Heating & Cooling Ideas & Inspiration

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.

7 Tips for an Energy-Efficient Home

Want to improve your energy bill and run your home efficiently year-round? Read on.

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.

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.

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.

The Best Fireplace Inserts of 2021

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. Keep reading for our recommendations on the best fireplace inserts. The products included in this article are available at various local home improvement stores and online retailers like Amazon.

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.

Pellet Stoves: Clean Heat For the Whole House

Installing a pellet stove in your house is a cleaner and greener way to warm your environment. Learn how it works, burns and what the costs are.

The 5 Best Dehumidifiers (2022 Review)

A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, decreasing its humidity level. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best dehumidifiers on Amazon to help you find the one that’s right for you. The products included in this article are available at various retail stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.

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.

Portable Space Heaters 101

Portable space heaters can warm your bones in a hurry, but how economical — and safe — are they?

10 Easy Ways to Cool Your Home

Staying cool doesn't necessarily mean you have to pay a fortune to keep the air-conditioning running day and night. Here are 10 ways to keep your home cool in the warmer months.

Vintage Radiators 101

Vintage iron radiators offer comfort on a cold day and style year-round in new and old houses alike. Learn more in the quick guide.

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.

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.

How Do Smart Thermostats Work?

Learn about features, installation, and the difference between traditional and smart thermostats.

Improve Your Attic Ventilation with Soffit Vents

Here’s how to install soffit vents step by step to improve the airflow in your attic.

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.

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.

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.

What You Need to Know About the Freon Ban

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

Find Your Perfect Bedroom Sleeping Temperature

Get the best sleep of your life with these expert tips

25 Years of Innovation: Ceiling Fans

Today's models are marvels of quiet efficiency, available in almost every style imaginable

Comfortable Construction: Temporary Heat in a Cold Climate

HVAC specialist Richard Trethewey explains how he used a portable heating system using a material called PEX to keep the This Old House team warm while working in Massachusetts.