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It Pays to Make These 5 Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades in 2023
This is the first installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2023, a month-long series featuring high-ROI ho...
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What Size Mini-Split Do I Need?
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...
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Electric Furnace vs. Gas: Which Heating System Is Right for Your Home?
Chilly months are much more bearable with a functioning, efficient heating system, but there are many options for kee...
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Gas vs. Electric Fireplace: What’s the Difference?
Fire is one of the core natural elements that people are attracted to—in addition to water, earth, and air. Whether i...
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How Much Does an Electric Furnace Cost?
Highlights  The typical cost range for an electric furnace is $1,682 to $7,036. Nationally, homeowners pay an averag...
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The 12 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make With Your Smart Home Devices
Many of the everyday tasks of life—locking the door, adjusting the thermostat, dimming the lights, and capturing porc...
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20 Most Expensive Things Bob Vila Readers Bought in 2022
Bob Vila readers were busy in 2022, tackling DIY projects and finding ways to make their life simpler and their home ...
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Top Trends for HVAC Installation in 2023
New tax credits for energy-efficient heat pumps, affordable smart thermostats, and a demand for filters that can figh...
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7 Ways to Winterize Your Apartment or Rental Home
As a renter, there are limits to the changes you can make to your residence to prepare for the colder winter months. ...
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Bob Vila’s 10 “Must Do” Projects for January
January is the month to take stock, plan ahead, and start fresh: Our "Must Do" projects for this month include adopti...
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2022 Tax Credits and Deductions Homeowners Should Take Advantage of ASAP
When updating or improving a home, saving energy and money are always top of mind—but when there's a hefty tax credit...
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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Space Heater?
Q: One of my upstairs bedrooms is always significantly colder than the rest of the house. I don’t use that bedroom mu...
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How to Heat a Greenhouse
A greenhouse allows gardeners to grow vegetables year-round, keep tropical plants in bloom, or start seedlings early ...
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Solved! Who Repairs Gas Fireplaces?
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...
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Can Your Utility Company Control Your Home’s Thermostat?
When temperatures fluctuate, it’s easy to flip on your home’s heating and cooling system and not think much about it....
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How Much Does Wood Stove Installation Cost?
Typical Range: $325 to $4,000Installing a wood stove can completely change the atmosphere of a room. A wood-burning...
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How Much Does Furnace Blower Motor Replacement Cost?
Typical Range: $250 to $900 National Average: $515Furnaces are the heart of a home, keeping everyone warm in the c...
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The 17 Best Black Friday Outdoor Patio Deals You Can Still Shop
Editor’s Note: We're now actively scouting Cyber Monday sales, so this post is no longer being updated. For the lates...
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How Much Does Thermostat Replacement Cost?
Typical Range: $113 to $255 National Average: $175A thermostat is a tool most people don’t think about very often ...
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How Much Does Home Radiator Replacement Cost?
Typical Range: $100 to $3,500 National Average: $1,500Radiator heating offers a unique set of benefits to homeowne...
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How Much Does a Furnace Tune-Up Cost?
Typical Range: $100 to $200Furnaces produce heat to keep a house warm even on the coldest of nights. Just as a furn...
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How Much Does a Geothermal Heat Pump Cost?
Typical Range: $2,199 to $21,480 National Average: $12,708Homeowners who are considering ways to increase their ho...
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Stock Up On Winter Storm Gear During These Great Black Friday Sales
Earlier this fall, we shared winter forecast predictions on Bob Vila that included heavy snowfall. Then just before T...
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Solved! 4 Reasons Why Your Gas Fireplace Smells Like Gas
Q: A few minutes after I turned on my gas fireplace this evening, I noticed a faint gas smell. I am concerned about t...
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Solved! My Gas Fireplace Won’t Turn On—What's The Problem?
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?...
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Solved! Who Installs Water Heaters, and How Do I Get a New One Installed?
Q: My water heater is leaking, and I think I need a new one. Who installs hot water heaters? Is this something I can ...
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How Much Does it Cost to Convert a Fireplace to Gas?
Typical Range: $500 to $5,500 National Average: $3,000Natural gas is the most environmentally friendly fossil fuel...
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How Much Does Furnace Cleaning Cost?
Typical Range: $70 to $300 National Average: $150Furnaces hibernate during the warmer months. While they rest, dus...
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How Much Does Furnace Repair Cost?
Typical Range: $131 to $486 National Average: $308Furnace maintenance is a necessary task for every homeowner. Kee...
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Bob Vila’s “Must Do” Projects for November
For many of us, November marks the beginning of a season filled with house guests, crazed holiday cooking, and cozy n...
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How Much Does a Gas Furnace Cost to Install?
Typical Range: $700 to $10,000 National Average: $2,175A furnace is an essential feature of a home. It not only ke...
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Solved! Why Is My Electric Water Heater Not Working, and Who Can Fix It?
Q: I’m not receiving a steady flow of hot water from my faucets. Why is my electric water heater not working, and how...
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Bob Vila's 10 "Must Do" Projects for October
Winter is ComingBrrrr! Most of us are past the point at which we can spend all day puttering around outside, taking c...
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The Best Fireplace Mantels of 2022
A fireplace brings warmth to any home, literally and figuratively. Fireplace mantels are both functional and ornament...
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Our Favorite Patio Heater Is Now $100 Off on Amazon
As the official shift in seasons approaches, it's time to start thinking about ways to prolong patio season with ligh...
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Solved! Why Do I Have a Leaking Chimney, and How Do I Fix It?
Q: We absolutely love our fireplace and use it all fall and winter long. But recently I have been noticing water in a...
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How Much Does Garage Heater Installation Cost?
Typical Range: $150 to $4,000 National Average: $2,075Garages are multifunctional spaces that can do a lot more th...
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How Much Does a Chimney Cap Cost to Install?
Typical Range: $75 to $1,000 National Average: $300There are a lot of working parts and pieces in a chimney system...
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The Best Chimineas of 2022
Whether shoppers are looking for a portable heat source to extend their patio’s seasonal usage or a stylish focal poi...
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The Best Electric Fireplace TV Stands of 2022
An electric fireplace TV stand is an excellent option to make your room look better while also setting up the ideal l...
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Bob Vila’s “Must Do” Projects for September
This month is a transitional one, one in which you’ll be winding down the garden but also making preparations for hun...
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The Best Tabletop Fire Pits of 2022
Tabletop fire pits, also called tabletop fireplaces, provide the cozy aesthetic and charm of a crackling fire but in ...
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The Best Space Heaters for Basements of 2022
Even if a basement is only used for storage, leaving it unheated can promote mold growth on books, clothes, and other...
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Solo Stove's Hassle-Free Bonfire Is Worth the Hype—Here's Why
Spending an evening outdoors by the warm glow of a campfire is a great way to unwind with family and friends. But bef...
