HVAC
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Although many modern homes are equipped with air conditioning, and it may be your go-to solution for keeping the hous...
Highlights The typical cost range to install a whole-house fan is between $900 and $2,500, with a national average c...
Highlights The typical cost range to install a whole-house dehumidifier is from $1,300 to $2,800, with a national av...
Home heating, venting, and air conditioning is essential for dealing with temperature changes throughout the year. Pr...
New tax credits for energy-efficient heat pumps, affordable smart thermostats, and a demand for filters that can figh...
Typical Range: $250 to $400 National Average: $300An HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) keep...
Q: One of my upstairs bedrooms is always significantly colder than the rest of the house. I don’t use that bedroom mu...
Typical Range: $100 to $200Furnaces produce heat to keep a house warm even on the coldest of nights. Just as a furn...
A broken-down heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system can be a major headache for homeowners. Repair...
During hot summer months, staying cool and keeping your home comfortable is a top priority. However, choosing the bes...
Q: I’m getting ready to move across the country to Arizona. A few of the house listings I’ve looked at mention a swam...
While certain home repairs require a professional, many maintenance tasks can be handled on your own. Learning these basic skills will help you become a more self...
Homeowners need to have their HVAC systems ready to go year-round, as temperatures rise in the spring and summer and ...
Typical Range:$75 to $200 National Average: $100A home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system ...
Highlights The typical range for AC compressor cost is $800 to $2,800, with a national average of $1,200. Some of t...
Investing in high-quality home services is an important way for customers to take care of their properties. There are...
Air conditioners are essential on those hot and humid summer days, but that relief can come at a price. An AC can qui...
Q: We thought we would have more time before our HVAC system needed to be replaced. On a recent annual service call, ...
Highlights The typical cost range to replace an HVAC system is between $5,000 and $10,000, with a national average c...
Gas and wood-burning fireplaces require a vent or a full chimney, making retrofitting one into an existing home costl...
Q: As a new homeowner, I realize I don’t know much about the inner workings of my home, such as the HVAC system. Wh...
A humidifier adds moisture to a home’s dry air. While a small humidifier is ideal for bedrooms and nurseries, big roo...
While window air-conditioning units are a fine option for cooling a room in the summertime, they require sacrificing ...
When we set out to build a new construction home, we had a lot of research to do. Having lived in city apartments for...
When it comes time to replace the manual thermostat in your home, the ecobee SmartThermostat is a great option that c...
Smart thermostats, which connect with home automation systems, go beyond their programmable predecessors to offer a w...
Find the best wood stove to keep you and your home toasty during the cold months.
If your house could talk, it would tell you that spending a little money now on small repairs could save you big bucks down the road. We’ve put together 20 of the...
A midwinter ice storm has knocked out the power on your block, and the temperature on the thermostat is plummeting. W...
How much do you pay for electricity each month? Whatever the answer, you probably wouldn't mind having a lower electric bill. The good news is, there are many sim...
True to their name, portable air conditioning units are, well, portable—especially when compared to virtually all oth...
Heating and air conditioning strip your home’s air of its natural humidity. The result of uncomfortable dryness leave...
For DIYers and hobbyists, a garage can often be project central. It can be the place to store tools and to work on a ...
Our homes are loaded with dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other indoor air pollutants. Poor ventilation and the u...
To do a thorough job of spring home maintenance and cleaning, follow these easy and smart routines.
Changing a furnace’s air filter every 3 months can keep it from malfunctioning while contributing to better indoor ai...
The potential negative effects of dry indoor air extend far beyond itchy, flaky skin. Left unchecked, dry air can also cause structural harm to your home and coul...
These home improvement projects will make you happier at home and will increase the value of your house when you’re ready to put it on the market.
Don’t believe all the tips and tricks that promise to reduce your energy consumption.
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...
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...
A hardworking room humidifier is a lifesaver during the dry, cold months of winter. Its dedicated function—adding moi...
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 ...
Summer is here, and in many parts of the country that can mean dangerous heat waves. As the National Weather Service notes, “Heat is one of the leading weather-re...
