Very important.  Servicing prolongs the life, efficiency and safety of your equipment.  All manufacturers require yearly service to maintain warranty status and EPA (Enviromental Protection Agency) recommends yearly inspections.

1" filter - check or change monthly
1" electrostatic - clean monthly
4" media - check quarterly, change as needed
Electonic (E.A.C.) - clean bi-monthly

Yes, but would you the homeowner change the engine in your $50,000 automobile?  It is preferable to have it serviced by a qualified service technician.  A certified technician is a professional who has been trained to work with the high and low voltage electrical and extreme pressure found on your system.

Yes, but only the top of the unit.  Covering the top of the unit protects it from possible damage that could be caused by ice and falling snow directly on unit.  Wrapping the unit completely will trap moisture inside and cause premature rusting.

The most important maintenance you can do is change your filters regularly.  Ground mounted outdoor units need to be kept clear of debris, clutter, weeds or landscaping that can grow too close and reduce the airflow to the unit.  Also, keep pets away from the unit because per urine can cause expensive damage.  Use caution with a weed trimmer around the unit to prevent damaging control wiring.  Any additional maintenance should only be preformed by qualified personnel.

Keep your furnace filter clean and wash down your outside AC units, keep grass clippings and other debris cleared.  Have your HVAC system professionally maintained once a year to keep it running at peek performance and to save you money on operating costs throughout the year.

Studies have shown that duct systems should be kept clean to reduce allergens and dust particles in the air stream of your home and prolong the life and effeciency of your equipment.

Better filration, humidification, ultra-violet lights and duct cleaning.

Are homeowners home during the day or night?
Do you change your temperature settings many times during the day or night?
Do you have a problem remembering to change your filter?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, a programmable thermostat may benefit you.

Different programmable thermostats offer many different features.  However, because they are electronic, they are all more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury.  With programmable thermostats you can control the temperature in your home at different times of the day without ever touching your thermostat.  Because everything is automatic you will never forget to change the setting on your own.

Yes.  The Clean Air Act of 1990 mandated a complete phase out of R-22 and in 1996 a production cap was placed on its production.  In 2004 production of R-22 was cut by 25% and the manufacturer of R-22 compatible equipment will be prohibited after 2010.  Production of R-22 will be banned completely in 2020.

S.E.E.R. stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rate (measures efficiency of AV unit), A.F.U.E. stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (measures efficiency of furnace), H.S.P.F. stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (measures efficiency of heat pumps).  These are the most commonly used terms to describe equipment efficiencies.  The higher the better.