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The Best Online HVAC Certification Programs of 2022
HVAC professionals are always in demand. To establish oneself as an HVAC technician and stand out from the competitio...
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The Best Sauna Heaters of 2022
One of the key ingredients of an efficient, comfortable home sauna is the choice of heater. There are a number of dif...
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Solved! How Much Wood Is in a Cord of Wood?
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...
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The Best 50-Gallon Gas Water Heaters of 2022
A 50-gallon water heater is usually the recommended size for houses with one to three bathrooms and families of three...
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The Best HVAC Companies of 2022
Homeowners need to have their HVAC systems ready to go year-round, as temperatures rise in the spring and summer and ...
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No Money to Burn? Here Are 15 Fire Pits You Can Actually Afford
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...
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The Best Pellet Stoves of 2022
In a hard-to-heat area, such as a sunroom, a cabin with no central heating system, or any living or sleeping area of ...
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The Best Chimney Caps for Rain of 2022
While a wood-burning fireplace may warm you on a chilly day, if its chimney lacks a quality protective cap, you’re le...
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How Much Does Fireplace Installation Cost?
Typical Range: $870 to $3,792 National Average: $2,314When snowflakes are swirling and Old Man Winter is howling a...
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How Much Does an Outdoor Fireplace Cost?
Typical Range: $1,500 to $20,000 National Average: $3,000There must be some ancient gene that causes humans to enj...
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How Much Does Radiator Repair Cost?
Typical Range: $100 to $550 National Average: $325Radiators have been a source of reliable heat in many homes sinc...
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How Much Does a Chimney Liner Cost to Install?
Typical Range: $625 to $7,000 National Average: $2,500Enjoying a cozy evening by the fire is all fun and games—unt...
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The Best Electric Fireplace Inserts of 2022
Electric fireplace inserts, popular electric room heaters, are not only energy-efficient and relatively easy to insta...
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The Best Chimney Cleaning Services of 2022
Chimney cleaning is an essential part of owning a fireplace and using a chimney, as failure to properly care for it c...
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10 Ways to Warm Up a Cold Basement
A finished basement adds significant square footage to a home, providing an additional living space that can be used ...
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The Best Air Filter Subscription Services of 2022
Your air filter is an essential part of your home’s HVAC system, but replacing air filters regularly can be a nuisanc...
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Pellet Stove or Wood Stove: Which Is Best for Heating Your Home?
If you’re looking for the perfect solution to keep your home warm and toasty in the winter without spending an exorbi...
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The Best Wood Pellet Delivery Services of 2022
Not only is a pellet grill or smoker capable of loading its own fuel, but it can automatically maintain its own tempe...
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The Best Firewood Delivery Services of 2022
There’s nothing like sitting by a backyard firepit or around a living room hearth on a crisp fall evening or cold win...
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The Best Wood Stoves of 2023
A wood-burning stove provides an effective heat source for a home, cabin, or even a tent. It also creates a rustic fe...
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Are Your Windows Drafty? Try These 12 Solutions for Every Budget
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.
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I Tested the Mr. Heater Buddy: Did It Provide Enough Heat?
The Mr. Heater brand makes a slew of heat-related products. I personally have tested a few of their space heaters and...
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1 Small Upgrade Will Lower Your Winter Heating Costs
Winter is a busy and expensive season for homeowners. In addition to shopping for and celebrating the holidays, folks...
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The Comfort Zone Garage Heater is a Quality Heater, but Is it Worth It?
When the cold months roll around, it can be hard to remain productive in a workshop. Handling ice-cold tools is miser...
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6 Radiator Covers to Match Your Home's Decor
Sometimes “old and quaint” gradually becomes “dilapidated and ugly,” especially when it involves a workhorse of many ...
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The Best Furnace Brands of 2022
A furnace is the center of the home heating system, ensuring that the indoor environment remains warm, even in freezi...
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Furnace Inspection Near Me: How to Hire and Prepare for a Furnace Inspection
Hiring the Best HVAC Technician Near MeFurnaces are typically out of sight and out of mind—right up until cold weathe...
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This is the Best Electric Blanket for Winter We Tested—Here’s Why
When the temperatures drop and you just can’t seem to get warm, a blanket that does more than contain your body heat ...
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Insulation Companies Near Me: How to Hire for Insulation Installation
Hiring the Best Insulation Companies Near MeIf your energy bills are sky high and it’s difficult to maintain a comfor...
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How Much Does Blown-In Insulation Cost to Install?
Typical Range: $930 to $2,085 National Average: $1,507Like other types of insulation, such as fiberglass batts and...
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How Much Does a Heated Driveway Cost?
Typical Range: $1,300 to $7,500 National Average: $3,900For homeowners who deal with snow year in and out, the ide...
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Chimney Inspection Near Me: How to Hire for a Chimney Inspection
A chimney inspection is a vital part of owning a fireplace with a chimney. They’re usually performed with regular chi...
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The Best Water Heater Repair Near Me: How to Hire a Plumber for Water Heater Repair Service
Hiring the Best Water Heater Repair Near MeHomeowners rely on water heaters every day for common activities such as s...
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Everything You Need to Know About Hiring for Chimney Cleaning
While products like creosote logs help maintain a chimney, they’re no replacement for a chimney cleaning service. Chi...
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Solved! Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?
Q: Recently, I noticed my hot water heater making noise. It isn’t an old heater, but it’s been making a weird sizzlin...
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How to Hire the Best Chimney Repair Service After Searching ‘Chimney Repair Near Me’
Having a working fireplace is a luxury that many homeowners relish. It can help cut down on energy bills, serve as a ...
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7 Things to Know About Rockwool Insulation Before Installing It in Your Home
Fiberglass insulation has long been a popular option for slowing the transmission of heat through the walls and ceili...
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The Best Wood-Burning Fireplace Inserts of 2023
A fireplace insert is a unit installed into a pre-existing wood or stone fireplace. Among the types available, those ...
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The Best Gas Fireplace Inserts of 2023
There are several different types of fireplace inserts, but gas models are a favorite because they offer the ambience...
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The Best Fireplace Grates of 2023
Most people simply place firewood on the hearth of their wood-burning fireplaces. What they don’t realize is that a f...
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Solved! How Much Insulation Do I Need?
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...
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How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?
Typical Range: $129 to $378 National Average: $252Wood-burning fireplaces are cozy amenities that appeal to many h...
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How to Hire the Best Chimney Sweep Near Me Based on Cost, Issue, and Other Considerations
Hiring the Best Chimney Sweep Near MeThere’s nothing like curling up next to a roaring fire on a snowy winter afterno...
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Solved! Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?
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...
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10 DIY Sauna Kits You Can Assemble Yourself at Home
Relax, loosen your joints, open your sinuses, recover from a workout, and even improve your health with your own DIY home sauna.
