Heating & Cooling Planning

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

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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.
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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.
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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 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.
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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 Things Your Home's Low Humidity Is Ruining

Keep these items in fighting condition with the help of a humidifier.
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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
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How to Choose and Maintain Air Humidifiers

Breathe easier with this advice on buying and maintaining humidifiers.
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How to Choose the Right Furnace Air Filter

Reviewing air-filter options with This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey
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Pellet Stoves: A Buyer’s Guide

Turn down the household thermostat while warming your rooms, providing ambience, and reducing your energy bills.
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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.
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An Easy Guide to Gas Fireplaces

We break down the different types of gas fireplaces, questions to consider, key features, and costs.
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How to Maintain and Clean Your Furnace

Here’s how to do fall furnace maintenance and service your heating system before the cold weather kicks in.
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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.
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Geothermal Heat Pump: How It Works

Learn how a geothermal heat pump system works, how cost-efficient it can be, as well as other advantages.
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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.
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What to Know Before Calling a HVAC Pro

Here’s what you need to know before hiring an HVAC contractor.
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How to Choose an Air Conditioner

Buying a room air conditioner: How big? How Much?
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How to Keep a House Warm in Winter

13 simple things you can do to cut down on your heating bills, save money, and have a warm house.