Sparing your air conditioner a little work could save you a significant amount on your energy bill over the summer months, so what are you waiting for? Start with...
Staying comfortable through the summer often comes at a price (after all, air conditioning ain't cheap). If your energy bills have your blood pressure rising fast...
Prepare yourself for seasonally elevated pollen counts as well as all-year-long allergy triggers like dust and mold by taking care of a few home maintenance tasks...
Keep the cold out, the heat in, and your energy bill down with these cost-effective tips for winterizing your home.
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...
As the days grow shorter and your thoughts turn to tailgating and football games, it’s easy to forget that your home needs a little TLC before Old Man Winter come...
Practical and eco-friendly, pellet stoves are the perfect solution to a variety of home heating challenges.
Back in the 9-to-5 world, when people got up, went to work, and returned home at the same time every weekday, nobody ...
Nearly every room in the house provides an opportunity to save money—if you know what to do. Check out our favorite cost-saving tips for your home, ranging from c...
Check out these energy-saving tips that will help your air conditioner do its job without breaking a sweat—or the bank.
This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Does your...
Q: My 15-year-old air conditioning unit finally gave up, so I’m in the process of shopping for a new one. I’ve heard ...
One of the most common living organisms in the world may have taken up residence in your home, and you may not even know it. Mold—the common name for thousands of...
Have you ever walked into a bathroom and wrinkled your nose because the space was so musty? It’s not news that damp q...
While homeownership undeniably comes with plenty of expenses, there’s no reason to spend more than you have to. If your home seems more like a money pit than an a...
What's on your home improvement or maintenance to-do list for 2018? Rather than rushing to complete your projects all at once, try taking on a handful each season...
This article has been brought to you by Warmboard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. We're just days ...
Ceiling fans: They're not just for summer anymore. The fact is, these trusty cooling machines can also be used to w...
During the colder months, nothing beats warming the house with a crackling fire. But while wood-burning fireplaces sh...
Comfort and convenience don't have to compromise your home's design aesthetic. Innovative and viable alternatives to ...
Out of sight, out of mind: If your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system has recently been operating well...
It's a good time for the building and remodeling industry! Just check out the most recent U. S. Census Bureau data, w...
Is your existing heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system due for an upgrade, or even approaching the end of...
Gone are the days when those fortunate enough to live in a meticulously preserved historic home have to jam window ai...
It seems like every time you look at the thermostat, it's set to a different temperature. There are two possible expl...
Whether your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system is due for an upgrade or you’re looking to retrofit one into an older home, there are many options ...
Homeowners looking to upgrade or modify an existing heating and cooling system are often confronted with a dizzying a...
As the temperatures rise, homeowners across most of the country face the same dilemma: whether to turn on the noisy a...
Let's face it: Owning a home isn't cheap. You're on the hook for mortgage payments and property taxes, of course, as well as maintenance and repair expenses. Unde...
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...
Whoever said "Summer time and the living's easy" must have never lived in a sweltering region with no air conditioni...
Oscillating fans are a smart choice for cool comfort thanks to a side-to-side rotating mechanism that evenly distribu...
This post has been brought to you by Mitsubishi Electric. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Have your...
Nowadays, more than 90 percent of homes and virtually all businesses in America use air conditioning to beat the summertime heat. In fact, according to the U.S. D...
Though often overlooked, air conditioner filters are responsible for a mighty important job: keeping dust, dirt, and ...
Do you find yourself raising your eyebrows at higher-than-normal energy bills? If your old air-conditioning system se...
Having once lived in a charming and historically significant Victorian home, I'm quite familiar with the compromises ...
Q: I’ve just turned on the air conditioner for the summer, but I just can't get get comfortable. The appliance circul...
When you turn on the air conditioning to beat the heat, the typical system might lower the temperature enough to sati...
In most parts of the country, air conditioning is a necessity of modern life. Even so, many consumers hesitate to inv...