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Solved! This Is the Best Time to Schedule Your Heating Oil Delivery
Q: My family lives in a house with oil heating, and we’ve just received our oil delivery contract for the coming year...
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This Amazon Patio Heater is Less Expensive—But Does It Work?
Outdoor living areas may be most associated with summer afternoon barbecues and lazy nights stargazing in the backyar...
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What Is a Heat Pump and How Does a Heat Pump Work?
Q: We’re looking to replace our HVAC system and saw an option to purchase a heat pump instead of an air conditioner a...
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12 Home Maintenance Services You Should Book ASAP, According to Experts
While the days are still long and the temps are soaring, preparing a home for the coming winter is the last thing on ...
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Solved! Why Is My House So Cold?
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...
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The Best Electric Fireplace Heaters of 2022
Gas and wood-burning fireplaces require a vent or a full chimney, making retrofitting one into an existing home costl...
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How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost?
Typical Range: $1,171 to $3,331 National Average: $2,216If you’re tired of running out of hot water, a tankless wa...
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The Best Baseboard Heaters of 2022
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...
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The Best Smokeless Fire Pits of 2022
An outdoor fire pit creates an inviting campfire vibe to extend your enjoyment of your backyard space well into the e...
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9 Creative Ways to Heat Your Pool This Summer
With a little ingenuity, you can warm a cold swimming pool without having to spend thousands of dollars on an expensive pool heater.
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The Best Energy-Efficient Space Heaters Tested in 2022
Space heaters offer a convenient and cost-effective way to improve home and office comfort. Personal and large versio...
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Solved! What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat in Winter?
Q: My partner and I have an ongoing disagreement about the right temperature setting for the heat during cold months....
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5 Windbreak Ideas That Can Help Conserve Energy at Home
Less Wind, Less EnergyWindbreaks protect a home from wind and provide shade, both of which can help conserve energy. ...
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How to Insulate a Garage
The garage is often used for more than just storing the car, seasonal items, tools, and lawn mower. Many people take ...
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The Dos and Don'ts of Using Expanding Foam Insulation Around the House
Insulating expanding foam sealant makes quick work of reducing sound transfer, stabilizing a wobbly showerhead, or ev...
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The Best Ceramic Heaters of 2023
As efficient as many HVAC systems are, they can leave additional rooms, bedrooms, and other areas of a house uncomfor...
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The Best Non-Programmable Thermostats of 2022
Heating and cooling a home has been a primary concern for human beings since the days of open-hearth fires. But it’s ...
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The Best HVAC Multimeter to Check Your System Anytime
Whether you’re repairing your own HVAC system or you’re a professional technician, an HVAC multimeter can be your ace...
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What Is the Cost of a New Furnace?
Typical Range: $2,614 to $6,310 National Average: $4,453When homes get chilly, many homeowners use a furnace to he...
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I Installed the New Ecobee Smart Thermostat in My Old House—Here’s What Happened
When it comes time to replace the manual thermostat in your home, the ecobee SmartThermostat is a great option that c...
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The Best Electric Wall Heater for Added Warmth
Despite its size, an electric wall heater is a great way to provide your home with extra heat—whether you’re in a mul...
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The Best Heat Pumps of 2023
When compared with traditional HVAC systems that use a furnace for heat and an air conditioner for cooling, a heat pu...
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The Best Gas Garage Heaters of 2022
Whether you’re passing the colder months with hobbies in your workshop, or your must-do repairs simply can’t wait for...
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How Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost?
 A water heater is a vital home appliance that homeowners rely on to provide hot water for bathing, cleaning, and coo...
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The Best Winter Hats for Men and Women When Working Outside
For those who work outdoors—or even those who jog or walk dogs—staying warm and comfortable during the winter means h...
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The Best Home Thermostats of 2022
Thermostats have come a long way from those early models with manual temperature dials that may or may not accurately...
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Residential Boiler Prices: Here's What to Expect Today
Typical Range: $3,624 to $8,061 National Average: $5,678When temperatures dip below a comfortable range, having th...
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The Best Smoker Grill Combo for Your Outdoor Cooking Needs
Smokers prioritize a low and slow method of cooking meat that makes for tender results, while grills are hot and fast...
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The Best Space Heaters for Bedrooms of 2022
Colder temperatures can point out the weak spots in a home’s insulation and heating system. When that space is a bedr...
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Propane Price Per Gallon: How Much Does Propane Cost?
Typical Range: $3 to $5 per gallonMaybe you’ve noticed the tall, narrow, side-by-side tanks tucked against the side...
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The Best Kerosene Heaters of 2022
Creating a backyard space takes planning and effort, so it’s a shame that you can’t use it as often when temperatures...
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The Best Space Heaters Tested in 2023
Ever-rising utility costs can make heating an entire house prohibitively pricey. To save money but still keep occupie...
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The Best Smart Thermostats of 2022
Smart thermostats, which connect with home automation systems, go beyond their programmable predecessors to offer a w...
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9 Ways Your Home Energy Use Can Combat Climate Change
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...
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The Best Fire Logs Tested in 2022
When outdoor temps drop and sweaters come out of storage, there's nothing quite like the crackle of a real fire. Whet...
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Solved! This Is How to Fix a Furnace That’s Not Turning On
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...
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15 Products to Help You Warm Up Every Corner of Your Home
Winter is here, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel like it inside your home.
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The Best Attic Insulation of 2022
Insulating your attic is an excellent way to protect your home from temperature extremes and moisture damage while re...
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This Common Home Heating Hack Will Waste More Energy (and Money!) Than It Saves
With the high cost of heating and cooling a home, it's understandable to think that by closing off vents in some room...
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Why It Matters Whether Your Home Faces North, South, East, or West
“Location, location, location!” may be a well-known real estate rallying cry, but the orientation of a house is impor...
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Buyer's Guide: The Best Wood Stoves
Find the best wood stove to keep you and your home toasty during the cold months.
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The Best Propane Heaters of 2022
Propane heaters are an incredibly effective way to quickly heat a medium to large space using liquid propane as a fue...
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The Best Gas Water Heaters of 2023
Buying a new water heater used to be easier. With only the conventional tank-style heaters available, there were few ...
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The Best HVAC Coil Cleaners for Yearly Maintenance
Your HVAC system helps keep you and your family warm in the winter and cool in the summer. For cooling, it uses two m...
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The Best Tent Heaters of 2022
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...
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The Best Electric Heaters of 2023
Cold weather can seep through the walls, linger in the floors, and make a home uncomfortable, but with an electric he...
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The Best Infrared Heaters Tested in 2023
Technology has made considerable advancements in so many areas, and heating is no exception. While you may be familia...
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The Best Heated Vests Tested in 2023
When temperatures drop, working outdoors can become downright uncomfortable if you don’t have a way to stay warm. We’...
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The Best Pool Heaters of 2023
Swimming pool heaters keep the water nice and comfortable for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Although they have be...
