Heating & Cooling Ideas & Inspiration

Explore inspiring heating & cooling ideas that will drastically make your home more efficient & appealing.

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7 Best Infrared Heaters (2024 Guide)

Our guide reviews the best infrared heaters with high ratings in different styles and sizes for your indoor or outdoor living space.
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Propane vs. Oil Heat: Which Is Best For Home Heating?

Natural gas is often the top choice for home heating in urban areas, but the answer frequently comes down to money if you can choose between fuel types. Read on to learn the benefits and cost breakdown for heating with both propane and oil.
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5 Best Ozone Generators (2024 Guide)

Ozone generators create a more breathable environment for you and your family. They also have the ability to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best ozone generators on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you.
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The 5 Best Humidifiers (2024 Review)

Humidifiers add moisture to dry air. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best humidifiers on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
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How to Cool a Garage

While avoiding the garage during the heat of the day is obviously an option, some folks find their happiness or make their money in their garages or workshops. But is suffering through oppressive heat the only way to stay productive all summer? Is there no hope for summertime garage projects? These smart, practical, and effective tips for how to cool a garage will help.
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Understanding Air Flow in Your House

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and home technology expert Ross Trethewey explain everything you need to know about balancing airflow within a home.
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Best Space Heaters (2024 Guide)

Space heaters come in many sizes and can help lower your electricity bill. In this review, we look at some of today's best space heaters.
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Best Hygrometers (2024 Guide)

Hygrometers help you stay aware of humidity and other environmental conditions within your home. Learn about the best hygrometers with our comprehensive guide.
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Recommended Thermostat Settings for Every Appliance in Your Home

If you’re concerned about balancing energy consumption and comfort or convenience, this guide will help you choose the best thermostat settings for every device in your home.
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The Best Firewood to Heat Your Home

Learn why one wood is better than another, the differences between hardwood and softwood, and safety tips for your wood-burning appliance.
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Flexible HVAC Solutions at the Dorchester Triple Decker

A three-story home requires three separate HVAC systems. In this video, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how an ingenious high-velocity mini-duct system with modular components provides continuous, quiet comfort on every level of our Dorchester Triple Decker project house.
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8 DIY Humidifier Ideas

Heating systems tend to rob the air of much-needed moisture content, leaving you with itchy skin, stuffed sinuses, and poor air quality. These DIY humidifier ideas will help increase your home’s humidity for a more comfortable environment.
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Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Systems

Your HVAC system is one of the most important items in your home, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature year-round. Since HVAC coverage varies widely from company to company, we’ve put together this guide on the five best HVAC protection plans.
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The 5 Best Dehumidifiers (2024 Review)

A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, decreasing its humidity level. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best dehumidifiers on Amazon to help you find the one that’s right for you.
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What You Need to Know About the Freon Ban

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Home Heating Guide For Beginners

Heating is the most basic requirement of a house. Learn about the various types of home heating systems and how to maintain them.
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Basic Types of Home Air Conditioning Systems

There are several types of air conditioning units to choose from, depending on the specific needs of your home. Learn the basics of the most common AC systems and how to maintain them.
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All About Plumbing

Here’s how to make water work for you.
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How to Remove Air Pollution in the Home

While a tight, well-insulated home is great for saving energy, trapping lots of stale air indoors can undermine your health. Here’s what you need to know to ensure that the quality of the air inside is healthy and free from harmful pollutants.
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7 Tips for an Energy-Efficient Home

Want to improve your energy bill and run your home efficiently year-round? Read on.
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How Do Smart Thermostats Work?

Learn about features, installation, and the difference between traditional and smart thermostats.
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Heat Pump vs Furnace: What’s the Difference?

Choosing between a heat pump system or furnace depends mainly on the climate you live in. We explain how each one works and their costs.
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Tankless Water Heaters: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Tired of running out of hot water? That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. Here’s what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater.
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The Pros and Cons of a Steam Heating System

Considering steam heat? We help you weigh the pros and cons so you can decide if it is right for you.
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Improve Your Attic Ventilation with Soffit Vents

Here’s how to install soffit vents step by step to improve the airflow in your attic.
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How a German Home Maximizes Energy Efficiency

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how the country's building practices and lifestyle affect energy consumption
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What Germany Can Teach Us About Home Energy

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey takes host Kevin O'Connor on a tour of Germany with an eye toward renewable energy and sustainable home heating.
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10 Ways to Warm Up a Nonworking Fireplace

Put this living area focal point to use with these creative ideas
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Find Your Perfect Bedroom Sleeping Temperature

Get the best sleep of your life with these expert tips
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17 Fireplace Remodel Ideas

We rounded up our favorite ideas to help you update your fireplace for a more modern look.
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The Best Fireplace Inserts of 2024

Adding a fireplace insert to a living room or other area of your home can help keep you warm, and cut down on expensive heating bills, without the hassle of maintaining a traditional wood fireplace. Here are out top fireplace insert recommendations.

9 Air Conditioner Maintenance and Care Tips

Regularly servicing your air conditioner helps keep costs down and your AC in excellent condition. Read on for more tips on keeping up with your AC’s maintenance.
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Geothermal Heat Pump: How It Works

Learn how a geothermal heat pump system works, how cost-efficient it can be, as well as other advantages.