Recommendation #1: Make a commitment to yourself to get your equipment serviced. The longer you wait, the sooner it'll wear out. Seriously consider a service contract. Regular service will extend the life of your equipment and help maintain its efficiency.

Recommendation #2: Do something about indoor air pollution. Maintain good quality air in your home. This begins by regularly changing your filter. Next, consider an electronic air cleaner, having your ducts cleaned and sanitized, and installing a heat recovery ventilator. The latter will allow you to bring fresh air into your house without wasting the energy you use to heat and cool you air.

Recommendation #3: Ask questions. The way you learn about a company is to ask specific questions and listen carefully to the answers. Here are the questions I suggest you ask:

1. Are you licensed?
2. Are you certified to recover air conditioning refrigerant?
3. Can you give me five references of recent customers?
4. Do you offer financing or take credit cards?
5. What training have you had in the last year?
6. Are you a member of any trade associations and, if so, which ones?
7. Can you be reached in an emergency?