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The Best Electric Garage Heaters Tested in 2023
Cold-weather days can turn your garage into a frigid, uncomfortable, and unproductive work space. An electric garage ...
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The Best Water Heaters of 2023
It used to be that there weren’t many options when it came to purchasing a hot water heater. The only two choices wer...
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The Best Non-Electric Heaters of 2023
A midwinter ice storm has knocked out the power on your block, and the temperature on the thermostat is plummeting. W...
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The Best Tankless Gas Water Heaters of 2022
Traditional water heaters can be huge energy guzzlers because of the large storage tank of piping hot water they must...
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The Best Programmable Thermostats for the Home
Saving money has never been more important for most Americans, yet many forget how much they inadvertently waste thro...
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The Best Garage Heaters Tested in 2023
For DIYers and hobbyists, a garage can often be project central. It can be the place to store tools and to work on a ...
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The Best Electric Fireplaces of 2022
If you long for the glowing warmth of a fireplace but could do without the usual maintenance, consider an electric on...
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The Best Fire Starters of 2022
A toasty fire is a welcome addition on any chilly evening. Less welcome is the hassle of wrestling with damp wood or ...
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The Best Best Furnace Filters of 2023
Changing a furnace’s air filter every 3 months can keep it from malfunctioning while contributing to better indoor ai...
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The Best Electric Blankets of 2022
If you’re looking for a source of supplemental heat, be it for bedtime, watching movies, or snuggling up and reading ...
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What's the Difference? Heat Pump vs. Furnace
Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature is a priority for homeowners all year round, but in winter you’re bound ...
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9 Furnace Troubleshooting Tips from the Pros
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...
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Solved! Why Your Fireplace Might Be Smoking Up the House
Q: I was alarmed to see smoke enter the living room when I last used my fireplace. Why was my fireplace smoking, and ...
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12 Things Never to Do With Your Space Heater
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...
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How to Start a Fire in a Fireplace
At first, it may seem like a foolproof undertaking: You put some wood in the fireplace, light a match, then sit back ...
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10 Home Heating Mistakes That Spike Your Bills
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...
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Solved! How Often to Change a Furnace Filter
Q: I turned on my furnace for the first time this year, and it made the whole house smell musty. I checked the filter...
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Change Filters Frequently to Optimize Furnace Efficiency
Dust bunnies are multiplying, dog hair is piling up, and allergies are worsening—oh my, it must be the furnace filter...
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15 Ways to Warm Up to Outdoor Living in Fall
Leaves are falling and there's a chill in the air: For many of us, autumn is the most glorious time of year to spend outside. Grab this gear for your coziest outd...
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5 Fireplace Maintenance Tasks to Complete Every Fall
As days get shorter and the weather gets colder, we retreat indoors to the warmth of our homes and hearths. If you ha...
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Solved! This Is Your Home’s Ideal Indoor Humidity Level
Q: My husband and I just moved from Reno, Nevada, to Baytown, Texas, and the humidity here is high, even indoors. We’...
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6 Ways High-Velocity HVAC Is Built to Help Save You Money
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...
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7 Places That Could Use More Insulation—And Why
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 ...
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16 Problems a Power Outage Can Cause at Home
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...
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6 Things to Know Before Switching to a Smart Thermostat
In a era where convenience is king, it's no wonder that smart thermostats have been integrated into so many homes. Th...
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16 Simple Tricks to Stay Seriously Warm This Winter
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...
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5 Things to Know Before Cleaning Your Home's Air Ducts
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...
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15 Ways to Stay Warm Without Turning on the Heat
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...
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Sick of Shoveling? The Pros and Cons of Having a Heated Driveway
Shoveling snow is a pesky chore that can literally be a pain in the back, but, for many folks, it’s necessary just to...
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7 Cool Inventions That Will Help You Save Money on Your Heating Bill
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...
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How To: Get Your Fireplace Ready for Winter
Nothing is quite as warm and cozy as a crackling fire in autumn. But before you touch match to kindling, take a good look around your fireplace and chimney to mak...
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How to Heat a Garage: 11 Tips for Keeping Your Workshop Warm in Winter
Most garages aren't designed to stay warm inside when outdoor temperatures are frigid. Garages usually lack insulatio...
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10 Stylish Pellet Stoves to Warm Up Your Home
Practical and eco-friendly, pellet stoves are the perfect solution to a variety of home heating challenges.
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Firewood Primer: Which Wood Burns Best?
Of all the many species available, which types of firewood are the best to use at home?
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3 Reasons Now Is the Time to Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Back in the 9-to-5 world, when people got up, went to work, and returned home at the same time every weekday, nobody ...
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8 Patio Heaters to Keep You Comfy Outdoors
Fire up one of these innovative patio space heaters to keep your backyard toasty through the chilliest of nights.
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Considering a Ventless Gas Fireplace? Here's What You Need to Know
Nothing feels quite as nice as the cozy glow of a warm fire on a blustery winter’s day. While wood-burning models are...
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How To: Paint a Radiator
Radiators have been keeping homes toasty for about 150 years. While yours probably doesn’t date back that far, it may...
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4 Reasons Designers (and Design-Savvy Homeowners) Love Radiant Heat
When you're ripping out flooring and fixtures to update your living spaces, aesthetic details are obviously important...
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15 Things You Should Never Burn in the Fireplace
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.
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All About Outdoor Radiant Heating Systems
This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. If you’re...
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Building or Remodeling? The One Question You’re Forgetting to Ask
Planning to add onto or remodel your home is equal parts exciting and hectic.  There are so many decisions to make: c...
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15 Products to Buy If You're Always Cold
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...
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The Best Heating System You’ve Never Heard Of
This article has been brought to you by Warmboard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. We're just days ...
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How To: Use a Fireplace
During the colder months, nothing beats warming the house with a crackling fire. But while wood-burning fireplaces sh...
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Now You See It, Now You Don’t: Designing Around Your HVAC
Comfort and convenience don't have to compromise your home's design aesthetic. Innovative and viable alternatives to ...
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Are We Finally Ready for Radiant Heat?
It's a good time for the building and remodeling industry! Just check out the most recent U. S. Census Bureau data, w...
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5 Ways Purchasing a Zoned Comfort Solution Pays You Back
Is your existing heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system due for an upgrade, or even approaching the end of...
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500,000 Older Homes Can't Be Wrong: Get the Lowdown on High-Velocity HVAC
Gone are the days when those fortunate enough to live in a meticulously preserved historic home have to jam window ai...
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Give Peace a Chance: A Solution to Thermostat Wars at Last
It seems like every time you look at the thermostat, it's set to a different temperature. There are two possible expl...
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5 Reasons Homeowners Switch to High-Velocity HVAC
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 ...
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7 Signs Your HVAC System Is Wasting Energy—And What to Do About It
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...
