HEATING
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When it comes to homeowners deciding between installing a heat pump or an AC unit, the cost factor is a significant c...
Whether you own your own home or are renting from a landlord, you have a lot to stay on top of. Among other things, y...
Whether camping, tailgating, or hosting backyard bonfires, a fire pit is the critical centerpiece. Originally just a ...
It seems that every new deck and patio upgrade includes a fire pit, and savvy buyers are going smokeless. I’ve tested...
Relaxing by the campfire is a great way to unwind, until smoke drifts your way. It is possible to build a less smoky ...
This is the first installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2023, a month-long series featuring high-ROI ho...
Q: I put an addition on my house and am wondering the best way to heat and cool that area. I have heard that a mini-s...
Chilly months are much more bearable with a functioning, efficient heating system, but there are many options for kee...
Fire is one of the core natural elements that people are attracted to—in addition to water, earth, and air. Whether i...
Highlights The typical cost range for an electric furnace is $1,682 to $7,036. Nationally, homeowners pay an averag...
Many of the everyday tasks of life—locking the door, adjusting the thermostat, dimming the lights, and capturing porc...
Bob Vila readers were busy in 2022, tackling DIY projects and finding ways to make their life simpler and their home ...
New tax credits for energy-efficient heat pumps, affordable smart thermostats, and a demand for filters that can figh...
As a renter, there are limits to the changes you can make to your residence to prepare for the colder winter months. ...
January is the month to take stock, plan ahead, and start fresh: Our "Must Do" projects for this month include adopti...
When updating or improving a home, saving energy and money are always top of mind—but when there's a hefty tax credit...
Q: One of my upstairs bedrooms is always significantly colder than the rest of the house. I don’t use that bedroom mu...
A greenhouse allows gardeners to grow vegetables year-round, keep tropical plants in bloom, or start seedlings early ...
Q: I tried turning on my gas fireplace for the first time this season, and for some reason, it won’t light. I think i...
When temperatures fluctuate, it’s easy to flip on your home’s heating and cooling system and not think much about it....
Typical Range: $325 to $4,000Installing a wood stove can completely change the atmosphere of a room. A wood-burning...
Typical Range: $250 to $900 National Average: $515Furnaces are the heart of a home, keeping everyone warm in the c...
Editor’s Note: We're now actively scouting Cyber Monday sales, so this post is no longer being updated. For the lates...
Typical Range: $113 to $255 National Average: $175A thermostat is a tool most people don’t think about very often ...
Typical Range: $100 to $3,500 National Average: $1,500Radiator heating offers a unique set of benefits to homeowne...
Typical Range: $100 to $200Furnaces produce heat to keep a house warm even on the coldest of nights. Just as a furn...
Typical Range: $2,199 to $21,480 National Average: $12,708Homeowners who are considering ways to increase their ho...
Earlier this fall, we shared winter forecast predictions on Bob Vila that included heavy snowfall. Then just before T...
Q: A few minutes after I turned on my gas fireplace this evening, I noticed a faint gas smell. I am concerned about t...
Q: I tried to get a fire started in my living room, but my gas fireplace won’t turn on. Any idea what’s causing this?...
Q: My water heater is leaking, and I think I need a new one. Who installs hot water heaters? Is this something I can ...
Typical Range: $500 to $5,500 National Average: $3,000Natural gas is the most environmentally friendly fossil fuel...
Typical Range: $70 to $300 National Average: $150Furnaces hibernate during the warmer months. While they rest, dus...
Typical Range: $131 to $486 National Average: $308Furnace maintenance is a necessary task for every homeowner. Kee...
For many of us, November marks the beginning of a season filled with house guests, crazed holiday cooking, and cozy n...
Typical Range: $700 to $10,000 National Average: $2,175A furnace is an essential feature of a home. It not only ke...
Q: I’m not receiving a steady flow of hot water from my faucets. Why is my electric water heater not working, and how...
Brrrr! Most of us are past the point at which we can spend all day puttering around outside, taking care of lawn and ...
A fireplace brings warmth to any home, literally and figuratively. Fireplace mantels are both functional and ornament...
As the official shift in seasons approaches, it's time to start thinking about ways to prolong patio season with ligh...
Q: We absolutely love our fireplace and use it all fall and winter long. But recently I have been noticing water in a...
Typical Range: $150 to $4,000 National Average: $2,075Garages are multifunctional spaces that can do a lot more th...
Typical Range: $75 to $1,000 National Average: $300There are a lot of working parts and pieces in a chimney system...
Whether you're looking for a portable heat source to extend your patio’s seasonal usage or a stylish focal point for ...
An electric fireplace TV stand is an excellent option to make your room look better while also setting up the ideal l...
This month is a transitional one, one in which you’ll be winding down the garden but also making preparations for hun...
Tabletop fire pits, also called tabletop fireplaces, provide the cozy aesthetic and charm of a crackling fire but in ...
Even if a basement is only used for storage, leaving it unheated can promote mold growth on books, clothes, and other...
Spending an evening outdoors by the warm glow of a campfire is a great way to unwind with family and friends. But bef...
HVAC professionals are always in demand. To establish oneself as an HVAC technician and stand out from the competitio...
One of the key ingredients of an efficient, comfortable home sauna is the choice of heater. There are a number of dif...
