According to a recent Air Conditioning | Heating | Refrigeration News article, the HVAC industry is experiencing a welcome upswing in business so far this year. When polled, members of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America indicated positive feelings about the direction in which their business was going, and many contractors are reporting booming business in the first few months of 2013.

This news is a good indication that the economy might be starting to emerge from the recession. More importantly, however, it’s indicative of the fact that proper residential and commercial HVAC service is more than just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for your health and comfort. Good HVAC contractors will always be busy, because the work that they perform is so important.

If you’re looking for an HVAC contractor – whether for a routine maintenance inspection, or for system repair or replacement – keep in mind some of the following tips.

1. Your HVAC contractor should be licensed and insured.

2. Look for a contracting company that is well regarded on sites like Angie’s List and Yelp. There’s no better advertisement for a contractor’s services than the positive reviews of other customers.

3. Choose a contractor who is well versed in the latest advances in technology, such as high-efficiency equipment.

4. Expect great service. Good heating, cooling and plumbing contractors are busy, but not so busy that they can get away with not being prompt or professional. In this day and age, there is simply too much competition out there for companies to get away with giving their customers less than 110%.

Your HVAC contractor should be more than a service provider – think of these folks as partners, helping you to make your home or office a safe and comfortable environment.