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The Best Way to Control Indoor Humidity—and Your Energy Bills
When you turn on the air conditioning to beat the heat, the typical system might lower the temperature enough to sati...
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5 Things to Know About Adding Central Air
In most parts of the country, air conditioning is a necessity of modern life. Even so, many consumers hesitate to inv...
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Winter Comfort Starts with Spring Remodeling
With the cheerful arrival of spring, the frigid, finger-numbing weather we endured mere weeks ago suddenly seems like...
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Answered: 6 Frequently Asked Questions About Radiant Heat
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...
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So, You Want to... Reface Your Fireplace
You can repaint the walls, re-carpet the floor, and replace all outdated furniture, but leaving that eyesore of an ol...
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All You Need to Know About Ceiling Fan Direction
Most people rely on their ceiling fan to bring a welcome breeze when temperatures heat up, as the devices make folks ...
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Genius! Cozy Up Without a Space Heater
With the cold season in full swing, many heat-starved homeowners crank up the thermostat, sending their energy bill s...
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The Best Way to Avoid the Discomfort of Cold Floors
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...
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Give Your Home the Gift of Year-Round Climate Control
Comfort and joy: That's what the holidays are all about. If, however, your home fails to provide refuge from the wick...
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The 10 Best Winter Buys for a Happy, Healthy Home
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, ...
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Too Hot Upstairs, Too Cold Downstairs? Here’s What to Do
It's the 21st century! It shouldn't be such a struggle for owners to heat their homes evenly enough to enjoy total co...
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Genius! How to Disguise an Ugly Thermostat
Megan Pflug's gallery wall was a near masterpiece except for one niggling imperfection. A glaring white programmable ...
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3 Reasons Radiant Heat Has Never Been Better
As might be expected, the consistent comfort and high efficiency that are hallmarks of radiant heat didn't develop ov...
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How to Clean a Fireplace
Curling up in front of a fire is a thoroughly delightful aspect of fall and winter. But a fire can be a messy busines...
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How To: Choose a High-Efficiency Mini-Split System
If you live in a mild climate, consider yourself lucky. Everyone else? You know that whenever the temperature soars o...
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Genius! Chop Down Heating Bills with This Fireplace Hack
As temperatures dip, nothing feels better than thick fleece socks and a seat next to the fire. But, between uses, an ...
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6 Signs You Need a New Furnace
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...
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What Do Homeowners Like Best About Radiant Heat?
As the mercury continues to drop, heralding the arrival of the colder months, Mother Nature prods homeowners to think...
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7 Advantages of a Zoned Climate-Control System
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...
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How To: Choose a Baseboard Heater
This post has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. In this day ...
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The Best Way to Heat a Home with High Ceilings
As summer heat gives way to fall’s cooler temperatures, daily activities—from dinners to DIY projects—migrate back in...
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Bob Vila Radio: A Case for the Classic Wood Stove
Plenty of us recall nestling around the cozy warmth of wood stoves, whiling away the winter-evening hours among famil...
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3 Ways to Save with Zoned Comfort Solutions
You don’t need to be told that energy doesn’t come cheap. With the arrival of each utility bill, you get another remi...
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How To: Choose a Radiant Floor Heating System
This article has been brought to you by Warmboard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Whether it's a n...
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So, You Want to... Install a Zoned Comfort Solution
It’s strange: We hold our dishwashers, ovens and other household appliances to an extremely high standard, but not ou...
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The Pros and Cons of Radiant Heat
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...
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A Smarter Way to Keep Your Home Comfortable
In any neighborhood, in any state, homes built post-World War II typically share at least one thing in common—a tradi...
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So, You Want to… Install a Mini-Split
In all but the mildest climates, whenever the temperature soars or plummets, the typical homeowner faces a tough choi...
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Yes, It’s the Humidity: How to Control It and Lower Your AC Bills
One of the great, game-changing inventions of the 20th century, air conditioning has become so firmly entrenched in o...
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The Cooling and Heating Option You Haven’t Considered—Yet
It’s astonishing: Technology has revolutionized so many aspects of day-to-day life over the past 50 years, yet home a...
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The Window AC Alternative You Need to Know About
It's the time of year when, if you listen carefully, you can practically hear the sighs of homeowners again facing th...
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What Type of In-Floor Heating Is Right for You?
This article has been brought to you by Warmboard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Spring has arriv...
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Don't Run Your Boiler Without This One Key Component
The average homeowner rarely gives the boiler a second thought—until there's a problem. Fortunately, as the engine th...
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Green Your HVAC: A Small-Duct System Can Bring Big Savings
For homeowners who have witnessed their energy bills rise ever higher over the years, heating and cooling represents ...
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No Gimmicks: 6 New Home Technologies That Really Matter
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...
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Solved! What to Do When Your Pilot Light Goes Out
Q: I jumped in my shower this morning and, holy cow, was it cold! After a quick inspection, I discovered my water hea...
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A Premier HVAC Option Even Your Designer Can Love
You've deliberated over every detail, large and small, from the flooring underfoot to the lighting overhead. But if y...
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6 Overlooked Ways to Warm Up a Chilly Room
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...
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6 Things to Know If You Hate Your Home Heating System
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...
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This Winter, Stay Snug in EVERY Part of Your Home
The Unico iSeries pairs an efficient outdoor unit with at least one indoor wall split. Ideal for providing heating an...
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6 Reasons to Warm Up to In-Floor Heating
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...
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3 Aggressive Ways to Cut Down Your Energy Bills
Does your blood pressure rise and fall with the ups-and-downs in your monthly energy costs? Particularly during heati...
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Bob Vila Radio: For a Warmer Winter, Run Your Ceiling Fans in Reverse
Everyone knows that ceiling fans provide low-cost cooling in summer. But did you know you can also use ceiling fans t...
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How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
Few problems around the house strike fear into the heart of a homeowner like a frozen pipe: The pressure created by f...
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Tour the First Home in Cleveland Built Without a Furnace
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and coo...
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4 Reasons to Ditch Your Furnace for Radiant Heat
Visit any assortment of American homes built in recent years and, though you'll probably see a range of architectural...
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8 Wise Ways to Winter-Proof Your Home for Practically Nothing
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...
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Kickspace Heaters 101
Every home has one—a room that never feels quite comfortable in the winter, no matter the set temperature. To supply ...
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How To: Bleed a Radiator
Now that the temperature is falling, you may have cranked up the heat in your house only to find that one (or more) o...
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How To: Split Firewood
Fireplace season has at long last arrived: Time to gather around the hearth, hunker down, and embrace the warmth of t...
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Create Your Best-Ever Holiday Home with Customizable Climate Control
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and coo...
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Is Your Furnace Going to Survive the Winter?
With snow flurries already flying in parts of the country, now is the time to take a close look at your furnace to as...