Q: I just bought a home with a wood-burning stove, and I want to stock up on wood. I’ve noticed wood is sold by the c...
A 50-gallon water heater is usually the recommended size for houses with one to three bathrooms and families of three...
Homeowners need to have their HVAC systems ready to go year-round, as temperatures rise in the spring and summer and ...
Looking for a fire pit to add character and utility to your outdoor space? Check out our our favorite reasonably priced fire pits, in sizes and styles to suit alm...
In a hard-to-heat area, such as a sunroom, a cabin with no central heating system, or any living or sleeping area of ...
While a wood-burning fireplace may warm you on a chilly day, if its chimney lacks a quality protective cap, you’re le...
Typical Range: $870 to $3,792 National Average: $2,314When snowflakes are swirling and Old Man Winter is howling a...
Typical Range: $1,500 to $20,000 National Average: $3,000There must be some ancient gene that causes humans to enj...
Typical Range: $100 to $550 National Average: $325Radiators have been a source of reliable heat in many homes sinc...
Typical Range: $625 to $7,000 National Average: $2,500Enjoying a cozy evening by the fire is all fun and games—unt...
Electric fireplace inserts, popular electric room heaters, are not only energy-efficient and relatively easy to insta...
Chimney cleaning is an essential part of owning a fireplace and using a chimney, as failure to properly care for it c...
A finished basement adds significant square footage to a home, providing an additional living space that can be used ...
Your air filter is an essential part of your home’s HVAC system, but replacing air filters regularly can be a nuisanc...
If you’re looking for the perfect solution to keep your home warm and toasty in the winter without spending an exorbi...
Not only is a pellet grill or smoker capable of loading its own fuel, but it can automatically maintain its own tempe...
There’s nothing like sitting by a backyard firepit or around a living room hearth on a crisp fall evening or cold win...
A wood-burning stove provides an effective heat source for a home, cabin, or even a tent. It also creates a rustic fe...
This winter, stop cold air from seeping into your home and driving up your energy costs. These fixes—some of which are under $10—will help keep you warm.
The Mr. Heater brand makes a slew of heat-related products. I personally have tested a few of their space heaters and...
Winter is a busy and expensive season for homeowners. In addition to shopping for and celebrating the holidays, folks...
When the cold months roll around, it can be hard to remain productive in a workshop. Handling ice-cold tools is miser...
Sometimes “old and quaint” gradually becomes “dilapidated and ugly,” especially when it involves a workhorse of many ...
A furnace is the center of the home heating system, ensuring that the indoor environment remains warm, even in freezi...
Hiring the Best HVAC Technician Near MeFurnaces are typically out of sight and out of mind—right up until cold weathe...
When the temperatures drop and you just can’t seem to get warm, a blanket that does more than contain your body heat ...
Hiring the Best Insulation Companies Near MeIf your energy bills are sky high and it’s difficult to maintain a comfor...
Typical Range: $930 to $2,085 National Average: $1,507Like other types of insulation, such as fiberglass batts and...
Typical Range: $1,300 to $7,500 National Average: $3,900For homeowners who deal with snow year in and out, the ide...
A chimney inspection is a vital part of owning a fireplace with a chimney. They’re usually performed with regular chi...
Hiring the Best Water Heater Repair Near MeHomeowners rely on water heaters every day for common activities such as s...
While products like creosote logs help maintain a chimney, they’re no replacement for a chimney cleaning service. Chi...
Q: Recently, I noticed my hot water heater making noise. It isn’t an old heater, but it’s been making a weird sizzlin...
Having a working fireplace is a luxury that many homeowners relish. It can help cut down on energy bills, serve as a ...
Fiberglass insulation has long been a popular option for slowing the transmission of heat through the walls and ceili...
A fireplace insert is a unit installed into a pre-existing wood or stone fireplace. Among the types available, those ...
There are several different types of fireplace inserts, but gas fireplaces are a favorite because they offer the ambi...
Most people simply place firewood on the hearth of their wood-burning fireplaces. What they don’t realize is that a f...
Q: Help! My home feels cold in the winter and too hot in the summer, and I think I need to add insulation. But how mu...
Typical Range: $129 to $378 National Average: $252Wood-burning fireplaces are cozy amenities that appeal to many h...
Hiring the Best Chimney Sweep Near MeThere’s nothing like curling up next to a roaring fire on a snowy winter afterno...
Q: Help! My furnace is running, but the heat is not turning on. Why is my furnace blowing cold air?A: If the home’s h...
Relax, loosen your joints, open your sinuses, recover from a workout, and even improve your health with your own DIY home sauna.
Q: My family lives in a house with oil heating, and we’ve just received our oil delivery contract for the coming year...
Outdoor living areas may be most associated with summer afternoon barbecues and lazy nights stargazing in the backyar...
Q: We’re looking to replace our HVAC system and saw an option to purchase a heat pump instead of an air conditioner a...
While the days are still long and the temps are soaring, preparing a home for the coming winter is the last thing on ...
Q: I keep turning my heat up, but my house can’t seem to get warm. Why is my house so cold? Is something wrong with m...
Gas and wood-burning fireplaces require a vent or a full chimney, making retrofitting one into an existing home costl...
Typical Range: $1,171 to $3,331 National Average: $2,216If you’re tired of running out of hot water, a tankless wa...
