If you are a homeowner, you know the importance of keeping your heating and air conditioning units in tip-top condition. Doing this will not only save you money by keeping your appliances running efficiently, but it will also extend the useful operating life of these units, and you will avoid VERY costly total replacements. So, in this brief article I want to outline some tips and strategies that you, the average homeowner, can use.

But before you rush right out and start looking at your HVAC equipment, what about your house itself? Is it energy efficient? You can do things like install insulation (or more insulation - or better insulation) to help cut your costs. And you can place caulking around all of your windows, trapping the heat inside (in summer), or keeping the cold outside (in winter). You can also add some weatherstripping. One other essential: add a digital programmable thermostat to your line-up -- all of these things will help your fuel bill bottom-line.

If you are up to doing more significant projects, then you should purchase a whole-house humidifier. When you add moisture to your home's air, it will make you feel warmer and more comfortable in the winter months. In addition to a humidifier, you can purchase ceiling fans. These fans can be operated in both the summertime as well as in the winter - and they are quiet and energy efficient.

But of course: make sure that you have your air conditioner, furnace or heat pump inspected before the start of each heating and cooling season. They can perform cleaning and other preventative maintenance, and this will help keep small problems from becoming big, expensive ones.

One of your greatest allies is the government. They, as well as several non-profit organizations, maintain resource websites with all sorts of information. And if you are in need of a brand-new unit, make sure that you look for one that has met the qualifications to be listed as an ENERGY STAR appliance. These are appliances that are very efficient - the ones that you want to consider purchasing.

What are some of these online websites? Well you can go to www.consumerguide.com . Or you can go to the EPA (The Environmental Protection Agency) at www.epa.gov, or the American Council for Energy Efficient Economy at www.aceee.org. You can find those ENERGY STAR appliances I mentioned in the previous paragraph at www.energystar.gov.

A word of caution: if you are thinking of replacing your furnace, heat pump unit, or air conditioner, DON"T DO IT! Why not? Because installing (as well as servicing) these appliances requires the use of special tools, as well as know-how, that the average layperson is not privy to. If you attempt to install the unit yourself, and don't do it the right way, everything will have to be taken out and done all over -- by a professional. You might also void your manufacturer warranty, so don't take the chance.

The same thing goes for repairs: if your HVAC equipment - and of it - needs repairs, don't make the mistake of poking around it yourself. You might damage your unit even further, void the warranty, and even injure yourself of your family. Find a good, reliable HVAC technician, give him all of your business, and you'll surely rest easier at night.