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6 Steps to a Cozy Winter Home
When plummeting temperatures and cruel storms combine to make the outdoors forbidding, everyone takes refuge indoors. There's only one potential problem: If aggra...
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5 Things to Know Before You Buy a New Boiler
When it comes to safeguarding the comfort and winter readiness of your home, time is of the essence. Don't wait until...
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Complete Control: Set the Temperature at Home No Matter Where You Are
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless cooling and hea...
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So, You Want to... Install Radiant Heating
Thinking about installing radiant heat? Well, you're not alone. The technology has already gained wide acceptance wit...
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7 Reasons to Choose Zoned Cooling and Heating
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...
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How To: Paint a Brick Fireplace
Sometimes, even despite attentive maintenance and care, brick masonry fireplaces amass a fair amount soot, mildew, an...
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Streamline Cooling and Heating with One System for Year-Round Comfort
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and coo...
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7 Myths About Radiant Heat, Debunked
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...
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When's the Right Time to Install Radiant Heating?
Energy efficiency and radiant heating are mentioned together so often that you might reasonably assume one had precip...
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Building Your Dream House? Choose Unobtrusive and Efficient HVAC
When you step into a beautiful custom-built home, nothing ruins the effect quite like the sights and sounds of a trad...
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Save Money and Live Better with Multizone HVAC
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and coo...
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5 Overlooked Ways to Cool Down a Hot Room
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...
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Prevent Runaway Mold in Your Vacation Home with Innovative HVAC
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...
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Next-Generation Ductless HVAC Brings Home Total Comfort
You are reading one installment in a ten-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and co...
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Ditch the Ducts: Choose Ductless HVAC for Savings and Comfort
You are reading one installment in a ten-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and co...
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Is Radiant Heat Right for Your Dream Home?
Are you designing a home from scratch or even building an addition onto an existing home? Either affords a rare oppor...
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Act NOW for Greater Comfort NEXT Winter
After a long, hard winter that saw record-breaking snowfalls and temperature lows, it's only natural to look forward ...
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Cozy Up Key Spaces with European-Style Towel Radiators
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...
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7 Reasons Homeowners Switch to Radiant Heating
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...
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Thousands of Years in the Making, Radiant Heating Arrives
While the origins of radiant floor heating stretch way back into the mists of history, the technology has come of age...
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Warm Up Your Workspace with a Unit Heater
If you spend time on projects in the garage, or if you're lucky enough to enjoy a stand-alone workshop, chances are t...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Risks and Allure of a Ventless Fireplace
It's not hard to understand the allure of ventless gas fireplaces. On the one hand, they offer heat and a cozy ambian...
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Radiant Heating Gives You Total Design Freedom
By now, you're familiar with the many benefits of radiant floor heating: It runs silently, circulates no dust or airb...
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How Does Radiant Heat Operate 25% More Efficiently?
Most people assume radiant floor heating costs a fortune. Perhaps that's because, compared with radiator or baseboard...
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How To: Clean a Chimney
Some homeowners are so drawn to the fireplace that they ignore the mess and hassle that accompany its operation and m...
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Bob Vila Radio: Venting a Fireplace Insert
With temperatures dropping, homeowners are resuming their seasonal quest to get the most heat for the least money. If...
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So, You Want to… Heat Your House With a Wood Stove
Recently, you were visiting friends, and as the night grew colder outside, you were snug indoors, mesmerized by the w...
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9 Reasons to Bring Back the Wood Stove
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 ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Avoid Common Mistakes to Minimize Heating Costs
Home heating bills are high enough already; don't push yours even higher by making these common mistakes. mp3 fileLis...
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The Benefits of Radiant Heat Are Invisible, and That's a Good Thing
You've probably heard about radiant heating, a new technology that delivers comfort via hydronic panels installed und...
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11 Mistakes You Should Never Make With Your Fireplace
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.
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Genius! DIY Radiator Cover
If your heat comes from radiators, you know the predicament: In the winter, you're glad to have the heat. But no matt...
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Noisy Radiator? Here's How to Shush It
There's a simple reason why builders relied on steam radiators for decades and decades—they work! But every technolog...
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The 1-Hour Home Energy Audit That Can Save You Money Every Month
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...
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Heat Your Entire House with a New Radiant Heat System
Despite all the attention radiant heating has received over the last few years, you still might not regard it as a vi...
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Bob Vila Radio: How to Hush a Noisy Radiator
Steam-heat radiators may be good at keeping you warm, but their banging and clanking can also sometimes keep you up a...
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4 Crucial Furnace Cleaning and Maintenance Tasks to Complete Before Winter
Don’t wait until temperatures plummet: Now is the absolute best time to perform basic furnace cleaning and maintenanc...
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This Fall, Tune Up the Engine That Drives Your Hydronic Heating
Colder temperatures mean one thing: Winter looms on the horizon, so the time has come to make sure that your heating ...
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9 Ways to Extend Patio Season into Fall
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...
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Art Cool Mini-Splits for Comfort—and Decor
Summer has arrived, and with the inexorable heat comes the inevitable hunt—for the perfect air conditioner, that is. ...
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A Few Things to Consider When Installing a Radiant Heat System
Comfortable, even, and efficient, radiant heat systems are becoming a popular option for many homeowners today. But t...
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Pro Tips: Is Solar Right for You?
Heating and cooling accounts for more than half of the energy use in a typical U. S. home—about 54 percent of your ut...
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Bob Vila Radio: Baseboard Covers
Baseboard heating has been a popular choice for homeowners since the 1950s. But over time, baseboard units can start ...
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Warming Trend: 5 Smart Ways to Heat Your Home
When considering the best way to bring warmth into your house, think of the four “E’s": energy, efficiency, economics...
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Control Temperatures and Save Energy with Zoned Heating Systems
Homeowners seeking a better way to control temperatures throughout the home should examine the benefits of a zoned he...
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11 Stylish Ways to Enhance—or Hide—Your Radiators
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 ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Pellet Stoves
A roaring fire makes for a lovely scene, but fireplaces are notorious energy-wasters. Most of the heat generated by a...
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Bob Vila Radio: Newspaper Fire Logs
There’s nothing quite like sitting by a cozy fireplace on a chilly night. Unless you own your own private forest, tho...
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Bob Vila Radio: Retrofitting Fireplaces
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...
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Breathe Deep: 5 Ways to Improve Your Home's Air Quality for Better Health
Deep breathing has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve digestion. But if the air you’...
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Baseboard Heating 101
Baseboard heating can be an effective and affordable solution, either for the whole house or as a supplement in rooms...
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Bob Vila Radio: Radiant Walls
You’re probably familiar with the comfort and effectiveness of radiant flooring, but did you know that radiant heat c...
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Solve Common Furnace Problems with 9 Easy Fixes
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...
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Pro Tips: Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Everyone loves the imagery of chestnuts roasting on an open fire—but wait just a minute! An open fire may be great fo...