These quick upgrades don't require expert-level skills (or a big bankroll) to complete, but they can make a big impact on your home's potential—and your quality o...
With the cheerful arrival of spring, the frigid, finger-numbing weather we endured mere weeks ago suddenly seems like...
Is it really necessary to have the HVAC ductwork in your home professionally cleaned? Of course, people who provide t...
Radiant heat: It’s widely popular around the world, especially in Europe and Asia, but remains rare and insufficiently understood in the United States. In part, t...
You can repaint the walls, re-carpet the floor, and replace all outdated furniture, but leaving that eyesore of an ol...
Knowing how to get rid of a black mold is a skill set every DIYer and homeowner should have in their know-how arsenal...
Heating and cooling doesn't come cheap—especially if your HVAC system has to work harder to overcome heat loss due to...
Popular taste in decor changes over time, and even types of furnishings come and go. For example, these days TVs that...
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...
Keeping up with the Joneses can be a frustrating and fruitless pursuit…but what if those enviable neighbors are saving money, supporting a cleaner environment, an...
Comfort and joy: That's what the holidays are all about. If, however, your home fails to provide refuge from the wick...
It's the 21st century! It shouldn't be such a struggle for owners to heat their homes evenly enough to enjoy total co...
As might be expected, the consistent comfort and high efficiency that are hallmarks of radiant heat didn't develop ov...
Curling up in front of a fire is a thoroughly delightful aspect of fall and winter. But a fire can be a messy busines...
If you live in a mild climate, consider yourself lucky. Everyone else? You know that whenever the temperature soars o...
As temperatures dip, nothing feels better than thick fleece socks and a seat next to the fire. But, between uses, an ...
During heating season, there's never a convenient time for the furnace to give out, especially considering the discomfort—and the genuine hazards—of a home withou...
As the mercury continues to drop, heralding the arrival of the colder months, Mother Nature prods homeowners to think...
When it comes to cooling and heating their homes, homeowners often face a difficult choice: They can either keep their home at a comfortable temperature, or cut c...
This post has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. In this day ...
As summer heat gives way to fall’s cooler temperatures, daily activities—from dinners to DIY projects—migrate back in...
When its current owner first encountered this home on the shores of Truesdale Lake in Upstate New York, it was in a w...
You don’t need to be told that energy doesn’t come cheap. With the arrival of each utility bill, you get another remi...
This article has been brought to you by Warmboard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Whether it's a n...
Does this sound familiar? You step outside on a hot day, and though the weather may not be ideal, you can certainly t...
You want to save money on utility costs and do your part to conserve energy, but some energy upgrades are so expensive that you may never see a payback in this li...
It’s strange: We hold our dishwashers, ovens and other household appliances to an extremely high standard, but not ou...
Summer never fails to usher in higher temperatures. And, unfortunately for the typical homeowner, the season also ten...
Fans of Ernest Hemingway remember him not only for his classic books, but also for his larger-than-life persona and h...
This article has been brought to you by Sears Home Services. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Many w...
It's no surprise if home heating doesn't rank high on your list of priorities right now, but let's face it: If you we...
In any neighborhood, in any state, homes built post-World War II typically share at least one thing in common—a tradi...
Every summer, sweltering temperatures prompt homeowners to take a renewed interest in air conditioning, whether it be...
In all but the mildest climates, whenever the temperature soars or plummets, the typical homeowner faces a tough choi...
Brutal seasonal weather can make life miserable. Strike back with these tricks that tame torrid temps.
One of the great, game-changing inventions of the 20th century, air conditioning has become so firmly entrenched in o...
How did we live before air conditioning? In some regions, it's not even a nice-to-have amenity, but a virtual necessi...
Q: My central air conditioning system is leaking water. Any way I can DIY the repair and avoid an expensive repair bi...
As the mercury rises, so does the cost and effort of staying cool and comfortable indoors and out. This summer, escape the heat—and the high energy bills—with the...
It’s astonishing: Technology has revolutionized so many aspects of day-to-day life over the past 50 years, yet home a...