Many homes have that one room that just never gets as warm as the rest of the house—the one that’s either too far fro...
An outdoor fire pit creates an inviting campfire vibe that extends enjoying your backyard space well into the evening...
With a little ingenuity, you can warm a cold swimming pool without having to spend thousands of dollars on an expensive pool heater.
Space heaters offer a convenient and cost-effective way to improve home and office comfort. Personal and large versio...
Q: My partner and I have an ongoing disagreement about the right temperature setting for the heat during cold months....
Less Wind, Less EnergyWindbreaks protect a home from wind and provide shade, both of which can help conserve energy. ...
The garage is often used for more than just storing the car, seasonal items, tools, and lawn mower. Many people take ...
Insulating expanding foam sealant makes quick work of reducing sound transfer, stabilizing a wobbly showerhead, or ev...
As efficient as many HVAC systems are, they can leave additional rooms, bedrooms, and other areas of a house uncomfor...
Heating and cooling a home has been a primary concern for human beings since the days of open-hearth fires. But it’s ...
Whether you’re repairing your own HVAC system or you’re a professional technician, an HVAC multimeter can be your ace...
Typical Range: $2,614 to $6,310 National Average: $4,453When homes get chilly, many homeowners use a furnace to he...
When it comes time to replace the manual thermostat in your home, the ecobee SmartThermostat is a great option that c...
Despite its size, an electric wall heater is a great way to provide your home with extra heat—whether you’re in a mul...
When compared with traditional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that use a furnace for heat ...
Whether you’re passing the colder months with hobbies in your workshop, or your must-do repairs simply can’t wait for...
A water heater is a vital home appliance that homeowners rely on to provide hot water for bathing, cleaning, and coo...
For those who work outdoors—or even those who jog or walk dogs—staying warm and comfortable during the winter means h...
Thermostats have come a long way from those early models with manual temperature dials that may or may not accurately...
Typical Range: $3,624 to $8,061 National Average: $5,678When temperatures dip below a comfortable range, having th...
Smokers prioritize a low and slow method of cooking meat that makes for tender results, while grills are hot and fast...
Bedrooms can be weak spots in a home’s insulation and heating system, and the solution is often a space heater. Rathe...
Typical Range: $3 to $5 per gallonMaybe you’ve noticed the tall, narrow, side-by-side tanks tucked against the side...
Creating a backyard space takes planning and effort, so it’s a shame that you can’t use it as often when temperatures...
Ever-rising utility costs can make heating an entire house prohibitively pricey. To save money but still keep occupie...
Smart thermostats, which connect with home automation systems, go beyond their programmable predecessors to offer a w...
Your personal battle against climate change takes place one day at a time. The way you use electricity, water, and fossil fuel can lower your carbon footprint and...
When outdoor temps drop and sweaters come out of storage, there's nothing quite like the crackle of a real fire. Whet...
Q: We recently moved into our home and now that it’s getting cold, we’ve noticed that the furnace isn’t turning on. W...
Winter is here, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel like it inside your home.
Insulating your attic is an excellent way to protect your home from temperature extremes and moisture damage while re...
With the high cost of heating and cooling a home, it's understandable to think that by closing off vents in some room...
“Location, location, location!” may be a well-known real estate rallying cry, but the orientation of a house is impor...
Find the best wood stove to keep you and your home toasty during the cold months.
Propane heaters are an incredibly effective way to quickly heat a medium to large space using liquid propane as a fue...
Buying a new water heater used to be easier. With only the conventional tank-style heaters available, there were few ...
Your HVAC system helps keep you and your family warm in the winter and cool in the summer. For cooling, it uses two m...
The arrival of cold weather doesn’t have to put the kibosh on camping if you have one of the best tent heaters to kee...
Cold weather can seep through the walls, linger in the floors, and make a home uncomfortable, but with an electric he...
Technology has made considerable advancements in so many areas, and heating is no exception. While you may be familia...
When temperatures drop, working outdoors can become downright uncomfortable if you don’t have a way to stay warm. We’...
Swimming pool heaters keep the water nice and comfortable for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Although they have be...
Cold-weather days can turn your garage into a frigid, uncomfortable, and unproductive work space. An electric garage ...
It used to be that there weren’t many options when it came to purchasing a hot water heater. The only two choices wer...
A midwinter ice storm has knocked out the power on your block, and the temperature on the thermostat is plummeting. W...
Traditional water heaters can be huge energy guzzlers because of the large storage tank of piping hot water they must...
Saving money has never been more important for most Americans, yet many forget how much they inadvertently waste thro...
For DIYers and hobbyists, a garage can often be project central. It can be the place to store tools and to work on a ...
If you long for the glowing warmth of a fireplace but could do without the usual maintenance, consider an electric on...
A toasty fire is a welcome addition on any chilly evening. Less welcome is the hassle of wrestling with damp wood or ...
Changing a furnace’s air filter every 3 months can keep it from malfunctioning while contributing to better indoor ai...
If you’re looking for a source of supplemental heat, be it for bedtime, watching movies, or snuggling up and reading ...
Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature is a priority for homeowners all year round, but in winter you’re bound ...
Now that winter's nearly here, it's time for a pop quiz: You wake up in the morning and there's ice on the dog's wate...
