Heating & Cooling Videos
These This Old House videos showcase all of our heating & cooling projects, how-tos, and designs.
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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.
When To Upsize a Water Heater
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey diagnoses and solves a homeowner’s lack of hot water.
How to Create a House HVAC Plan
Richard Trethewey demonstrates heat loss and gain to design a balanced HVAC system.
How to Weatherstrip a Wood Door
Enhancing the energy efficiency of an old, drafty door with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva
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.
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.
How to Replace a Tank-Type Water Heater
In this DIY Smarts segment, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner be proactive about their home maintenance by replacing their existing tank-type water heater before it fails.
3 Reasons Water Heaters Fail
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey gives host Kevin O’Connor an inside look at why a water heater fails.
All About Smart Thermostats
Home technology expert Ross Trethewey explains everything there is to know about modern smart thermostats.
How to Save Money on Heating Bills
Watch as This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and home technology expert Ross Trethewey teach some cost-effective ways to save money on heating this winter.
Future House | Understanding Heat Pumps
Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Tretheway explains everything you need to know about heat pumps.
All About Water Heaters
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey walks through all the various options available to homeowners for purchasing or renting a water heater.
How to Move Baseboard Heating
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner by moving a hot water baseboard heater from one side of a room to another.
Serviceable Plumbing and HVAC Installations
Watch as Richard Trethewey and John Deforge of SG Harold Plumbing and Heating discuss the challenges that service technicians face on the job.
Cape Ann Project Heating Plan
Our plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains the general layout of the heating and cooling system in our Cape Ann project
How to Diagnose and Repair a Humid Air Conditioner
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey travels to Orlando to diagnose and repair an HVAC system that is creating way too much humidity
How to Maximize Comfort with a Thermostat
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and home technology expert Ross Trethewey discuss improvements to thermostats and how they contribute to comfort in a home
How to Install a GPS-Enabled Smart Thermostat
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey installs a thermostat that can be programmed automatically from a smart phone
How to Adjust Water Heater Temperature
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to change the temperature on your water heater for safety and energy savings
Baseboard Heater Making Noise? Here’s How to Fix It
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner diagnose and solve a baseboard hot water system that makes noise.
How to Heat a Garage Workshop
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey travels to Akron, Ohio to install a garage heater.
How to Install an Electric Heat Pump Water Heater
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey travels to Celebration, Florida to help a homeowner select and install the right electric water heater
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.
How to Install a Whole-House Ductless System
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows a style of ductless heat pump that can be used to heat and cool an entire house
How to Maintain an Air Conditioner
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shares tips for keeping an air conditioner running efficiently
How an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) Works
Richard Trethewey explains how an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) replaces conditioned indoor air with fresh outdoor air without wasting energy
The Pros and Cons of a Steam Heating System
Considering steam heat? We help you weigh the pros and cons so you can decide if it is right for you.
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
How to Replace a Steam Radiator
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey replaces a small radiator with one that’s the correct size
How to Install a Wall Mounted Space Heater
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron warms up a chilly bathroom by installing an electric convection heater.
How to Diagnose Problems with a Hot Water Heating System
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner figure out why one of her radiators is not working.
How to Install Room-By-Room Zoning in an HVAC System
Ask This Old House plumbing expert Richard Trethewey learns about an HVAC system that allows each room to be zoned out using smartphone technology.
Ask This Old House: Richard Trethewey’s Greatest Hits
Over the years, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey has helped hundreds of homeowners reduce their energy consumption and slash their monthly utility bills