It's the time of year when, if you listen carefully, you can practically hear the sighs of homeowners again facing th...
Q: I just went to clean our rental property after the tenant moved out, and I found black mold in the bathroom. Yuck!...
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...
It's a common refrain: How in the world did people survive before air conditioning? In the modern era, homeowners around the country depend on—and thank the heave...
It's almost impossible to overstate the importance of electronics and appliances in our lives today. We are sounded b...
With the winter finally passed, savvy homeowners around the country are preparing for another summer of sizzling, swe...
For homeowners who have witnessed their energy bills rise ever higher over the years, heating and cooling represents ...
Digital advances have dramatically reshaped our daily lives, yet for the most part, today's typical home isn't very different from a home built 50 years ago. Ther...
You've deliberated over every detail, large and small, from the flooring underfoot to the lighting overhead. But if y...
As temperatures drop and the weather gets dicey, we relocate ourselves—as well as our daily activities—indoors for warmth, shelter, and comfort. But as most homeo...
This time of year, it’s easy to imagine the conditions that await you upon leaving the house—a blast of bitterly cold air and a slippery path to your frost-covere...
The Unico iSeries pairs an efficient outdoor unit with at least one indoor wall split. Ideal for providing heating an...
With origins dating back to ancient Rome, in-floor heating isn’t anything new, but it’s come a tremendously long way from its distant roots. The technology has go...
This season, as temperatures drive lower and lower, it's only natural for people to retreat into the safety and comfo...
Cost-conscious, savvy homeowners know that doing the grunt work of home improvement projects cuts spending. It also results in a more beautiful and functional hou...
Does your blood pressure rise and fall with the ups-and-downs in your monthly energy costs? Particularly during heati...
Everyone knows that ceiling fans provide low-cost cooling in summer. But did you know you can also use ceiling fans t...
If your New Year’s resolutions include remodeling a room or two, while you're at it you should consider replacing any...
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and coo...
Visit any assortment of American homes built in recent years and, though you'll probably see a range of architectural...
Every home has one—a room that never feels quite comfortable in the winter, no matter the set temperature. To supply ...
Time never seems to be on our side, and it can especially work against us in the case of certain home repairs. A suspicious water spot on the ceiling, a slight cr...
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and coo...
With snow flurries already flying in parts of the country, now is the time to take a close look at your furnace to as...
When plummeting temperatures and cruel storms combine to make the outdoors forbidding, everyone takes refuge indoors. There's only one potential problem: If aggra...
When it comes to safeguarding the comfort and winter readiness of your home, time is of the essence. Don't wait until...
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless cooling and hea...
All major appliances are subject to general wear and tear, and that means they will eventually break down and need to be replaced. But we don’t have to help them ...
Thinking about installing radiant heat? Well, you're not alone. The technology has already gained wide acceptance wit...
For decades, forced-air systems have dominated the cooling and heating market in the United States. Americans have learned to live with it, in part because of the...
Sometimes, even despite attentive maintenance and care, brick masonry fireplaces amass a fair amount soot, mildew, an...
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and coo...
Believe it or not, in one fell swoop you can lower your energy bills and improve the air quality in your home. The se...
Just because you can do it yourself doesn’t mean you should. Attempting to DIY some home projects could lead to trouble.
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...
Window air conditioners: We turn to them in the dog days of summer, turn them off when the weather cools down, and fo...
Energy efficiency and radiant heating are mentioned together so often that you might reasonably assume one had precip...
When you step into a beautiful custom-built home, nothing ruins the effect quite like the sights and sounds of a trad...
This post has been brought to you by Mitsubishi Electric. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. In the ma...
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and coo...
There's one in every home. Whether it's a finished basement or a converted attic, a west-facing sunroom or a live-in garage, there always seems to be a particular...
If you are fortunate enough to own a vacation home, you know what a treat it can be to spend time away from the stres...
Air conditioners are our saving grace during sticky summers—there’s nothing quite like the relief of walking into a r...
You are reading one installment in a ten-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and co...