Q: I was alarmed to see smoke enter the living room when I last used my fireplace. Why was my fireplace smoking, and ...
When Old Man Winter comes calling, many homeowners rely on space heaters to stay comfortable, rather than turning the thermostat up a few expensive degrees. But w...
At first, it may seem like a foolproof undertaking: You put some wood in the fireplace, light a match, then sit back ...
There are a lot of steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency, and there is a lot you can do to damage it too. Make the most of your energy spend...
Q: I turned on my furnace for the first time this year, and it made the whole house smell musty. I checked the filter...
Dust bunnies are multiplying, dog hair is piling up, and allergies are worsening—oh my, it must be the furnace filter...
As days get shorter and the weather gets colder, we retreat indoors to the warmth of our homes and hearths. If you ha...
Q: My husband and I just moved from Reno, Nevada, to Baytown, Texas, and the humidity here is high, even indoors. We’...
Ahead, learn how a climate-control system can deliver not only uniform comfort throughout the home but also real savings over time.</p> This content is paid...
Take insulation into your own hands to seal up sneaky air leaks around the house—and save big money. This content is paid advertising created in partnership ...
When the electricity goes out, a host of things can happen around your place ranging from mere inconveniences to life-threatening situations. These are the what-i...
In a era where convenience is king, it's no wonder that smart thermostats have been integrated into so many homes. Th...
Everything seems more difficult when Old Man Winter comes calling. Even everyday activities become major hassles when you have to scrape an iced-over windshield o...
If your goal is indoor air that’s as fresh and healthy as possible, you may think about hiring a firm to clean your h...
Home heating bills can be daunting, especially for those who live in colder climates. But there are ways to keep costs down without resorting to wearing jackets i...
Shoveling snow is a pesky chore that can literally be a pain in the back, but, for many folks, it’s necessary just to...
It might as well be one of the laws of nature: As outdoor temperatures drop, electricity bills rise. In much of the country, it takes a lot of energy to keep your...
Most garages aren't designed to stay warm inside when outdoor temperatures are frigid. Garages usually lack insulatio...
Practical and eco-friendly, pellet stoves are the perfect solution to a variety of home heating challenges.
Of all the many species available, which types of firewood are the best to use at home?
Back in the 9-to-5 world, when people got up, went to work, and returned home at the same time every weekday, nobody ...
Fire up one of these innovative patio space heaters to keep your backyard toasty through the chilliest of nights.
Nothing feels quite as nice as the cozy glow of a warm fire on a blustery winter’s day. While wood-burning models are...
Radiators have been keeping homes toasty for about 150 years. While yours probably doesn’t date back that far, it may...
When you're ripping out flooring and fixtures to update your living spaces, aesthetic details are obviously important...
Is it OK to burn charcoal indoors? Does it matter what kind of wood you throw on the fire? Read on to learn which materials have no place in your fireplace.
This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. If you’re...
Planning to add onto or remodel your home is equal parts exciting and hectic. There are so many decisions to make: c...
Rejoice, cold-blooded homeowners! There are a million ways to heat up your home and not all of them require cranking up the furnace. Take a look at some of the mo...
This article has been brought to you by Warmboard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. We're just days ...
During the colder months, nothing beats warming the house with a crackling fire. But while wood-burning fireplaces sh...
Comfort and convenience don't have to compromise your home's design aesthetic. Innovative and viable alternatives to ...
It's a good time for the building and remodeling industry! Just check out the most recent U. S. Census Bureau data, w...
Is your existing heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system due for an upgrade, or even approaching the end of...
Gone are the days when those fortunate enough to live in a meticulously preserved historic home have to jam window ai...
It seems like every time you look at the thermostat, it's set to a different temperature. There are two possible expl...
Whether your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system is due for an upgrade or you’re looking to retrofit one into an older home, there are many options ...
As far as your HVAC system (cooling and heating system) goes, what's out of sight is out of mind. But don't always assume your system is running at peak performan...
When you turn on the air conditioning to beat the heat, the typical system might lower the temperature enough to sati...
In most parts of the country, air conditioning is a necessity of modern life. Even so, many consumers hesitate to inv...
With the cheerful arrival of spring, the frigid, finger-numbing weather we endured mere weeks ago suddenly seems like...
Radiant heat: It’s widely popular around the world, especially in Europe and Asia, but remains rare and insufficiently understood in the United States. In part, t...
You can repaint the walls, re-carpet the floor, and replace all outdated furniture, but leaving that eyesore of an ol...
Most people rely on their ceiling fan to bring a welcome breeze when temperatures heat up, as the devices make folks ...
With the cold season in full swing, many heat-starved homeowners crank up the thermostat, sending their energy bill s...
You never get used to it—the discomfort you feel when you roll out of bed and set foot on an ice-cold floor. But whil...
Comfort and joy: That's what the holidays are all about. If, however, your home fails to provide refuge from the wick...
Stop your sniffling and your shivering this winter, and invest in a happier, healthier you. With a few well-chosen purchases, you can turn your home into a warm, ...
It's the 21st century! It shouldn't be such a struggle for owners to heat their homes evenly enough to enjoy total co...
Megan Pflug's gallery wall was a near masterpiece except for one niggling imperfection. A glaring white programmable ...
As might be expected, the consistent comfort and high efficiency that are hallmarks of radiant heat didn't develop ov...
