Heating & Cooling Your Home
Thanks to modern technology, today’s houses have evolved beyond their basic role of providing shelter. They have become total environments that sustain, refresh, and provide us with a high level of healthful comfort. From air conditioners to zone heating systems, a wide variety of devices and systems equip today’s homes for these responsibilities.
In this family of articles, we look at buying, improving, repairing, and maintaining furnaces, air conditioners, fans, and other types of home comfort and energy-saving materials. Pick a section below to dig deeper.
A/C - Central
Central air conditioning, also called “central air” in the United States, is a system that cools more than one room in a house (in most cases, the entire structure).
A/C - Window & Room
Several types of single room air conditioners are available. But what is the right one for your home? And, once you decide on the type, how do you select the best brand?
Ceiling Fans
The ceiling fan— a child of the Industrial Revolution—is still one of the most sensible solutions to home comfort despite a virtual revolution in the world of home comfort appliances.
Fireplaces & Chimneys
Flickering flames and glowing embers: Nothing is quite as cozy as a fire on a cold winter’s day. Learn everything you need to know about choosing and maintaining fireplaces.
Furnaces & Heating
Central air conditioning, also called “central air” in the United States, is a system that cools more than one room in a house (in most cases, the entire structure).
Heat Pumps
Several types of single room air conditioners are available. But what is the right one for your home? And, once you decide on the type, how do you select the best brand?
Insulating & Energy
The ceiling fan— a child of the Industrial Revolution—is still one of the most sensible solutions to home comfort despite a virtual revolution in the world of home comfort appliances.
Pellet & Wood Stoves
Flickering flames and glowing embers: Nothing is quite as cozy as a fire on a cold winter’s day. Learn everything you need to know about choosing and maintaining fireplaces.
Solar Electric Panels
How much juice does your home need? If your power bill breaks down the amount of electricity you use on a 24-hour basis, you can easily determine how many watts your PV array...
Thermostats
A home thermostat tells the furnace and/or cooling system when to turn on and off as temperatures in the house or individual rooms fluctuate. This is a very important job, because it affects both comfort and energy bills.
Ventilation & Fans
Proper ventilation inside a house is important for any number of reasons. A wide variety of fans and ventilators do this work, including whole house fans, bathroom fans, kitchen range hoods, attic fans, heat recovery ventilators, and more.
Windows
Admitting in natural light, permitting views to the yard and beyond, providing natural ventilation—windows perform a number of critical roles in a home.
HVAC & Home Comfort Articles
How to Replace an AC Capacitor or Contactor (Step-by-Step Guide)
If your AC won’t start or the outdoor unit hums or clicks, a failed capacitor or contactor is often the cause—and these parts can sometimes
How to Install Fiberglass Insulation Like a Pro
Expert advice on how to install fiberglass insulation, including methods for insulating walls, floors, ceilings, attics, and more. Includes cutting and fastening insulation, and insulating
Central Air Conditioning vs Window AC — Which Is Best?
When is it smarter and cheaper to install whole-house central air conditioning instead of buying several room or window air conditioners? These expert tips outline
Best Whole House Fan Buying Guide
Expert, unbiased advice on how to buy a whole-house fan, including options, sizing, when and how to use them, and manufacturers. In This Article: Whole
How Central Heating Works
How do central heating systems work? The diagrams and descriptions in this section define central heating and air conditioning, forced-air furnaces, as well as radiant
Social Media
Featured: Natural Cooling
8 Ways to Cool Your Home Without AC
Attic Fans & Ventilation Tips
Ceiling Fan Troubleshooting & Repair
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