When you stop and think about it, doesn’t it seem strange that, in the typical residence, a single thermostat control...
You are reading one installment in a ten-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and co...
Smart-home technology has been developing for years now, with forward-looking manufacturers pioneering ever more inge...
The summer months can turn charming older homes into hot, sweaty, uncomfortable places. Installing central air would bring relief, but remodeling to accommodate d...
Are you designing a home from scratch or even building an addition onto an existing home? Either affords a rare oppor...
If your home was built before the advent of air conditioning, you've likely bemoaned the fact that, for all its histo...
We owe a lot to the humble air conditioner. Like most inventions, the idea came from a very real need: relief from ex...
The joys of homeownership are many—as are the little everyday challenges. The occasional leak or break is bound to happen, but there's no reason why these minor ...
After a long, hard winter that saw record-breaking snowfalls and temperature lows, it's only natural to look forward ...
Whether you own an old house or would like to build a new one, you've likely asked yourself a hard-to-answer question...
You're stepping daintily out of the shower when—bam!—you’re hit with a shock of cold air that makes you want to scamp...
Radiant heat has been around, in one form or another, for thousands of years. In recent years, however, it has improved to the point of becoming a viable alternat...
While the origins of radiant floor heating stretch way back into the mists of history, the technology has come of age...
If you spend time on projects in the garage, or if you're lucky enough to enjoy a stand-alone workshop, chances are t...
It's not hard to understand the allure of ventless gas fireplaces. On the one hand, they offer heat and a cozy ambian...
Homes make strange noises on a regular basis, from groaning and creaking to popping and scratching. As a homeowner, you should be able to tell whether that noise ...
By now, you're familiar with the many benefits of radiant floor heating: It runs silently, circulates no dust or airb...
Most people assume radiant floor heating costs a fortune. Perhaps that's because, compared with radiator or baseboard...
Recently, you were visiting friends, and as the night grew colder outside, you were snug indoors, mesmerized by the w...
Air quality can suffer in myriad ways. Excess humidity ranks among the least desirable effects. Left unchecked, mois...
Costs for heating your home with oil, natural gas, propane, and electricity seem to go in only one direction: up! Steadily increasing prices for fossil fuels are ...
Home heating bills are high enough already; don't push yours even higher by making these common mistakes. mp3 fileLis...
You've probably heard about radiant heating, a new technology that delivers comfort via hydronic panels installed und...
If your heat comes from radiators, you know the predicament: In the winter, you're glad to have the heat. But no matt...
Among household odors, mildew undoubtedly ranks among the worst. And unfortunately, it's all too common, lurking in t...
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...
The crisp snap of autumn weather is a reminder that even colder days lie ahead. Get ready for them by performing a few simple chores now that will keep you toasty...
Despite all the attention radiant heating has received over the last few years, you still might not regard it as a vi...
Steam-heat radiators may be good at keeping you warm, but their banging and clanking can also sometimes keep you up a...
Don’t wait until temperatures plummet: Now is the absolute best time to perform basic furnace cleaning and maintenanc...
Colder temperatures mean one thing: Winter looms on the horizon, so the time has come to make sure that your heating ...
Air conditioning is responsible for as much as one third of the electricity consumed in summer. These are energy-thir...
High-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems produce condensation, and that condensation needs to go somewher...
The air in your home may not be as fresh as you think it is. If you're not careful, indoor air can harbor not only be...
After spending a warm summer day picnicking or at the beach, who doesn't love to come home to a comfortably cool home...
Summer has arrived, and with the inexorable heat comes the inevitable hunt—for the perfect air conditioner, that is. ...
For homeowners and renters who don’t want the bother (or expense) of installing a central air conditioning system, wi...
Temperatures are climbing. With the dog days of summer just around the corner, the perfect time to shop for a new air...
This post has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Homeowners l...
Comfortable, even, and efficient, radiant heat systems are becoming a popular option for many homeowners today. But t...
I am moving into a new home. The previous owners had a dog. I am wondering if cleaning the air ducts is worthwhile. A...