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7 Seriously Surprising Spots for a Fireplace
They're not just for living rooms anymore! With a well-situated fireplace, any room in the house can become warm and cozy.
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Which Is Better, Forced-Air or Radiant Heat?
In the radiant floor vs. forced-air heating debate, radiant floor always wins because it provides a quiet, even heat ...
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Quick Tip: Zero-Clearance Fireplaces
 If you like fireplaces but your home doesn't have one, a zero-clearance fireplace could be for you.  It can be set o...
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Planning Guide: Fireplaces
Is there anything better than sitting beside the fireplace on a chilly winter eve? Not only does a fireplace provide ...
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Chase Away Winter’s Chill with Radiant Heat
Drafts got you down? If your goal is to achieve even, comfortable heat and warm floors, then you may want to look int...
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Creaks, Groans, and Squeaks: 11 Spooky House Sounds That Could Spell Trouble for Homeowners
  Homes often make strange noises. They’re built of many different materials—glass, concrete, wood—that expand and co...
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Chimneys 101
Why would Kris Kringle choose to squeeze his considerable girth through one of the narrowest and most soot-covered pa...
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Quick Tips: Fireplace Doors
 You can lose a lot of heat through your chimney, even with the damper closed. Installing fireplace doors is a great ...
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All About Radiant Wall Heating
This article has been brought to you by Warmboard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Think “radiant h...
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How To: Make Fire Logs from Newspaper
As winter approaches, many homeowners are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to use their fireplaces and wood-burni...
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Quick Tip: Rumford Fireplaces
 Fireplaces are a nice feature in any home. Count Rumford fireplaces, known for their heat efficiency, are tall and s...
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Need Extra Space at Your Place? Garage Conversion May Be the Answer
Turning a garage into living space can improve the resale value of your home and your quality of life. In comparison ...
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Spruce Up Old Baseboard Heaters with Stylish DIY Replacement Covers
Baseboard heaters have been an extremely popular choice for many homes since the mid-1950s—and unfortunately, many of...
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Bob Vila Radio: Patio Heaters
Fall is a lovely time of year to enjoy your outdoor spaces. With the worst of summer’s heat and insects behind you, y...
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5 Ways to Retrofit an Old Home to Make It Warmer
Older homes certainly have their charm, but they’re not usually the most energy efficient or the easiest to keep warm...
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Low Water Pressure in the House? Here's What's Wrong and How to Fix It
Low water pressure in the house can be a real annoyance—the shower subsides to a trickle, the washing machine takes e...
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6 Things You Didn't Know About Radiant Floor Heating
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...
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Heating Systems 101
So you’re in the market for a new furnace, maybe because the old one is hopelessly inefficient, or because Hurricane ...
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All You Need to Know About Geothermal Heating Systems
Geothermal heat represents about two percent of the total heating market in the U. S. , with more than 1. 3 million s...
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Cut the Costs of Home Heating
Making homeowners’ heating systems energy-efficient is the answer to lower utility bills, the experts say. Thankfully...
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10 Electric Fireplaces That Turn Up the Heat
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.
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Bob Vila Radio: Radiator Covers
Cast iron radiators can be beautiful, but an old, peeling one can really bring down the look of a room. Stripping and...
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Is It Time to Replace Your Furnace?
Baby, its cold outside—and the last thing you want to do is return home to a frosty house. The smart time to examine ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fireplace Tools
A new set of fireplace tools brings both style and utility to your hearth. Here are a few guidelines that will help y...
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Gas vs. Oil: Which Furnace Is Better?
With temperatures dipping into the single digits here in the Northeast—and below 0° F in many other places—shivering ...
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Go Ductless with a Mini-Split Heat Pump
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...
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Bio-Blaze Ethanol Fireplaces Burn Virtually Anywhere
Call it the PC-ification of the fireplace. A company called Bio-Blaze is selling a line of portable, vent-free firepl...
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12 New Designs to Change Your Mind About Radiators
New radiators mean that keeping warm the old fashioned way no longer forces you to leave your style sense out in the cold.
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Save on Monthly Utility Costs with a Hybrid HVAC System
We had to make so many decisions when we built our new construction home. I didn’t realize it at the time (having nev...
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Bob Vila Radio: Space Heaters
If your home has cold, drafty spots, this is the time of year you’ll notice them. Rather than cranking up the heat in...
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Bob Vila Radio: Log Splitter
If you heat your house with wood, you know how expensive buying firewood can be. Cutting, splitting, and drying a cor...
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The New Wave of Programmable Thermostats
Aside from the price of your own renewable energy, the cost of anything used to heat or cool the home is largely non-...
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Bob Vila Radio: Firewood Types
While traditional open-hearth, wood-burning fireplaces are quickly going the way of the dinosaur, if you still want t...
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Bob Vila Radio: New Furnace
When it's time to replace your furnace, you might have to think faster than you'd like about this major purchase. Her...
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Hot Fireplace Inserts
Fireplace inserts are a great way to update an existing masonry fireplace. A traditional open-front wood-burning fire...
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Bob Vila Radio: Winter Ceiling Fans
Did you know you can put your ceiling fan to work year-round? Simply by reversing the direction and changing the spee...
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Firewood: What Type Should You Use?
'Tis the season for hot chocolate and snuggles by the fire. Many newer homes have gone to gas fireplaces. They’re che...
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The Pellet Stove: An Eco-Friendly Heating Option
The warmth of a wood stove appeals to many homeowners as much for its practicality (it can cut down on heating costs)...
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10 Space Heaters We Love
Take the chill off this winter with one of these ten design-savvy space heaters.
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10 Accessories for the Fashionable Fireplace
We've rounded up the best fireplace accessories to poke, air, and shield flames while keeping your hearth looking great.
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Bob Vila Radio: Fireplaces
While it’s hard to argue with the romance of a crackling fire on a chilly night, your fireplace might be costing you ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Radiant Heat
Whether you're building a whole house or just adding a new bathroom, one of your first decisions has to be how you're...
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What You Might Not Know About HVAC Filters
Everyone agrees that you should change your HVAC filter on a regular basis, but not everyone agrees on the type of fi...
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Quick Tip: Radiant Heat Has Other Options Beat
Whether you’re building a whole house or just adding a new bathroom, one of your first decisions has to be how you’re...
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Quick Tip: Make Your Fireplace More Efficient
Burning MoneyA fire in an open hearth is only 10 percent efficient at best, which means that 90 percent of the heat e...
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Eldorado Stone's "Non-Stone" Fireplace Surrounds
Love the idea of a stone fireplace mantel but turned off by the high price? Eldorado Stone—one of the leading manufac...
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10 Fire Pits We Love
Fire pits continue to heat up consumer demand. Here are twelve reasons why.
