Heating & Cooling
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
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.
10 Ways to Warm Up a Nonworking Fireplace
Put this living area focal point to use with these creative ideas
How to Smartify Your Home
Better to buy a hub or stand-alone devices? Sign up with the cable company? Get a Wi-Fi dog camera? Find answers to these and other questions in our connected-home guide of picks and expert advice
How to Install an Electric Whole-House Fan
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner install an energy-efficient whole-house fan
How to Heat a Swimming Pool with an Air Conditioner
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey installs a device that will heat a pool with the heat produced by an air conditioner.
How to Clean a Window Air Conditioner
Stay cool and save money with five simple tasks–most done just once a year–that ensure your unit keeps working efficiently.
How to Install a Combination Boiler and Hot Water Heater
Replace two devices, your water heater and boiler, with a single combi boiler unit that’s more efficient and compact.
How to Install a Wireless Thermostat
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a wireless thermostat to control one zone of heating.
How to Choose and Maintain Air Humidifiers
Breathe easier with this advice on buying and maintaining humidifiers.
Find Your Perfect Bedroom Sleeping Temperature
Get the best sleep of your life with these expert tips
How to Install a Wall-Mounted Mini Split
Plumbing and heating expert, Richard Trethewey explains the purpose of a mini split ductless air conditioner and the process of getting one installed.
How to Install a Wood Stove Fireplace Insert
Install a wood stove insert to increase efficiency and heat output from your fireplace.
How to Replace a Direct-Vent Water Heater
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to install a new water heater when there's no chimney
How to Install a Pellet Stove
We show you how to add a pellet stove as a supplementary, efficient heat source to your house step-by-step.
How to Create Zones in a Forced-Air HVAC System
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to control the temperature to every room of the house
How to Install a Fiberglass Entry Door
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to upgrade an entryway with a brand-new, low-maintenance, energy-efficient door
How to Seal Windows and Doors for Winter
Tom Silva shows you how to keep cold air from coming through windows and doors.
How to Choose the Right Furnace Air Filter
Reviewing air-filter options with This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey
How to Install Weather-Sensitive Heating Controls
Save energy and stay cozy by linking your system to the outside temperatures
How to Weatherstrip a Front Door
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares his fast fixes for a drafty door
How to Choose a Thermostat or Home Automation System
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey reveals how home automation delivers comfort, convenience and energy savings
How to Fix Knocking Baseboard Heat
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how to silence squeaky, creaky pipes.
How to Weatherstrip an Exterior Door
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares tips for fixing a drafty door
How to Quiet a Noisy Baseboard Heater
Silencing a rattling metal heating unit with This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey
How to Install a Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how the pros retrofit a compact cooling unit.
How to Vent a Bath Fan Through the Roof
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to properly install a roof-mounted bath-fan vent
How to Repair a Whistling and Leaky Steam Radiator
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey silences a leaky, squeaky steam radiator
How to Install Radiant Heat
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to retrofit an old home with new under-floor heat.
Pellet Stoves: A Buyer’s Guide
Turn down the household thermostat while warming your rooms, providing ambience, and reducing your energy bills.
How to Size a Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan is a cost-effective way to cool off without cranking up the AC. Read on for tips on how to determine the size of a ceiling fan and how to install one.
How to Repair Radiator Valve Threads
In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey and host Kevin O'Connor shows how to cut threads for a new radiator air vent.