For many of you, the switch from winter to spring and then summer has begun,
               (Here is Houston we skip spring and go directly to summer).
Summer means running the air conditioning, and that can mean a larger utility bill. A couple of ways to combat those high bills and improve air quality in the house are; 

1. Changing the furnace filters. A dirty filter can mean restricted air flow making the compressor work longer and harder. When changing the filters, be sure to change the filters in the cold air return and at the A/C near the furnace. The return air filters are usually found in the walls or in the ceiling of the house. Pull the filters and check what size they are. The common sizes are 20x25x1 and 20x16x1, The filters at the furnace may be 20x16x4 inches. Don't skimp, spend the extra money and buy a good brand, Honeywell or 3M. 
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) filters should be changed 4 times a year.

2. The second way is to add insulation to the attic. I recommend Owens Corning insulation. If, your insulation is to the top of the ceiling joist in the attic, the recommended additional thickness is four to six inches. 
When having it done ask the contractor to put paper thickness rulers on the supporting uprights, to insure you get what you pay for. Those rulers will tell you exactly how many inches were added. 
Have the contractor block the soffit vents to the attic to prevent insulation from blocking them and restricting air flow to the attic.

Every job done by a professional should end with a thorough clean up

Don't count on radio, internet, TV ads or yelp. The best contractors don't have to advertise. They get work through satisfied customers' referrals. Consult friends and neighbors who have had work done. After a little pointing and clicking, you can bring up contact information for local handymen. 

Some good earmarks are:

• Does the handyman sound like he knows the basic construction processes?
  
• Is he trying to sell you more than what you think you need?
  
• Does he present valid points and let you decide the scope of the work?
  
• Does he ask for money up front?
  
• Does his equipment look cared for? 
  
• Will he provide a written quote? 
  
• Will he personally supervise the job? 
  
• What do the reviews say about him?
  
• When was the last review?
  
• Was the contractor easy to talk to?

Spotting a questionable contractor
A warning signal should sound in your head if you encounter any of the following:

• A contractor who makes unsolicited phone calls or visits. Be especially wary of people who offer a bargain price, claiming that they're doing a job in the neighborhood and have leftover materials.
  
• A contractor whose address can't be verified, who uses only a post office box, or who has only an answering service and no separate listing in the telephone book.
  
• A contractor who can't (or won't) provide references for similar jobs in your area.
  
• The promise of a hefty discount—but no mention of the total cost of the job.
  
• The promise of a deep discount if the contractor uses your home as a "demo".
  
• High-pressure sales tactics or threats to rescind a special price if you don't sign on the spot.
  
• A contractor who tries to scare you into signing a contract by claiming that your house puts you at peril (i.e., "Your electrical wiring could start a fire if it isn't replaced.")