outlined some of the factors involved in replacing your old HVAC system. The first one to consider is this– when choosing a new system, there are certain limitations imposed by your existing system. To many people, it would seem that the obvious solution to replacement is to swap out your old heat pump with a newer model of the same type. Before you replace your heat pump, however, you need to determine if the current heat pump is sized correctly, and if the ductwork is also the right size for the new unit. Your ducts may be undersized (at least half of all systems are), or it may not be able to evenly heat and cool your home.

So, if your system is starting to perform poorly, and you think it might be time for a change, contact a qualified HVAC contractor. We inspect a lot of systems, and sometimes, we end up recommending a heat pump replacement. Here are some signs that your system may be at the end of its useful life:

1. Age: While age isn’t necessarily a reason to replace, a system that’s ten or fifteen years old is probably not operating very efficiently any more. The efficiency of your current system can be measured. The most common measurement used for heat pump efficiency ratings is the Coefficient of Performance, or COP. This refers to the ratio of the heat pump’s BTU heat output to the BTU electrical input. A water or ground source heat pump has a rating of three to five. An air source heat pump usually has a COP rating of two to four. When the outside temperature drops, the COP of air source heat pumps decreases.

Another method of determining heat pump efficiency is the Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER. This evaluates the efficiency during the cooling cycle of the particular unit. This rating is also used for air conditioners. If the EER rating is higher than ten, then it’s operating efficiently.

2. Uneven heating- If you find that there is unequal heating or cooling in the rooms of your house, then you should check your heat pump unit for certain problems. These problems could be due to improper installation, trouble with the ducts or, worse, your equipment is no longer functioning well. In this scenario, it’s likely that you’ll have to replace your old model.

3. Increased operating costs- Consider how much it costs to operate your current system. If your energy bills and the expenses spent on repairs and parts are increasing each year, replacement is probably in order. These expenses will continue to climb each year you own your old heat pump and, to add insult to injury, your system performance is likely to deteriorate.

4. Noise- If you start noticing that your system is becoming noisy, it could be a sign that parts are wearing out. Before additional damage is done, have a qualified HVAC contractor come check it out.

Contact us when you think it might be time to replace your heat pump. We can help you determine if your entire system needs replaced, and weigh your options. There are many considerations when replacing your current system, so we want to make sure that the benefits outweigh the costs involved.



Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Heat Pump Systems and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.

What Can A Whole House Dehumidifier Do For You?

We’ve talked a little bit about how to stay cool and comfortable in hot, humid conditions. Here at Conditioned Air, we believe that dehumidifying your indoor air is one of the most effective ways to improve your comfort all year long, keep indoor air healthy and save money on air conditioning costs. Whole house dehumidifiers can be used to supplement your air conditioner’s air drying capability. If you think you might need one, there are a few things you should know.

How they work

Whole house dehumidifiers connect to your existing heating and cooling system. They pull hot, humid air from your indoor spaces into return ducts, remove the moisture and refrigerate it, then return dry air back into your home. These units work well in conjunction with your air conditioner to balance the humidity levels in your home. They can also be used to provide fresh, dehumidified air on days when your A/C system is turned off or not needed.

Ventilating dehumidifiers provide an exchange of stale, humid indoor air for fresh, outdoor air. These units refrigerate and dehumidify outside air then introduce it into the home. By ventilating your home, these dehumidifiers help keep pollutants such as VOCs ( volatile organic compounds) and pollen from accumulating while providing dry air for increased comfort during times when the A/C needs a little help.

Choosing your dehumidifier

Just like any piece of HVAC equipment, your whole house dehumidifier needs to be sized for your home. This is calculated based on the size of the home, the number of rooms and the airflow of the unit. Proper sizing allows the unit to work at maximum efficiency and meet ventilation requirements.

Your technician can help you determine if you need a ventilating unit. An advantage to these types of dehumidifiers is their ability to provide fresh, treated air all year, regardless of weather conditions. This kind of mechanical ventilation is an energy efficient way to supplement your A/C’s dehumidification.

What can a whole house dehumidifier do for you? It’s a quiet, efficient way to improve your indoor air quality by keeping your home cool, dry and free from pollutants all year, in any conditions. Using one to supplement your air conditioning will ensure that hot, humid Florida weather doesn’t affect your indoor comfort.


Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about whole house dehumidifiers and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.

