Among the more than 60% of homeowners who say they're planning to hire a home service professional in the next year, many will be seeking HVAC products. A new study from the home advice site Kudzu.com. shows 29% of owners who are planning to hire a home service professional will turn to heating and cooling experts during the next year, placing them fourth among the most sought after home service professionals. Only carpet cleaners (37%), handymen (37%) and house cleaners (31%) will be in higher demand.

“Heating and cooling systems are going to get a lot of attention from homeowners,” said Rhonda Hills, Kudzu.com vice president and chief marketing officer. “Consumers are savvy and know well maintained systems last longer and new systems can pay for themselves with the energy they save. Now that homeowners are willing to spend on home-related projects, it’s no surprise that air conditioners and furnaces are going to be top priorities.”

According to the study, respondents planning to improve their HVAC systems already have a good idea of the brands on the market. The brands being considered most by those surveyed were Trane (41%), Carrier (38%), Lennox (30%) and Rheem (20%). Of study participants, 36% are undecided on the brands they will consider.

“While consumers are considering a number of different brands, nearly 40 percent don’t know which brands to choose,” said Hills. “This creates a great opportunity for product manufacturers and for HVAC professionals to market directly to homeowners and establish their products and services as the brands of choice.”

The Kudzu.com homeowner’s study was conducted between Feb. 10 and Feb. 18 and included nearly 3,500 respondents.