Determine the specific needs of your home, including square footage, insulation, windows, and any particular heating and cooling requirements.

Check the energy efficiency ratings of the systems being quoted (e.g., SEER for cooling and AFUE for heating). Higher ratings often translate to lower long-term operating costs.

Ensure that the contractors perform a proper load calculation to determine the right-sized system for your home. An oversized or undersized system can lead to inefficiencies and discomfort.

While a quote might be higher upfront, consider how much you can save over the years in energy bills due to a more efficient system.

Consider the overall professionalism, communication, and responsiveness of the contractors. Your comfort level with the contractor is important as they’ll be working on a significant investment in your home.