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Gas Fireplaces 101
Fireplaces have always been among the top amenities for homeowners looking to buy a new house. In fact, they rank jus...
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Gas Fireplaces: A Showcase of Design and Innovation
Consider these gas fireplaces for warmth and energy savings, certainly, but also for their red-hot style.
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Radiant Floor Heating: How It Works
The Radiant Panel Association illustrates six ways to install radiant floor heating in your home.
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Radiant Floor Heating 101
Radiant floor heating is arguably the ideal home heating system. It’s comfortable, efficient, unobtrusive, quiet, and...
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Nest Learning Thermostat: Digital-Age Home Temperature Control
The Nest Learning Thermostat is, I'm betting, the first HVAC device to excite so much chatter in the blogosphere. An ...
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How To: Stack Firewood
Nothing celebrates the colder weather like the distinct scent and sound of a crackling log in the wood burning firepl...
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Putting in a New Fireplace, Painting the Interior, and Installing Doors and Floors
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...
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Constructing the Porch and Reviewing the Mechanical Systems
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...
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Installing the New Garage Doors
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.
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Pouring the Upper-Story Walls and Saving Energy with Concrete Construction
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...
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Building a First-Floor Slab and Walls with Concrete
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...
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Installing Insulated Windows in the Baby's Nursery
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-...
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Evaluating the HVAC and Plumbing System
Bob meets with HVAC and plumbing contractor Frank Iadarola to review the HVAC and plumbing systems and discuss how to begin the remodeling process.
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Reviewing the Boiler Pipes and Bathroom In-Floor Radiant Heat
Bob and plumbing and heating contractor Frank Iadarola review the air handler and bathroom in-floor radiant heat.
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Reviewing the High-Efficiency HVAC System
Bob reviews the heating and air conditioning equipment that will bring the Shingle Style house into its second century.
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Brick Chimney Repair
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.
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Moving an Existing Oil Tank
The oil tank is moved into the new basement utility room to make room for the basement playroom.
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Repairing the Chimneys, Installing a Gas Fireplace Insert and Completed Cabinets in the Basement Family Room
The house's two chimneys are repaired, allowing the installation of a gas fireplace insert, and basement family-room cabinets are completed.
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Installing a Basement Half-Bathroom
Bob discusses the installation of a basement half-bathroom, including wiring, plumbing, and radiant heating.
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Installing a Water-Cooled HVAC System
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.
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Direct-Vent Fireplace Installation
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.
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Touring the Heat-N-Glo Showroom
Bob learns about Heat-N-Glo gas fireplace technology.
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Gas Fireplace Installation
The crew from The Ironhouse hooks up with Dan DeMagistris of Heat-N-Glo to install the fireplace.
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Tour the Tappahannock Room at Winterthur
Bob returns to Winterthur, the historic du Pont estate, to tour the Tappahannock Room.
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Touring the Blackwell Parlor at Winterthur
Bob tours one of Winterthur's most ornate rooms, the Blackwell Parlor.
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Installing the Chimney Liner
Bob and Chris Vila join Andy Grover of Hallsted Welles Associates for the installation of a new, flexible, stainless-steel chimney liner.
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Individual Zone Heating and Cooling
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...
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Building the Fireplace
Bob talks with general contractor Ted Riley about the fireplace construction.
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Efficient Burnham Boiler for Heat and Hot Water
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...
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High-Efficiency Water Heater Installation and Buderus Factory Tour
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...
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Building a Rumford Fireplace
Masons are building the Rumford fireplace, as Bob talks over the herringbone construction process being used.
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Installing the Fireplace Throat and Flue
Masons install the throat and flue for the Rumford fireplace in the Lifespan House.
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Lamp Making and Landscaping
Bob explores the practice of custom lamp making and learns more about the outdoor fireplace.
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Restoring the Mantel
Carpenter Bob Ryley and Greg Cowan (from Tidewater Restoration) discuss the process of restoring the antique mantelpiece.
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Installing the Restored Mantelpiece
Bob returns to the Virginia governor's mansion to see the restored mantelpiece reinstalled in the ballroom.
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Reviewing the Plumbing and Heating
The developer and the plumber guide Bob through the equipment-laden boiler room.
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House One: Tour of a Gothic Carpenter-Style Home
The first Elmwood project concerns remodeling a Gothic Carpenter-style home, built in 1871.
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Installing a Gas Fireplace and Refinishing the Hardwood Floor
Joe Murphy installs a direct vent gas-driven fireplace, and Howard Brickman refinishes the hardwood floor.
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Bathroom Remodel
Pat and Roger Simons, the owners of the second house in the Elmwood project, review the goals of their bathroom remodel.
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Installing High-Velocity, Flexible-Duct Air Conditioning in an Older Home
The air conditioning system for the third floor exercise area, with its unique features and ductwork, is installed.
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Installing a Granite Tub Surround, In-Floor Heat, and Fiber-Optic Lighting
A granite tub surround is installed, as well as an in-floor heating system and unique fiber optic lighting.
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Tour of The Barnacle
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.
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HVAC System for the Home Addition
Bob meets with Mark, a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning mechanic, who is installing an HVAC system to moderate the temperature in the addition.
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Architects Tour the Newton, MA Project
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...
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Installing a Window Seat
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...
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Installing an Oil-Fired Boiler for the New Home Addition
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...
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Salvaged Brick Hearth
Bob watches as the mason lays a new hearth in the old fireplace using salvaged Charleston brick.
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Mantelpiece Work
Bob joins restoration contractor Richard Marks in the library of the Federal-Style home to review the restoration of the mantel.
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HVAC System for the Greenhouse
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 ...
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Installing the Greenhouse Windows
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...
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Count Rumford Fireplace Construction
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.
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Installing a Gas Furnace
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...
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Discussing the In-Floor Radiant Heating System
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...
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Discussing the Radiant Heat and Boiler
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...
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The Search Ends for a Home on Martha's Vineyard
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...
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Concrete Chimney
Bob and contractor John Clancy discuss creating the new concrete chimney at the Victorian-style project house in Martha's Vineyard.
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Tour of Vermont Castings
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...
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Wiring a Thermostat
Bob observes as electrician Steve Bradley snakes a thermostat wire along a wall in service of the new air conditioning system.
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Redressing the Fireplace
Carpenter-contractor Bob Ryley dresses up the fireplace to give it a Colonial look.
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Discussing Heating Systems
Bob discusses heating systems for the rental units with HVAC contractor Kirk Rustman.
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Creating Ducts
Bob goes over the ducting process with carpentry contractor Bob Ryley at the Cape Cod project house.
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Installing a Zero-Clearance Fireplace
Fireplace dealer Kris Renier installs a new zero-clearance fireplace and explains how it operates.
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Progress Report on the Coach House
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.
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Radiant Floor Heating System Installed
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...
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White Oak Hardwood Flooring Installation
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 ...
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