Replacing your Existing Heat Pump

We’ve outlined some of the factors involved in replacing your old HVAC system. The first one to consider is this– when choosing a new system, there are certain limitations imposed by your existing system. To many people, it would seem that the obvious solution to replacement is to swap out your old heat pump with a newer model of the same type. Before you replace your heat pump, however, you need to determine if the current heat pump is sized correctly, and if the ductwork is also the right size for the new unit. Your ducts may be undersized (at least half of all systems are), or it may not be able to evenly heat and cool your home.

So, if your system is starting to perform poorly, and you think it might be time for a change, contact a qualified HVAC contractor. We inspect a lot of systems, and sometimes, we end up recommending a heat pump replacement. Here are some signs that your system may be at the end of its useful life:

1. Age: While age isn’t necessarily a reason to replace, a system that’s ten or fifteen years old is probably not operating very efficiently any more. The efficiency of your current system can be measured. The most common measurement used for heat pump efficiency ratings is the Coefficient of Performance, or COP. This refers to the ratio of the heat pump’s BTU heat output to the BTU electrical input. A water or ground source heat pump has a rating of three to five. An air source heat pump usually has a COP rating of two to four. When the outside temperature drops, the COP of air source heat pumps decreases.

Another method of determining heat pump efficiency is the Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER. This evaluates the efficiency during the cooling cycle of the particular unit. This rating is also used for air conditioners. If the EER rating is higher than ten, then it’s operating efficiently.

2. Uneven heating- If you find that there is unequal heating or cooling in the rooms of your house, then you should check your heat pump unit for certain problems. These problems could be due to improper installation, trouble with the ducts or, worse, your equipment is no longer functioning well. In this scenario, it’s likely that you’ll have to replace your old model.

3. Increased operating costs- Consider how much it costs to operate your current system. If your energy bills and the expenses spent on repairs and parts are increasing each year, replacement is probably in order. These expenses will continue to climb each year you own your old heat pump and, to add insult to injury, your system performance is likely to deteriorate.

4. Noise- If you start noticing that your system is becoming noisy, it could be a sign that parts are wearing out. Before additional damage is done, have a qualified HVAC contractor come check it out.

Contact us when you think it might be time to replace your heat pump. We can help you determine if your entire system needs replaced, and weigh your options. There are many considerations when replacing your current system, so we want to make sure that the benefits outweigh the costs involved.


Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Heat Pump Systems and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.

How an Energy Efficient Landscape Can Save You Money

Here’s something you may not know– if you want to reduce your energy bills, one of the most effective ways to do it is through your landscaping. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the proper placement of just 3 trees will save the average homeowner up to 25% per year in energy costs. When you implement an energy-efficient landscape design, you can help your cooling system work more efficiently by preventing the weather from affecting its performance. If you want to take advantage of potentially significant savings on your energy costs, we have some tips for you.

The first thing to consider when installing an energy efficient landscape is your climate zone. Here in Northeast Florida, we live in a hot-humid zone, which requires a landscaping plan aimed at keeping your home cool naturally. Anyone who has spent time in a park or wooded area can tell you that the temperature in these places is noticeably cooler than in areas without shade or covered with asphalt. Your landscaping can do the same thing for your home.

Here are the main elements of energy-efficient landscape design:

Shade- The area around trees is cooler for a reason. Trees not only provide shade from the sun, they also move and release water vapor in a process called evapotranspiration. Shading your yard with climate-appropriate trees can lower the air temperature around your home by 9 degrees. Energy efficient placement of your trees channels breezes toward your home in summer and maximizes shade during the hottest summer days. Pay attention to where shadows fall during certain times of day to determine where your trees should be planted, and be sure ask us about how to get the greatest energy savings by adding shade to your outdoor spaces.

Remember, it’s a good idea to plant trees or shrubs around your outdoor A/C unit. Providing shade for your air conditioner can save you as much as 10% on its operating costs. Just allow two to three feet around the condenser for air flow.

Wind Control- Unlike some areas of the country where windbreaks are desirable, here in Florida good ventilation is necessary in order to keep the home cool and reduce humidity. So, you may want to encourage wind movement in your yard. Smart wind control can help keep your air conditioning from working harder than necessary, so consider including this element when designing your landscape.

An energy efficient landscape pays for itself in energy savings within about 8 years, and can reduce air conditioning costs by 15-50% depending on other factors. So if you’re looking for ways to save money on energy costs, don’t neglect this important element of home comfort.



Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about filtration and filters and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.

Are Your Air Ducts Costing You Money?

As a Florida homeowner, you know how much you rely on your A/C unit and heat pump. You need them to keep you comfortable all year long, even in extreme heat or cold. But, is your forced-air system working too hard for your comfort? One way to tell is to inspect your ductwork. Leaky air ducts could be causing a lot of issues in your home, and worse yet, they could be costing you money. Ductwork that’s improperly sealed or torn allows about 20% of the air going through it to escape. As a result, your system has to work harder and use more fuel to keep you comfortable. Which leads to- you guessed it- higher energy bills. It also shortens the life span of your heating and cooling equipment.

There are several clues that indicate improperly sealed ducts:

*Energy bills that seem too high
*Areas that are hard to heat or cool
*Stuffy or dusty rooms
*Tangled or kinked ducts

*Uninsulated ducts in the garage or attic
Do any of these issues sound familiar? If so, you need to check your ducts and make sure they’re performing well. We do a lot of ductwork inspection and repair, and we know how important it is that they’re in good shape. So, make sure maintenance includes the following steps:

1. Do a thorough inspection of all ducts. Don’t forget ductwork in the attic and garage.
2. Use mastic, metal tape or an approved sealant to seal up any leaks or poor connections. Duct tape is not recommended as it’s not durable for this application.
3. Seal ductwork to all registers and air returns.
4. Insulate around ducts in the garage and attic with R-6 insulation.

Keeping your home comfortable requires ducts that are clean, free from obstructions and sealed properly. Taking these steps will improve your home’s energy efficiency, keep indoor air clean and save you up to 20% off your energy bill. It doesn’t take much time or effort to keep your ducts in good working order and the payoff could be big, so do yourself and your system a favor– keep your ducts happy with regular inspections.



Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about filtration and filters and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.

How Does Humidity Affect You and Your Home

When the air inside your home is either too moist or too dry, you feel it. Moist air feels clammy and sticky, and dry air leaves you reaching for hydration. So, your level of comfort is affected by humidity. However, you aren’t the only one affected by the levels of humidity in your home. Too much or too little humidity can cause a host of structural and indoor air quality issues, as well. That’s why it’s important to control the level of humidity within your home, and keep it within a desirable range.

Here in Florida, high humidity can be a problem, especially in the steamy summer months. High humidity levels produce fogged windows, musty odor and/or a clammy feel to the air. During cooler weather, condensation on inside windows is common. If the humidity in your home is too high, you’ll probably have more window condensation.

Humidity is defined as vaporized water in the air. The term used to define the amount of water vapor in the air is “relative humidity.” The human body is most comfortable when relative humidity is between 40% and 60%. In your home, an average relative humidity of 50% is ideal for Northeast Florida. During cooler weather, higher humidity ranges may cause structural damage because of condensation on windows and on the inside of exterior walls. As outdoor temperatures fall, condensation problems inside the home may develop.

The construction of a home also influences indoor humidity. Tightly constructed buildings retain more heat and moisture. This is where mechanical ventilation becomes important. If a home does not have the proper mechanical ventilation, excess water vapor can move through walls and ceilings, causing wet insulation, peeling paint, and mold on walls and woodwork.

During summer when outdoor humidity is high, your house and its furnishings naturally absorb some water vapor. In fall, when temperatures drop and the air becomes drier, this water vapor is released into the living space and condensation on windows may occur.

To avoid the problems caused by high humidity, we usually recommend an A/C checkup, and possibly a whole-house dehumidifier. It operates in tandem with your central air conditioner to reduce mold and mildew, improve indoor air quality, extend the life of your A/C and help control your energy bills. Drier air provides greater comfort at higher temperatures, so homeowners can raise the setting on their central air conditioners, reducing their energy use.

Ask us about ways that you can keep humidity at optimum levels in your home. It’s one of the best ways to improve your comfort, keep your indoor air healthy, extend the life of your HVAC equipment and maintain your home’s structural integrity.


Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about filtration and filters and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.

Get the Facts about your HVAC Filters

You may not think much about it, but your home is a breeding ground for mold, mildew and contaminants of all kinds. And, one of the places these health hazards like to grow is inside your heating and cooling systems. Ductwork, coils and other components can capture dirt, dust and pollen, and spread them around your home through your forced air system. This creates unhealthy conditions for both the occupants and the system itself.