Curling up in front of a fire is a thoroughly delightful aspect of fall and winter. But a fire can be a messy busines...
If you live in a mild climate, consider yourself lucky. Everyone else? You know that whenever the temperature soars o...
As temperatures dip, nothing feels better than thick fleece socks and a seat next to the fire. But, between uses, an ...
During heating season, there's never a convenient time for the furnace to give out, especially considering the discomfort—and the genuine hazards—of a home withou...
As the mercury continues to drop, heralding the arrival of the colder months, Mother Nature prods homeowners to think...
When it comes to cooling and heating their homes, homeowners often face a difficult choice: They can either keep their home at a comfortable temperature, or cut c...
This post has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. In this day ...
As summer heat gives way to fall’s cooler temperatures, daily activities—from dinners to DIY projects—migrate back in...
Plenty of us recall nestling around the cozy warmth of wood stoves, whiling away the winter-evening hours among famil...
You don’t need to be told that energy doesn’t come cheap. With the arrival of each utility bill, you get another remi...
This article has been brought to you by Warmboard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Whether it's a n...
It’s strange: We hold our dishwashers, ovens and other household appliances to an extremely high standard, but not ou...
It's no surprise if home heating doesn't rank high on your list of priorities right now, but let's face it: If you we...
In any neighborhood, in any state, homes built post-World War II typically share at least one thing in common—a tradi...
In all but the mildest climates, whenever the temperature soars or plummets, the typical homeowner faces a tough choi...
One of the great, game-changing inventions of the 20th century, air conditioning has become so firmly entrenched in o...
It’s astonishing: Technology has revolutionized so many aspects of day-to-day life over the past 50 years, yet home a...
It's the time of year when, if you listen carefully, you can practically hear the sighs of homeowners again facing th...
This article has been brought to you by Warmboard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Spring has arriv...
The average homeowner rarely gives the boiler a second thought—until there's a problem. Fortunately, as the engine th...
For homeowners who have witnessed their energy bills rise ever higher over the years, heating and cooling represents ...
Digital advances have dramatically reshaped our daily lives, yet for the most part, today's typical home isn't very different from a home built 50 years ago. Ther...
Q: I jumped in my shower this morning and, holy cow, was it cold! After a quick inspection, I discovered my water hea...
You've deliberated over every detail, large and small, from the flooring underfoot to the lighting overhead. But if y...
As temperatures drop and the weather gets dicey, we relocate ourselves—as well as our daily activities—indoors for warmth, shelter, and comfort. But as most homeo...
This time of year, it’s easy to imagine the conditions that await you upon leaving the house—a blast of bitterly cold air and a slippery path to your frost-covere...
The Unico iSeries pairs an efficient outdoor unit with at least one indoor wall split. Ideal for providing heating an...
With origins dating back to ancient Rome, in-floor heating isn’t anything new, but it’s come a tremendously long way from its distant roots. The technology has go...
Does your blood pressure rise and fall with the ups-and-downs in your monthly energy costs? Particularly during heati...
Everyone knows that ceiling fans provide low-cost cooling in summer. But did you know you can also use ceiling fans t...
Few problems around the house strike fear into the heart of a homeowner like a frozen pipe: The pressure created by f...
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and coo...
Visit any assortment of American homes built in recent years and, though you'll probably see a range of architectural...
Winter is coming! Is your house ready to deal with harsh winter winds, blowing snow, and frosty windows? A well winterized home has what it takes to stand up to w...
Every home has one—a room that never feels quite comfortable in the winter, no matter the set temperature. To supply ...
Now that the temperature is falling, you may have cranked up the heat in your house only to find that one (or more) o...
Fireplace season has at long last arrived: Time to gather around the hearth, hunker down, and embrace the warmth of t...
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and coo...
With snow flurries already flying in parts of the country, now is the time to take a close look at your furnace to as...
When plummeting temperatures and cruel storms combine to make the outdoors forbidding, everyone takes refuge indoors. There's only one potential problem: If aggra...
When it comes to safeguarding the comfort and winter readiness of your home, time is of the essence. Don't wait until...
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless cooling and hea...
Thinking about installing radiant heat? Well, you're not alone. The technology has already gained wide acceptance wit...
For decades, forced-air systems have dominated the cooling and heating market in the United States. Americans have learned to live with it, in part because of the...
Sometimes, even despite attentive maintenance and care, brick masonry fireplaces amass a fair amount soot, mildew, an...
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and coo...
For once, industry experts agree on something: To keep your home warm through the winter months, there's no method more comfortable than radiant heating. Although...
Energy efficiency and radiant heating are mentioned together so often that you might reasonably assume one had precip...
When you step into a beautiful custom-built home, nothing ruins the effect quite like the sights and sounds of a trad...
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and coo...
There's one in every home. Whether it's a finished basement or a converted attic, a west-facing sunroom or a live-in garage, there always seems to be a particular...
If you are fortunate enough to own a vacation home, you know what a treat it can be to spend time away from the stres...
You are reading one installment in a ten-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and co...
You are reading one installment in a ten-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and co...
Are you designing a home from scratch or even building an addition onto an existing home? Either affords a rare oppor...
After a long, hard winter that saw record-breaking snowfalls and temperature lows, it's only natural to look forward ...