When considering the best way to bring warmth into your house, think of the four “E’s": energy, efficiency, economics...
Homeowners seeking a better way to control temperatures throughout the home should examine the benefits of a zoned he...
With much of the nation experiencing the bitterest temperatures on record, many of us are appreciating our radiators like never before. Why not show that love by ...
A roaring fire makes for a lovely scene, but fireplaces are notorious energy-wasters. Most of the heat generated by a...
There’s nothing quite like sitting by a cozy fireplace on a chilly night. Unless you own your own private forest, tho...
Did you know that only about ten percent of the heat from a fire in the fireplace makes it into the room? That’s righ...
Deep breathing has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve digestion. But if the air you’...
Baseboard heating can be an effective and affordable solution, either for the whole house or as a supplement in rooms...
You’re probably familiar with the comfort and effectiveness of radiant flooring, but did you know that radiant heat c...
Scratchy throats, frequent nosebleeds, dry skin, and static electricity can be common occurrences in winter—particula...
Furnace not performing up to snuff this winter? Before you call in a furnace repair company, go through these 9 troubleshooting tasks to see if you can uncover th...
Everyone loves the imagery of chestnuts roasting on an open fire—but wait just a minute! An open fire may be great fo...
They're not just for living rooms anymore! With a well-situated fireplace, any room in the house can become warm and cozy.
In the radiant floor vs. forced-air heating debate, radiant floor always wins because it provides a quiet, even heat ...
If you like fireplaces but your home doesn't have one, a zero-clearance fireplace could be for you. It can be set o...
Is there anything better than sitting beside the fireplace on a chilly winter eve? Not only does a fireplace provide ...
Drafts got you down? If your goal is to achieve even, comfortable heat and warm floors, then you may want to look int...
Homes often make strange noises. They’re built of many different materials—glass, concrete, wood—that expand and co...
Why would Kris Kringle choose to squeeze his considerable girth through one of the narrowest and most soot-covered pa...
You can lose a lot of heat through your chimney, even with the damper closed. Installing fireplace doors is a great ...
This article has been brought to you by Warmboard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Think “radiant h...
As winter approaches, many homeowners are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to use their fireplaces and wood-burni...
Fireplaces are a nice feature in any home. Count Rumford fireplaces, known for their heat efficiency, are tall and s...
This content has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Feel that...
Baseboard heaters have been an extremely popular choice for many homes since the mid-1950s—and unfortunately, many of...
Older homes certainly have their charm, but they’re not usually the most energy efficient or the easiest to keep warm...
The soothing whir of a ceiling fan is one of the sweet sounds of summer. But summer’s not over yet. To keep your fan ...
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...
According to the U. S. Department of Energy, using a programmable thermostat can help you save about 10 percent on yo...
Heat gettin’ you down? If you’re in a house where installing central air would also mean installing ductwork, maybe y...
As energy prices continue to rise, it's important to become even more conscious of the efficiency and cost-effectiven...
Humidity is not only uncomfortable, it is damaging to your home, particularly indoors where it can lead to peeling pa...
If you're searching for the best window air conditioner, check out these 9 highly rated models for small, medium, and large rooms.
Homeowners looking to reduce air conditioning costs and shield interior furnishings from the sun’s harsh glare may wa...
Hot and muggy summer weather outside can mean excess moisture inside. Mold and mildew, musty odors, condensation, war...
So you’re in the market for a new furnace, maybe because the old one is hopelessly inefficient, or because Hurricane ...
Ventilation is to insulation as Stan Laurel was to Oliver Hardy: very different indeed, but thinking about one is vir...
The work of adapting your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems begins at this stage. When the wa...
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins should take roughly two to three weeks. The insulation will happen in a day ...
Geothermal heat represents about two percent of the total heating market in the U. S. , with more than 1. 3 million s...
Where to StartToday’s HVAC is more than just the equipment that heats, ventilates, and cools our home. It is the inte...
Mold is more prevalent today because the focus on improving energy efficiency resulted in more airtight homes that do...
