Heating & Cooling
Keep your home comfortable year-round with expert advice on choosing, installing, and maintaining heating and cooling systems.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Mini Split
Mini-splits are a type of air conditioning unit where the two main components are divided into separate parts (an indoor and an outdoor unit), with refrigerant piping connecting them. 77% of the world’s air conditioning market is handled by mini-split. And while they’re simple and efficient, they do require some maintenance. Here’s what you need to know to maintain yours like a professional.
How to Choose Home Fuel Sources
Host Kevin O’Connor meets with building engineer Ross Trethewey and master electrician Heath Eastman to discuss whole-home electrification, and whether it’s always the best move for homeowners.
Installing a Whole House Humidifier
While not a DIY project, home technology expert Ross Trethewey shows a homeowner the basics of having a whole-house humidifier installed to help solve their winter-specific dry air issues.
How to Install Baseboard Radiator Covers
When a homeowner’s aged baseboards were detracting from the look of their renovations, they called the team at Ask This Old House for a solution. Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey saves the day with new baseboard covers.
Choosing the Best Firewood to Heat Your Home
Discover the best firewood for your home, along with essential safety and storage tips to keep your home safe and warm during the chilly months.
Should Crawl-Space Vents be Open or Closed?
Should your crawl-space vents open or closed? This Old House’s Tom Silva discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
What You Need to Know About the Freon Ban
Freon has been banned in the U.S. since 2020, but some homes still use Freon-based AC units. Here's what the ban means for these homeowners.
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.
How To Install Central Air Conditioning
Want to install central AC in your home? Read this guide to learn more about central air, from installation costs to selecting the best unit.
How To Install A Smart Thermostat
Home technology expert Ross Trethewey helps a homeowner upgrade his existing thermostat to a smart model by finding the power source the new device needs.
How To Retrofit Radiant Heating in a Bathroom
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a radiant floor system in their bathroom.
What to Know Before Switching to Whole House Heat Pumps
Home technology expert Ross Trethewey teaches host Kevin O’Connor about heat pumps and how they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
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.
Propane vs. Oil Heat: Which Is Best For Home Heating?
If you're trying to choose between propane and oil to heat your house, check out this comprehensive guide to the pros and cons of each.
When To Upsize a Water Heater
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey diagnoses and solves a homeowner’s lack of hot water.
How to Upgrade to a Heat Pump System
Energy-saving, climate-friendly, and relatively easy to retrofit, air-source heat pumps are now a viable option for heating and cooling, even in cold climates. Here’s how to put them to work in your home
How to Create a House HVAC Plan
If your home is too warm or too cold throughout the year, you may need to revisit your HVAC plan. Find out how with this guide.
Best Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners
Looking for the best ductless mini-split air conditioner? Our guide covers today’s top models and what to look for when shopping.
How to Install a Fireplace Insert
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner supplement their living room heat by installing a wood-burning insert in their existing fireplace.
How To Weatherstrip a Wood Door and Lower Energy Bills
Weatherstripping a wood door is a valuable DIY project that can improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort. Learn how to do it in our step-by-step guide.
Fixing Ice Dams on a Roof
Home technology expert Ross Trethewey helps a homeowner solve an ice dam issue with smart insulation practices that also improve the home’s efficiency.
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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.
HVAC Air Balancing: What You Should Know
If you’re struggling with maintaining—or even attaining—a consistent temperature throughout your house, your HVAC system may be out of balance. This guide will explain the basics of air balancing, including how DIYers can tackle the job and when they should call a professional to sort out their home’s heating and air conditioning system.
Best Ozone Generators
Ozone generators help reduce air pollutants to create a healthier, cleaner living environment. This review examines the best ozone generators.
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Winter Home Maintenance Tasks to Ensure a Safe Winter
Keep your home in tip top shape with this helpful article on the top winter maintenance tasks you can accomplish this season.
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.
Everything You Need to Know to Replace a Water Heater
In this DIY Smarts segment, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner replace their old tank water heater before it fails.
How to Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter
Your furnace may need some TLC before starting it up this winter. Here are some tips on what to do to get your furnace prepped before the cold months arrive.
Best Humidifiers
Is the cold weather drying out the air in your home? In this roundup, we review the best humidifiers for every type of household and budget..
Reasons for Water Heater Failure and When to Replace a Heater
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey gives host Kevin O’Connor an inside look at why a water heater fails and when to replace one.
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.
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.
