It’s easy to become complacent about your air conditioner — that big, boxy home system that we think should give us two decades of reliable service.  But “should” is the operative word here, because Ol’ Faithful depends on you to provide regular maintenance checks to help it go the distance. So if a tune-up isn’t on your spring to-do list, it should be.

The Internet has transformed consumer shopping habits, enabling people to buy everything from jewelry to vacation property online. But the next time you're able, try checking the internet for a shopping category that doesn't exist: that of a certified HVAC expert.

Having a whole house generator installed is like having a guard on duty every hour of the day. Your home, family and possessions are protected 24/7 with a backup supply of power most homeowners generally take for granted. Only when it goes off do we realize how crucial it is.

There are many undesirable particles floating through our air, such as pollution, cigarette smoke, pet dander, mold spores, dirt and even bacteria. For those of us who live in or near a city, such as the Greater Boston area, air conditions can often be even worse. And while you cannot control the air outside, you can help control the air in your home.

By staying on top of preventive maintenance for your furnace, you can help to ensure that common, problematic furnace noises don't become an issue in your household. The fact is, once you start to notice that your equipment is making low, rumbling, or high-pitched squealing noises, a more serious issue is likely already present, and a repair is almost certain to be necessary.

Whole house humidification systems solve much more than just static electricity problems. When you're able to control the humidity in your home, and maintain a healthy level between 30 and 55 percent, your home will be that much more comfortable.

If your furnace is nearing retirement age, who could blame you for breaking out in a mild sweat? A furnace replacement project requires careful consideration and time—not to mention a significant monetary investment.

A red-tagged furnace may occur if an inspector determines that your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger. While the inspector may not actually put a red tag on the furnace, if he tells you that you have a red-tagged furnace, there are some serious choices looming. And an expert HVAC technician who can properly advise you on what to do should guide these choices.

There are statistics that cause you to shake your head, and then there are statistics that move you to action. Here's one that fits the latter category: In most homes with forced-air heating and cooling systems, about 20 percent of the air that moves through the air ducts leaks because of holes and poor connections.

Utility bills can rise dramatically in this part of Massachusetts in the winter, but reducing your water heating costs can help to bring your bills down.