We have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Effective July 1

Heating & Cooling Planning

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

An expert performing annual Fall furnace maintenance

Filed under:

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.
hvac_4003
Play

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
Play

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.
web_0422_NB_All_About_Radiant_Heat_TOH_Brookline_Dec2018Progress_Radiant_Subfloor_21

All About Radiant Floor Heating

Whether it’s warming a large addition or a cozy bathroom, radiant heat underfoot invisibly ups the comfort level. Here’s the lowdown on some of today’s most popular systems.
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.
Hot_Water_Heater_iStock_1199173897

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.
portable_ac
Play

How to Select a Portable Air Conditioner

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey walks host Kevin O’Connor through the choices in air conditioners.
insider_030818_grab
Play

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
MiniSplit_iStock_1170975543

Read This Before You Buy Ductless AC

These quick-to-retrofit ductless AC systems provide unrivaled operating efficiency and room-by-room zoning comfort.
wall_art_iStock_1212526501

9 Things Your Home's Low Humidity Is Ruining

Keep these items in fighting condition with the help of a humidifier.
richard_smart_therm
Play

How to Install a Smart Thermostat

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows a homeowner how to install and operate an energy-saving smart thermostat
humidifier_iStock_1303755987

How to Choose and Maintain Air Humidifiers

Breathe easier with this advice on buying and maintaining humidifiers.
furnace_filter_xl
Play

How to Choose the Right Furnace Air Filter

Reviewing air-filter options with This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey
2013_01_all_about

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.
size_ceiling_fan_x

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.
chin_martin_00191

An Easy Guide to Gas Fireplaces

We break down the different types of gas fireplaces, questions to consider, key features, and costs.
air_conditioning_mini_ducts
Play

How to Retrofit Air Conditioning Using Mini Ducts

In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey explains the benefits of this felxible cooling system.
geothermal_pump_x

Geothermal Heat Pump: How It Works

Learn how a geothermal heat pump system works, how cost-efficient it can be—and other advantages.
web_H0904HVAC

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.
hvac_iStock_1397470041

What to Know Before Calling a HVAC Pro

Here’s what you need to know before hiring an HVAC contractor.
cooling_trends_x

How to Choose an Air Conditioner

Buying a room air conditioner: How big? How Much?
StayWarm_0025825

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.