The size and capacity of your home comfort system are crucial factors in whether it can do its job properly. That's why it's wise to get a "load calculation" -- a measurement of the heating and cooling output your home needs.

A too-small system will not be able to keep up with demand, but it will work very hard trying -- leading to unnecessarily high utility bills. So should you just go out and buy the largest-capacity equipment to be safe? No. An oversize system is just as bad as an undersize system. You'll pay too much for the equipment and more complex installation. Beyond that, you'll get poor performance, as a too-big system will operate inefficiently and also increase your utility bills. Oversize furnaces can cause big temperature swings, while outsize A/C units fail to properly dehumidify your air because they don't run long enough.

Air conditioning systems over 10 years old are typically not very efficient; this is also the time when they require more repairs and maintenance. If your air conditioner is older, it may be time to consider upgrading your cooling system to a new, high-efficiency unit. When you do upgrade, you will have to decide which type of system to install: a split-system or a packaged unit.

So, what is the difference between these two types of air conditioning systems?

Winter nights in Massachusetts can be brutal. There's not much that's worse than coming home to a broken furnace and a freezing house.  Annual service for your heating and cooling systems helps to ensure this won't happen, and it also ensures your system functions most effectively and efficiently.

Installing energy-efficient appliances in your home can not only save money on your utility bills, it can save money on your federal taxes. Tax credits are available if you upgrade heaters, air conditioners and hot water heaters with equipment that meets energy-saving requirements.

To claim tax credits in 2011 you must:

Whether you invest in bonds or the stock market, you look for a payoff. That goes for major purchases as well. A high-miles-per-gallon vehicle will pay you back as you drive. Your heating and air equipment should be viewed no differently: An energy-efficient air conditioner can pay off, too.

With summer's arrival looming, now is the time to make sure your air conditioning system is equal to the task of keeping you cool when the weather heats up. Investing in preventive maintenance now can save you major headaches down the road, and it just might stave off a major failure when you're in the throes of a heat wave.

When it comes to maintaining and repairing your heating and air conditioning system, hire a contractor that employs HVAC technicians who are knowledgeable, dependable and qualified. One way to ensure that the job will be done right is to ask for technicians who have earned NATE certification.

We're all unhappy with the price at the gasoline pumps in the Boston area. If a trusted source told you six things you could do to vastly improve your gas mileage, would you do it? You probably would. Whether it's on groceries, gasoline or clothing, we welcome the chance to save money.

There’s no good time for your cooling equipment to fail. There are only bad times and worse times. If disaster strikes, don’t worry. Rodenhiser has a few tips to help you find a cooling system quickly without breaking the bank.

Saving energy is more important than ever to Massachusetts homeowners, but that doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice comfort. If you’re in the market for a new cooling system this summer, variable-speed air handlers can offer efficiency, comfort and savings.