HEATING
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Despite our best efforts to economize and lead more eco-friendly lives, few of us are are paying less for our utiliti...
Wood stoves may be a good source of secondary or even primary heat for a home or cabin, but on their own, they aren’t...
The Google Nest Learning thermostat was one of the first smart-home thermostats on the market, having launched its fi...
Q: My gas bill seems out of control lately. I don’t remember paying this much in previous years, and I’m wondering if...
Wouldn’t it be great to add warmth to a room without cranking up the HVAC thermostat for the entire house? Enter the ...
Why would you want a wood stove in your home? There are plenty of pros. Reducing your reliance on the grid is one gre...
The overlap of boiler vs. water heater functionality in a home often leads to these two appliances being confused for...
It’s important to ensure that the products we use in our homes are safe, and staying informed about recent product re...
Highlights The average baseboard heating cost is $860, though a typical range is $409 to $1,335. The home and room ...
Highlights Most pellet stove installation costs average $2,293, though a typical range is $1,036 to $3,550. The cos...
Highlights Most homeowners spend about $413 on boiler service cost, though a typical range is $189 to $640. The cos...
Using a cold bathroom is a pretty unpleasant experience, but fortunately there are a wide range of bathroom heaters t...
Fireplace screens are an essential piece of safety equipment for anyone who has an open fire. They prevent sparks and...
Highlights The average radiant barrier cost for parts and labor is $1,700, or between $710 and $2,840. Labor rates,...
Highlights Furnace control board replacement cost typically ranges from $50 to $900, though most homeowners spend an...
When winter winds blow, some homeowners dread the accompanying—and often outrageous— heating bills that Jack Frost br...
While fire pits come in various shapes and materials, few offer the mix of style and function that a copper fire pit ...
When considering heating and cooling options, homeowners will notice that there are two popular choices: a heat pump ...
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 often are top of mind. With a tax credit, 2023 and 2024 ho...
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 ...
Highlights The typical range for radiator replacement cost is $100 to $2,500 with a national average of $1,500. Cos...
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, nonstop holiday cooking, and cozy ...
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...
Highlights The typical range for chimney cap costs is $75 to $1,000 with a national average of $300. Cost factors f...
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 improve the aesthetic of a room while also setting up an ide...
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...
A key component to an efficient, comfortable home sauna is the choice of heater. There are a number of different opti...
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 ...
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.
When Old Man Winter comes knocking, having a portable heater for indoor and outdoor spaces is just the ticket for sta...
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...
Highlights The typical cost to install a heated driveway is between $3,000 and $25,000, with a national average of $...
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’ve noticed my hot water heater making an unusual noise that I’ve never heard before, and I’m not sure ...
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...
Highlights The typical range for chimney sweep costs is $130 to $380, with a national average of $255. Some of the ...
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...
Q: My family lives in a house with oil heating, and we’ve just received our oil delivery contract for the coming year...
Highlights The typical range for heat pump costs is $4,206 to $7,688 with a national average of $5,947. Cost factor...
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...
Highlights The typical tankless water heater installation cost is between $1,333 and $3,721, with a national average...
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 a backyard space well into the evening. B...
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 the coldest ...
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 modern HVAC systems are, some can leave additional rooms, bedrooms, and other areas of a house u...
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...
Highlights The typical range for the cost of a new furnace is $2,818 to $6,822 with a national average of $4,743. C...
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 ...
Highlights The typical cost to replace a water heater runs from $874 to $1,765, with a national average of $1,293. ...
For those who work outdoors—or even those who jog or walk dogs—staying warm and comfortable during the winter means h...
Home thermostats have come a long way from those early models with manual temperature dials that may or may not accur...
Typical Range: $3,624 to $8,061 National Average: $5,678When temperatures dip below a comfortable range, having th...
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 temperatures drop and sweaters come out of storage, there’s nothing quite like the crackle of a real fir...
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 closing off vents in some rooms w...
“Location, location, location!” may be a well-known real estate rallying cry, but the orientation of a house is impor...
Propane heaters are an incredibly effective way to quickly heat a medium to large living space using liquid propane (...
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 residential water heater. The only two cho...
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...
Fire starters make it easy for anyone to start a roaring fire. Rather than having to wrestle with damp wood or crumpl...
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 ...
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. Wha...
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...
Shoveling snow is an onerous chore that can literally be a pain in the back, but for many folks it’s a necessity if t...
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...
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...
This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. If you’re...
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...
During the colder months, nothing beats warming the house with a crackling fire. But while wood-burning fireplaces sh...
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...
In most parts of the country, air conditioning is a necessity of modern life. Even so, many consumers hesitate to inv...
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...
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 ...
Curling up in front of a fire is a thoroughly delightful aspect of fall and winter. But a fire can be a messy busines...
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...
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...
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 no surprise if home heating doesn't rank high on your list of priorities right now, but let's face it: If you we...
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 ...
Q: I jumped in my shower this morning and, holy cow, was it cold! After a quick inspection, I discovered my water hea...
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...
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...
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...
Sometimes, even despite attentive maintenance and care, brick masonry fireplaces amass a fair amount soot, mildew, an...
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...
When you step into a beautiful custom-built home, nothing ruins the effect quite like the sights and sounds of a trad...
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...
You are reading one installment in a ten-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and co...
Some folks love the romance of a wood-burning fire. Others may prefer the all-night warmth of a wood stove. But almos...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
Summer has arrived, and with the inexorable heat comes the inevitable hunt—for the perfect air conditioner, that is. ...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
Low water pressure in the house can be a real annoyance—the shower subsides to a trickle, the washing machine takes e...
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...
Baby, its cold outside—and the last thing you want to do is return home to a frosty house. The smart time to examine ...
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...
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...
Fireplace inserts are a great way to update an existing masonry fireplace. A traditional open-front wood-burning fire...
'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)...
Everyone agrees that you should change your HVAC filter on a regular basis, but not everyone agrees on the type of fi...
Burning MoneyA fire in an open hearth is only 10 percent efficient at best, which means that 90 percent of the heat e...
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.
Radiant floor heating is arguably the ideal home heating system. It’s comfortable, efficient, unobtrusive, quiet, and...
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 ...