Heating & Cooling Planning

Prepare for your next heating & cooling project by discovering our planning ideas & tips.

An expert performing annual Fall furnace maintenance

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How to Do Fall Furnace Maintenance, and Why You Need To

Here are the steps to service your heating system in the fall. Whether it's you or a professional, we talk through all the important tasks.
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How to Create a House HVAC Plan

Richard Trethewey demonstrates heat loss and gain to design a balanced HVAC system.
S21 E15, Richard Trethewey talks about furnace maintenance
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Why is Furnace Maintenance Important?

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey teaches host Kevin O’Connor about furnaces and why it’s important to maintain them properly.
A radiant heating system being installed.

All About Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating can be perfect for small spaces and energy efficiency. This guide is all about radiant floor heating in the home.
Featured image for This Old House's best portable air conditioner guide, one of the best portable air conditioners in silver, located inside a home.

5 Best Portable Air Conditioners (2024 Guide)

Portable air conditioners act as supplemental cooling to make you more comfortable when it’s hot and humid outside. In this guide, we take a look at the best portable air conditioners on the market, talk about various types and features, and provide answers to your frequently asked questions.
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Rheem Water Heater Warranty Review

When you purchase a water heater, a Rheem water heater warranty may be enough coverage to protect the item when it’s new. However, factory warranties carry expiration dates, so once this protection period ends, you’re left to face the costs. A home warranty can protect your budget and give you peace of mind by covering appliances and systems regardless of their age.
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How to Choose and Use an Air Conditioner for Your Home

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey walks host Kevin O’Connor through the choices in air conditioners.
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Sizing up a Home Heating System

Richard Trethewey explains how to assess a home’s heating system – and figure out whether you’ll need to replace it
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Read This Before You Buy Ductless AC

These quick-to-retrofit ductless AC systems provide unrivaled operating efficiency and room-by-room zoning comfort.
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9 Items in Your Home That Can Be Ruined by Low Humidity

Learn which household items are vulnerable in low humidity and how to remedy it.
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How To Install a Smart Thermostat

In this guide, This Old House heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to install and operate an energy-saving smart thermostat.
Humidifier in living room

How To Clean a Humidifier

Protect your health and improve humidifier efficiency by learning how to clean and maintain your device properly. Read on to learn more.
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How To Choose the Right Furnace Air Filter

There are a lot of furnace air filter options out there, so we've created a guide and video to help you find the right one for your home.
A pellet stove in a house.

Pellet Stoves: A Buyer’s Guide

If you're interested in purchasing a pellet stove for your home, read our comprehensive guide to help you shop more effectively.
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How to Size a Ceiling Fan: A Comprehensive Guide

A ceiling fan is a cost-effective way to cool off without cranking up the AC. Here's how to find and install the right size for your space.
A gas fireplace in a living room.

All About Gas Fireplaces: Types, Costs, and Installation

We break down the different types of gas fireplaces for your home, questions to consider, key fireplace features, and costs.
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How To Retrofit Air Conditioning Using Mini Ducts

In this video and guide, we explain how a mini-duct system works and the benefits of this flexible cooling system.
Illustration of a house with a geothermal heat pump system.

Geothermal Heat Pump: How It Works

Learn about how geothermal heat pump systems work, how cost-efficient they can be, and other advantages.
Richard Trethewey builds a HVAC system.

All About Building an HVAC

Keep reading to learn about the best HVAC technologies for indoor comfort and energy efficiency, according to This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey.
an HVAC system outside of a home

What to Know Before Calling a HVAC Pro

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to ensure you have a smooth experience with your HVAC professional.
An air conditioner unit installed in a window.

What You Need to Know to Choose an Air Conditioner

In this guide, we tell you everything you should know about purchasing a new AC unit, including how to choose the best size and power level.
Inside a warm house during the winter.

13 Ways to Keep Your House Warm This Winter

Check out our list of tips, tricks, and upgrades for keeping your house warm in the winter and cutting down on your heating bills.