This is why your filters are so important to your indoor air quality and your system. Filters capture harmful particulates so that they can’t escape into your indoor air. They also help extend the life of your HVAC equipment by preventing dirt and debris from clogging up system components. Properly installed filters that are correct for your system will help keep the air inside your home clean and keep your system operating efficiently.

There are four main types of filters. The best way to determine which ones are best for you is to have us come out and do an air flow measurement on your system. This is important because the wrong filters can restrict air flow and cause a pressure drop that damages your HVAC equipment. We can recommend the correct filters for your needs.

The different types of filters are designed to handle different kinds of particulates:


1. Low efficiency- These filters are made to capture particles that are 50 microns or larger. Examples would be dust and larger-size pollens. Since they can’t handle very small particles and contaminants, they are generally used to protect fans, coils and ducts from dust and dirt buildup. They also can be installed as pre-filters to keep large particles of dust from reaching higher efficiency filters.

2. Medium efficiency- Medium efficiency filters capture up to 95% of particles that are 5 microns or larger, which includes small pollens and large bacteria. Most commercial building filters are in this group. These filters are usually pleated and pocket filters, which have a larger filtering surface than one that is flat facing the air stream. This provides more filtering capability for your system.

3. High efficiency- High efficiency filters capture almost 100% of particulates that are 0.3 microns or larger. These are smaller particulates that lower efficiency filters can’t handle. Examples are bacteria, about 50% of the viruses, and most fumes. These are often called electronic air cleaners, and are available for residential systems.

4. Very high efficiency- Most likely, your residential HVAC System will not have these filters. They are mostly used for areas that require sterile indoor air, such as hospital operating rooms and laboratories. HEPA filters are an example of very high efficiency filters. These filters can eliminate almost 100% of particulates from the air. Residential equipment is not designed to work directly with these filters.

When looking at filters, you should be aware that all HVAC filters are rated based on their minimum efficiency, or MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). This rating was established by ASHRAE to help homeowners and contractors install the correct filters for their application. The higher the rating number, the more efficient the filter is. We can help you get the filters that are rated for your system, so ask us about MERV ratings and what they mean to you.

Keeping your filters clean, and replacing them when necessary, can make a big difference in the quality of your indoor air. Just as importantly, regular filter maintenance will keep your system components working for a lot longer. That’s why we check, clean, or replace our customers’ filters every time we do scheduled maintenance. Don’t let dirty filters reduce your system’s efficiency, and don’t risk health problems that come along with dirty indoor air. These issues are easily prevented with a little bit of preventative maintenance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about filtration and filters and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.

Is it Time for an HVAC Equipment Upgrade? Here’s what you Need to Know

If your heating and cooling system is more than 10 years old, you may be thinking about buying a new one. Unlike other appliances in your home, purchasing an HVAC system is not a matter of picking one out, plugging it in and moving on. Your system is made up of parts that work together to keep you comfortable every day, and they need to work well for your particular situation. So, you should make sure that your new system is right for your climate, your home and your comfort needs.

How do you make an informed decision when purchasing an HVAC system? There are several factors to consider, and we can’t cover everything in one post, but let’s take a look at the 3 main points:

1. Your old system- You can replace your air conditioning unit with a new model, but first make sure that your existing ductwork can handle it. If your home has been remodeled or had additions put on, the ductwork needs to be able to handle a bigger unit, and air distribution looked at for maximum comfort throughout the home. For heating, the issues are the same. What are the limitations imposed by your current system? For example, if you want to switch to a high efficiency heat pump system you should have a contractor check the size of your ducts. Your current ductwork may not be large enough. There can be significant costs involved with upgrading to a new system; however, if you’re getting higher efficiency you should recoup those costs over time.

2. Fuel availability and cost- Your system should be designed to take advantage of the most efficient fuel or energy source available. Homes in Northeast Florida, for example, usually use electricity to run heat pumps because it’s efficient and clean, and relatively inexpensive

3. Size- An improperly sized system will cost you more money to run, perform poorly and possibly create health hazards such as moisture build-up in your home. Recent studies estimate that over half of all new systems installed in the U.S. are not sized properly, and most of those are oversized. An oversized heating and cooling system costs more to install, won’t run long enough to dehumidify the air and is more likely to break down. One of the things we do to avoid this is to use a specific calculation called Manual J heat load to determine what size system is right for each home.