You're stepping daintily out of the shower when—bam!—you’re hit with a shock of cold air that makes you want to scamp...
Radiant heat has been around, in one form or another, for thousands of years. In recent years, however, it has improved to the point of becoming a viable alternat...
While the origins of radiant floor heating stretch way back into the mists of history, the technology has come of age...
If you spend time on projects in the garage, or if you're lucky enough to enjoy a stand-alone workshop, chances are t...
It's not hard to understand the allure of ventless gas fireplaces. On the one hand, they offer heat and a cozy ambian...
By now, you're familiar with the many benefits of radiant floor heating: It runs silently, circulates no dust or airb...
Most people assume radiant floor heating costs a fortune. Perhaps that's because, compared with radiator or baseboard...
Some folks love the romance of a wood-burning fire. Others may prefer the all-night warmth of a wood stove. But almos...
With temperatures dropping, homeowners are resuming their seasonal quest to get the most heat for the least money. If...
Recently, you were visiting friends, and as the night grew colder outside, you were snug indoors, mesmerized by the w...
Costs for heating your home with oil, natural gas, propane, and electricity seem to go in only one direction: up! Steadily increasing prices for fossil fuels are ...
Home heating bills are high enough already; don't push yours even higher by making these common mistakes. mp3 fileLis...
You've probably heard about radiant heating, a new technology that delivers comfort via hydronic panels installed und...
When it’s cold outside, there is nothing more delightful than curling up in front of a roaring fireplace. First, make sure your hearth is inviting and safe.
If your heat comes from radiators, you know the predicament: In the winter, you're glad to have the heat. But no matt...
There's a simple reason why builders relied on steam radiators for decades and decades—they work! But every technolog...
Winter's right around the corner, and with those falling temperatures come rising energy costs. But don’t despair—a few quick and easy solutions to common househo...
Despite all the attention radiant heating has received over the last few years, you still might not regard it as a vi...
Steam-heat radiators may be good at keeping you warm, but their banging and clanking can also sometimes keep you up a...
Don’t wait until temperatures plummet: Now is the absolute best time to perform basic furnace cleaning and maintenanc...
Colder temperatures mean one thing: Winter looms on the horizon, so the time has come to make sure that your heating ...
As temperatures drop in the fall, our outdoor activities start to dwindle, and the bustle of life moves indoors. But there are still beautiful days and evenings l...
Summer has arrived, and with the inexorable heat comes the inevitable hunt—for the perfect air conditioner, that is. ...
Comfortable, even, and efficient, radiant heat systems are becoming a popular option for many homeowners today. But t...
Heating and cooling accounts for more than half of the energy use in a typical U. S. home—about 54 percent of your ut...
Baseboard heating has been a popular choice for homeowners since the 1950s. But over time, baseboard units can start ...
When considering the best way to bring warmth into your house, think of the four “E’s": energy, efficiency, economics...
Homeowners seeking a better way to control temperatures throughout the home should examine the benefits of a zoned he...
With much of the nation experiencing the bitterest temperatures on record, many of us are appreciating our radiators like never before. Why not show that love by ...
A roaring fire makes for a lovely scene, but fireplaces are notorious energy-wasters. Most of the heat generated by a...
There’s nothing quite like sitting by a cozy fireplace on a chilly night. Unless you own your own private forest, tho...
Did you know that only about ten percent of the heat from a fire in the fireplace makes it into the room? That’s righ...
Deep breathing has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve digestion. But if the air you’...
Baseboard heating can be an effective and affordable solution, either for the whole house or as a supplement in rooms...
You’re probably familiar with the comfort and effectiveness of radiant flooring, but did you know that radiant heat c...
Furnace not performing up to snuff this winter? Before you call in a furnace repair company, go through these 9 troubleshooting tasks to see if you can uncover th...
Everyone loves the imagery of chestnuts roasting on an open fire—but wait just a minute! An open fire may be great fo...
They're not just for living rooms anymore! With a well-situated fireplace, any room in the house can become warm and cozy.
In the radiant floor vs. forced-air heating debate, radiant floor always wins because it provides a quiet, even heat ...
If you like fireplaces but your home doesn't have one, a zero-clearance fireplace could be for you. It can be set o...
Is there anything better than sitting beside the fireplace on a chilly winter eve? Not only does a fireplace provide ...
Drafts got you down? If your goal is to achieve even, comfortable heat and warm floors, then you may want to look int...
Homes often make strange noises. They’re built of many different materials—glass, concrete, wood—that expand and co...
Why would Kris Kringle choose to squeeze his considerable girth through one of the narrowest and most soot-covered pa...
You can lose a lot of heat through your chimney, even with the damper closed. Installing fireplace doors is a great ...
This article has been brought to you by Warmboard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Think “radiant h...
As winter approaches, many homeowners are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to use their fireplaces and wood-burni...
Fireplaces are a nice feature in any home. Count Rumford fireplaces, known for their heat efficiency, are tall and s...
Turning a garage into a new living space can improve the resale value of your home and your quality of life. In compa...
Baseboard heaters have been an extremely popular choice for many homes since the mid-1950s—and unfortunately, many of...
Fall is a lovely time of year to enjoy your outdoor spaces. With the worst of summer’s heat and insects behind you, y...
Older homes certainly have their charm, but they’re not usually the most energy efficient or the easiest to keep warm...