Making homeowners’ heating systems energy-efficient is the answer to lower utility bills, the experts say. Thankfully...
If you’re considering a new system for your home, talk first to your architect or designer. Conversations with HVAC c...
Now that summer has arrived, it's definitely time to focus on home cooling. If your house does not have central air c...
Looking for a small home improvement that yields big results? A programmable thermostat, properly installed and confi...
Take a spin through our roundup of ceiling fans to suit every design sensibility.
All air conditioners are designed to cool—that is, to remove heat and humidity from interior spaces. If you are in th...
Warm weather is just around the corner, with its humming air conditioners and skyrocketing electric bills. You may be...
Choosing a ceiling fan is enough to make any homeowner’s head hurt. Here are my suggestions for simplifying this seem...
If a smokey, wood-burning hearth seems like a hassle, these sleek and clean electric fireplaces will warm you up—with no mess to bring you down.
Cast iron radiators can be beautiful, but an old, peeling one can really bring down the look of a room. Stripping and...
Baby, its cold outside—and the last thing you want to do is return home to a frosty house. The smart time to examine ...
A new set of fireplace tools brings both style and utility to your hearth. Here are a few guidelines that will help y...
With temperatures dipping into the single digits here in the Northeast—and below 0° F in many other places—shivering ...
Before we built a new home, I’d never heard of mini splits. What could they be, some kind of tiny frozen dessert or s...
Call it the PC-ification of the fireplace. A company called Bio-Blaze is selling a line of portable, vent-free firepl...
New radiators mean that keeping warm the old fashioned way no longer forces you to leave your style sense out in the cold.
We had to make so many decisions when we built our new construction home. I didn’t realize it at the time (having nev...
If your home has cold, drafty spots, this is the time of year you’ll notice them. Rather than cranking up the heat in...
If you heat your house with wood, you know how expensive buying firewood can be. Cutting, splitting, and drying a cor...
Aside from the price of your own renewable energy, the cost of anything used to heat or cool the home is largely non-...
While traditional open-hearth, wood-burning fireplaces are quickly going the way of the dinosaur, if you still want t...
When it's time to replace your furnace, you might have to think faster than you'd like about this major purchase. Her...
Fireplace inserts are a great way to update an existing masonry fireplace. A traditional open-front wood-burning fire...
As the days are getting colder, the air is getting drier. While lotion coupons are at the forefront of the Sunday pap...
Did you know you can put your ceiling fan to work year-round? Simply by reversing the direction and changing the spee...
'Tis the season for hot chocolate and snuggles by the fire. Many newer homes have gone to gas fireplaces. They’re che...
The warmth of a wood stove appeals to many homeowners as much for its practicality (it can cut down on heating costs)...
Take the chill off this winter with one of these ten design-savvy space heaters.
We've rounded up the best fireplace accessories to poke, air, and shield flames while keeping your hearth looking great.
While it’s hard to argue with the romance of a crackling fire on a chilly night, your fireplace might be costing you ...
Whether you're building a whole house or just adding a new bathroom, one of your first decisions has to be how you're...
Until very recently, homes were built to breathe. Insulation was seldom used, windows were single-pane and drafts wer...
Now that the summer scorchers are over, it’s time to bring in your window air conditioning units. Listen to BOB VILA ...
Ventilation fans in kitchens and bathrooms are required by code in most states, and they’re a good idea everywhere. T...
If you’ve still got an old mercury or mechanical contact thermostat, it’s easy to forget to adjust it when you leave ...
Everyone agrees that you should change your HVAC filter on a regular basis, but not everyone agrees on the type of fi...
Before you crank up the air conditioning this summer, try a little old-fashioned ventilation first. LISTENListen to ...
Contain the HeatHow much insulation does your home need and where? It depends on your climate and the energy costs in...
Whether you’re building a whole house or just adding a new bathroom, one of your first decisions has to be how you’re...
Burning MoneyA fire in an open hearth is only 10 percent efficient at best, which means that 90 percent of the heat e...