There’s a lot more to cover when it comes to choosing a new heating and cooling system for your Northeast Florida home. In future posts we’ll talk more about these points. The important thing to remember is that if you’re looking at a new HVAC system, you need to do your homework before you make a purchase. Go to our website for more information and links to equipment manufacturers and their products. We encourage homeowners to become educated and to work with us, so they can get the most comfort and efficiency from their new systems.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about upgrading your equipment and other HVAC topics, click here to visit our website.
Action Heating and Air Conditioning services Northeast Florida (St. John’s County) to get started,check out our website or see our special offers.

Energy Strategy for the Future

The Energy Picture: Where Are We Now? Where Are We Headed?

EPA’s experience, through its interactions with U.S. companies, is that many are initiating energy programs. For companies operating formal energy programs, these programs are typically less than 5 years old. And, the involvement of senior executives in energy planning and decisionmaking is just beginning.

Market trends suggest that the demand for energy resources will rise dramatically over the next 25 years:

*Global demand for all energy sources is forecast to grow by 57% over the next 25 years.
*U.S. demand for all types of energy is expected to increase by 31% within 25 years.
*By 2030, 56% of the world’s energy use will be in Asia.
*Electricity demand in the U.S. will grow by at least 40% by 2032.
*New power generation equal to nearly 300 (1,000MW) power plants will be needed to meet electricity demand by 2030.
*Currently, 50% of U.S. electrical generation relies on coal, a fossil fuel; while 85% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions result from energy-consuming activities supported by fossil fuels.

Sources: Annual Energy Outlook (DOE/EIA-0383(2007)), International Energy Outlook 2007 (DOE/EIA-0484(2007), Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2005 (April 2007) (EPA 430-R-07-002)

If energy prices also rise dramatically due to increased demand and constrained supply, business impacts could include:

*Reduced profits due to high operating costs.
*Decline of sales of energy-using products.
*Loss of competitiveness in energy intensive businesses.
*Disruptions in supply chains as suppliers are unable to meet cost obligations or go bankrupt.

Recent history also demonstrates that catastrophic weather events, terrorism, and shifting economic centers are not just events of our imagination but realities of our lifetime.

Given this challenging landscape, what steps do U.S. businesses need to take today to survive a potentially disruptive energy future?

10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor

1. Study up — Find out about license and insurance requirements for contractors in your state. And before you call a contractor, know the model of your current system and its maintenance history. Also make note of any uncomfortable rooms. This will help potential contractors better understand your heating needs.

2. Ask for referrals — Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for contractor referrals. You can also contact local trade organizations for names of members in your area.

3. Call references — Ask contractors for customer references and call them. Ask about the contractor's installation or service performance, and if the job was completed on time and within budget.

4. Find special offers — A heating and cooling system is one of the largest purchases you'll make as a homeowner. Keep your costs down by checking around for available rebates on energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment. Begin your search at www.energystar.gov.

5. Look for ENERGY STAR — ENERGY STAR qualified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and offer significant long-term energy savings. Contractors should be able to show you calculations of savings for ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment.

6. Expect a home evaluation — The contractor should spend significant time inspecting your current system and home to assess your needs. A bigger system isn't always better; a contractor should size the heating and cooling system based on the size of your house, level of insulation, and windows. A good contractor will inspect your duct system (if applicable) for air leaks and insulation and measure airflow to make sure it meets manufacturers specifications.

7. Get written, itemized estimates — When comparing contractors' proposals (bids), be sure to compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties. A lowest price may not be the best deal if it's not the most efficient because your energy costs will be higher.

8. Get it in ink — Sign a written proposal with a contractor before work gets started. It'll protect you by specifying project costs, model numbers, job schedule and warranty information.

9. Pass it on — Tell friends and family about ENERGY STAR. Almost one-quarter of households knowingly purchased at least one qualified product last year, and 71% of those consumers say they would recommend ENERGY STAR to a friend. Spread the word, and we can all make a big difference.

10. Get the ENERGY STAR Guide — For complete information on keeping your home comfortable year-round, get the ENERGY STAR Guide to Energy Efficient Cooling and Heating or 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).

Ask about Proper Installation of your new equipment

Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with new, energy-efficient models is a great start. But to make sure that you get the best performance, the new equipment must be properly installed. In fact, improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent — costing you more on your utility bills and possibly shortening the equipment's life.