Low water pressure in the house can be a real annoyance—the shower subsides to a trickle, the washing machine takes e...
It’s 7 o'clock on a winter morning. Your alarm clock goes off. You muster the strength to rise up out of the warmth o...
So you’re in the market for a new furnace, maybe because the old one is hopelessly inefficient, or because Hurricane ...
Geothermal heat represents about two percent of the total heating market in the U. S. , with more than 1. 3 million s...
Making homeowners’ heating systems energy-efficient is the answer to lower utility bills, the experts say. Thankfully...
If a smokey, wood-burning hearth seems like a hassle, these sleek and clean electric fireplaces will warm you up—with no mess to bring you down.
Cast iron radiators can be beautiful, but an old, peeling one can really bring down the look of a room. Stripping and...
Baby, its cold outside—and the last thing you want to do is return home to a frosty house. The smart time to examine ...
A new set of fireplace tools brings both style and utility to your hearth. Here are a few guidelines that will help y...
With temperatures dipping into the single digits here in the Northeast—and below 0° F in many other places—shivering ...
Before we built a new home, I’d never heard of mini splits. What could they be, some kind of tiny frozen dessert or s...
Call it the PC-ification of the fireplace. A company called Bio-Blaze is selling a line of portable, vent-free firepl...
New radiators mean that keeping warm the old fashioned way no longer forces you to leave your style sense out in the cold.
We had to make so many decisions when we built our new construction home. I didn’t realize it at the time (having nev...
If your home has cold, drafty spots, this is the time of year you’ll notice them. Rather than cranking up the heat in...
If you heat your house with wood, you know how expensive buying firewood can be. Cutting, splitting, and drying a cor...
Aside from the price of your own renewable energy, the cost of anything used to heat or cool the home is largely non-...
While traditional open-hearth, wood-burning fireplaces are quickly going the way of the dinosaur, if you still want t...
When it's time to replace your furnace, you might have to think faster than you'd like about this major purchase. Her...
Fireplace inserts are a great way to update an existing masonry fireplace. A traditional open-front wood-burning fire...
Did you know you can put your ceiling fan to work year-round? Simply by reversing the direction and changing the spee...
'Tis the season for hot chocolate and snuggles by the fire. Many newer homes have gone to gas fireplaces. They’re che...
The warmth of a wood stove appeals to many homeowners as much for its practicality (it can cut down on heating costs)...
Take the chill off this winter with one of these ten design-savvy space heaters.
We've rounded up the best fireplace accessories to poke, air, and shield flames while keeping your hearth looking great.
While it’s hard to argue with the romance of a crackling fire on a chilly night, your fireplace might be costing you ...
Whether you're building a whole house or just adding a new bathroom, one of your first decisions has to be how you're...
Everyone agrees that you should change your HVAC filter on a regular basis, but not everyone agrees on the type of fi...
Whether you’re building a whole house or just adding a new bathroom, one of your first decisions has to be how you’re...
Burning MoneyA fire in an open hearth is only 10 percent efficient at best, which means that 90 percent of the heat e...
Love the idea of a stone fireplace mantel but turned off by the high price? Eldorado Stone—one of the leading manufac...
Fireplaces have always been among the top amenities for homeowners looking to buy a new house. In fact, they rank jus...
Consider these gas fireplaces for warmth and energy savings, certainly, but also for their red-hot style.
The Radiant Panel Association illustrates six ways to install radiant floor heating in your home.
Radiant floor heating is arguably the ideal home heating system. It’s comfortable, efficient, unobtrusive, quiet, and...
The Nest Learning Thermostat is, I'm betting, the first HVAC device to excite so much chatter in the blogosphere. An ...
Nothing celebrates the colder weather like the distinct scent and sound of a crackling log in the wood burning firepl...
The walls in the new addition are just about ready for paint. The new fireplace, trimmed with fieldstone, will make this new in-law suite very cozy. Interior door...
A big farmer's porch will run the whole width of the house. Bob discusses the boiler, which will heat the domestic hot water, radiant floor heating, and hydro-air...
Bob talks with Robert Rainey of PJ Overhead Door as the new and improved garage door panels and tracks are installed on the Norwell home.
As the upper-story walls are poured, Bob talks with the builder and contractor about the significant savings in time, energy, and cost that come with concrete and...
The home's concrete-slab floor is constructed with foam decking and connected to PEX tubing that will heat the home. The ReddiForm foam blocks enable a single con...
The new windows in the baby’s nursery are highly insulated for cold and sound and have health and safety features for young children. They can be installed by do-...
Bob meets with HVAC and plumbing contractor Frank Iadarola to review the HVAC and plumbing systems and discuss how to begin the remodeling process.
Bob and plumbing and heating contractor Frank Iadarola review the air handler and bathroom in-floor radiant heat.
Bob reviews the heating and air conditioning equipment that will bring the Shingle Style house into its second century.
Bob meets with Ed and Lisa Zywusko, a husband-and-wife masonry team, and sees how they are going to refurbish the old brick chimney.
The oil tank is moved into the new basement utility room to make room for the basement playroom.
The house's two chimneys are repaired, allowing the installation of a gas fireplace insert, and basement family-room cabinets are completed.
Bob discusses the installation of a basement half-bathroom, including wiring, plumbing, and radiant heating.
