Heating & Cooling Ideas & Inspiration

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)

A dehumidifier can help reduce the humidity levels in your home, preventing harmful bacteria and allergens from collecting in your living areas. In this review, the This Old House Reviews team delves into our top picks for dehumidifiers from Amazon. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement 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.

7 Tips for an Energy-Efficient Home

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

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.

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.

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.

How Do Smart Thermostats Work?

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

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.

9 Air Conditioner Maintenance and Care Tips

Servicing your air conditioning regularly helps keep costs down and your AC in great condition.

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

10 Ways to Beat the Heat

Staying cool this summer doesn't necessarily mean you have to pay a fortune to keep the air-conditioning running day and night.

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.