An imperative “rite of spring” in our house is checking our two central air conditioning systems to make sure they ar...
Just in time for the heat of summer, browse ten fans that bring style to home cooling.
Love the idea of a stone fireplace mantel but turned off by the high price? Eldorado Stone—one of the leading manufac...
Before you pull your window air conditioner out of storage, consider its age. Efficiencies have improved so much that...
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.
Making your home more airtight with new windows, insulation or a finished basement can actually hurt your energy effi...
The Radiant Panel Association illustrates six ways to install radiant floor heating in your home.
Radiant floor heating is arguably the ideal home heating system. It’s comfortable, efficient, unobtrusive, quiet, and...
Try Old-School Cooling Before you crank up the A/C this summer to keep cool, try a little old-fashioned ventilation f...
The Nest Learning Thermostat is, I'm betting, the first HVAC device to excite so much chatter in the blogosphere. An ...
Fall is just around the corner: time to get your house in shape for the cooler months ahead. Although autumn can be o...
Nothing celebrates the colder weather like the distinct scent and sound of a crackling log in the wood burning firepl...
What to Look for Room air conditioners are rated by the number of BTUs, or British thermal units, of heat that they c...
High noon will turn many a classic home into a summertime sweatbox. And while noisy window-mounted air conditioners c...
Last week, the New York Times featured a Home Section article on fans and/or air conditioning--depending on where you...
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.
Bob talks with landscape architect Rick Lamb about revisions to the plan. Bob points out the redesigned parking area and the plan for magically melting the snow.
Bob meets with architect Gregory Rochlin and expert carpenter Danny Ruffini to restore old double-hung windows and replace lead sash weights with new spring-loade...
A double window is installed in the kitchen, which will let in a lot of sunlight and give a view of the back yard.
The oil tank is moved into the new basement utility room to make room for the basement playroom.
Bob meets with the installer of the new HVAC system to discuss how it filters air and reduces energy costs.
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.
Bob meets with Mark Gallivan from Sears HVAC, and Brent Morin from Morin Mechanical Services, to review the heating system installation in the modular home.
Bob meets with Peter Merianos and the crew from Coastal Heating and Air Conditioning, who are fabricating the AC ductwork on site.
To add a new line off the main trunk, the crew cuts a hole into the the trunk with a special tool. A starting collar from which the new line will extend is then i...
The crew from The Ironhouse hooks up with Dan DeMagistris of Heat-N-Glo to install the fireplace.
Kevin Callahan from Sears joins Bob to talk about the new Kenmore air conditioning condensers that will be installed.
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...
Bob discusses the SpacePak HVAC system that's being installed to provide heating and cooling in the house and barn. The SpacePak system is well-suited to projects...
Bob talks with Mike Donaghey (from American Standard) to learn more about the barn's air conditioning system. Also, Bob and general contractor Charlie Tomaszewski...
Bob tours the master bathroom, noticing the finishing touches and pointing out the features. Also, Bob checks out the Finlandia sauna, before reviewing te Crysta...
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...
Janet MacIlvaine and George James (from the Department of Energy) show Bob how they conduct a blower door test.
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.
Bob inspects the remote device, controlling the PA system, HVAC, lighting, and entertainment systems. In the basement, Bob Ryley is exploring the wires and cables...
The developer and the plumber guide Bob through the equipment-laden boiler room.
A restaurant-quality oven hood vent is installed, in addition to Metrowire shelves.
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 works with the homeowners, who are stripping old paint off an antique cabinet. On top of the chemicals used to loosen the paint, they discuss the several safe...
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 joins siding contractor Brian Quinn, who is constructing a beautiful gable-end sunburst fan from clapboard siding. Quinn explains how to lay out the center mo...
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 and the HVAC installer review plans to install air conditioning in the Naples project house.
If air conditioning is out of reach, the next best way to beat the Florida heat is by putting a ceiling fan in the attic of the house.
Bob reviews the plans to create a new screen porch with a ceiling fan at the Naples project house.
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 ...