Bob and Jeff Akers of The Air Authority review the water-cooled HVAC system, granting focus to its ingenious mechanical design and up-to-code energy efficiency.
Jack Murdock from RMI and Craig Ryans from Vermont Castings demonstrate how simple it is to have gas appliances and heat in a rural location.
The crew from The Ironhouse hooks up with Dan DeMagistris of Heat-N-Glo to install the fireplace.
Bob returns to Winterthur, the historic du Pont estate, to tour the Tappahannock Room.
Bob tours one of Winterthur's most ornate rooms, the Blackwell Parlor.
Bob and Chris Vila join Andy Grover of Hallsted Welles Associates for the installation of a new, flexible, stainless-steel chimney liner.
Bob meets with Meredith Schelp from Mitsubishi Electric HVAC to learn about the City-Multi HVAC system that will heat and cool the Manhattan Brownstone floor-thro...
Bob talks with general contractor Ted Riley about the fireplace construction.
Bob visits with Mark Lundquist of Burnham Hydronics to check out the boiler for the hot-water heating system being installed in the Mashpee, Massachusetts, afford...
Chris Hoff (from Buderus) demonstrates the features of the boiler and hot water heater installed in the basement, while Bob takes a tour of the Buderus factory in...
Masons are building the Rumford fireplace, as Bob talks over the herringbone construction process being used.
Masons install the throat and flue for the Rumford fireplace in the Lifespan House.
Bob explores the practice of custom lamp making and learns more about the outdoor fireplace.
Carpenter Bob Ryley and Greg Cowan (from Tidewater Restoration) discuss the process of restoring the antique mantelpiece.
Bob returns to the Virginia governor's mansion to see the restored mantelpiece reinstalled in the ballroom.
The developer and the plumber guide Bob through the equipment-laden boiler room.
The first Elmwood project concerns remodeling a Gothic Carpenter-style home, built in 1871.
Joe Murphy installs a direct vent gas-driven fireplace, and Howard Brickman refinishes the hardwood floor.
Pat and Roger Simons, the owners of the second house in the Elmwood project, review the goals of their bathroom remodel.
The air conditioning system for the third floor exercise area, with its unique features and ductwork, is installed.
A granite tub surround is installed, as well as an in-floor heating system and unique fiber optic lighting.
Bob tours of The Barnacle, one of the first homes built in Dade County, FL, to see how early settlers built in order to deal with the heat.
Bob meets with Mark, a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning mechanic, who is installing an HVAC system to moderate the temperature in the addition.
Bob meets with the architects, Mark and Geoffrey, who visit the project site every two weeks in order to check on progress, and to make sure their plans are being...
Bob joins carpenter Bob Ryley, who is installing a two-section window seat with a built-in reveal for baseboard heating. With a few measurements and a bit of scri...
Bob meets Jack O'Leary, the plumbing and heating contractor for the Newton, MA project. Since the house has doubled in size with the neaddition, the old heating u...
Bob watches as the mason lays a new hearth in the old fireplace using salvaged Charleston brick.
Bob joins restoration contractor Richard Marks in the library of the Federal-Style home to review the restoration of the mantel.
Bob meets with HVAC contractor Dave Talbot to discuss the heating and cooling of the greenhouse. A system of thermostats, blowers, vented windows, and boiler has ...
Contractor Bob Ryley shows off the greenhouse's motorized windows. At the touch of a button, or via a thermostat, the windows open and close. Bob helps Ryley asse...
As the mason builds a Count Rumford fireplace, he describes the foundation built to support the hearth and the variety of bricks used throughout the fireplace.
Bob meets with Alex Alexander to check out the new gas furnace, before taking a trip to Alex's shop to see how a computerized plasma cutter is used to cut out the...
Bob meets with mechanical contractor Frank Iadarola to watch the installation of the Heatway hydronic radiant heating system in the slab on the automotive side of...
John Marran (from Energy Kinetics) and heating expert Frank Iadarola review the energy efficient boiler system that will supply heat to the hydronic floors and to...
The search for Bob's next project house ends, when he finds a small 19th-century home on a large plot of land in East Chop, a laid-back, picturesque part of the i...
Bob and contractor John Clancy discuss creating the new concrete chimney at the Victorian-style project house in Martha's Vineyard.
Bob tours the Vermont Castings factory in Randolph, VT in order to learn about the manufacturing process for the type of wood-burning stove being used in the Mart...
Bob observes as electrician Steve Bradley snakes a thermostat wire along a wall in service of the new air conditioning system.
Carpenter-contractor Bob Ryley dresses up the fireplace to give it a Colonial look.
Bob discusses heating systems for the rental units with HVAC contractor Kirk Rustman.
Bob goes over the ducting process with carpentry contractor Bob Ryley at the Cape Cod project house.
Fireplace dealer Kris Renier installs a new zero-clearance fireplace and explains how it operates.
Bob tours the completed living room and dining room of the coach house, then heads down into the basement to see the work that's been done on the heating system.
John Martin (from WarmZone) is on-hand to show Bob how the medium density fiberboard (MDF) faced with reflective aluminum shielding, and precut channels for the h...
General contractor Tim Berky installs the white oak, tongue-and-groove floor. Since the flooring will be nailed over the hyrdronic heat system, it is critical to ...
