Heating and Cooling

Year-round comfort requires a fully functioning furnace and AC—ditto the ductwork and the insulation. Your heating, ventilation, and cooling systems work together to keep your home at a perfect temperature, so it’s essential to ensure all parts are up to the task. Browse our library of heating and cooling articles to maintain an energy-efficient home and source reliable pros you can trust with your indoor air quality.

man adjusting temperature thermostat
Photo: Hero Images / Adobe Stock
man adjusting temperature thermostat
Photo: Hero Images / Adobe Stock
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Aug 14, 2024
Aug 14, 2024
Springing for HVAC maintenance costs may seem like an extra—and easy-to-ignore—item on your checklist, but it will save you money in the long run.
Father and child playing at home
Veronica Sparks
•
Aug 26, 2024
Aug 26, 2024
When your heat goes out, it can cause a bit of a panic. But knowledge is power, so let's go over radiator repair costs before that happens.
woman laying on couch under a blanket
Allie Ogletree
•
Dec 13, 2023
Dec 13, 2023
Switching from oil to a gas heat furnace is a decision that could impact your savings. Before you choose, here’s what you need to know about gas furnaces.
Woman sitting on the couch with her dog
Tyler Lacoma
•
Sep 25, 2024
Sep 25, 2024
When you replace a gas furnace with a heat pump, you reduce your carbon footprint by almost half and can heat your home more efficiently.
Air conditioner units on the patio of a house
Melissa Graham
•
Sep 4, 2024
Sep 4, 2024
Regular HVAC tuning can help prevent a number of issues, including heat pump failure. Read about the additional benefits of annual tune-ups in our guide.
Mother helping toddler put on sweater in house
Taylor Freitas
•
Sep 12, 2024
Sep 12, 2024
If you’re upgrading your HVAC system, you might wonder: What size furnace do I need? We’ll answer that question (and more) in this furnace sizing guide.
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Worker insulating house attic
Audrey Bruno  •  Nov 18, 2024
What Is Insulation and Why Do You Need It for Your Home?
What is insulation? This behind-the-scenes home fixture will maintain comfortable temperatures in your home no matter the season. It’ll lower energy bills, to boot.
An attic with radiant barrier
Deane Biermeier  •  Nov 18, 2024
Is a Radiant Barrier Worth It to Install?
Is a radiant barrier worth it for your home? It depends on the climate where you live, installation factors, and the cost of keeping your home cool.
A nice attic bedroom
Kate Fann  •  Nov 15, 2024
Breaking Down R-Values: A Key Factor in Choosing the Right Insulation
The insulation R-value can make all the difference in keeping your home insulated, but it depends on where you live. Keep reading to learn about R-values.
Home with plaster walls
Deane Biermeier  •  Nov 14, 2024
How to Insulate Plaster Walls in a Home
Learning how to insulate plaster walls can help improve your home's energy efficiency. However, there are crucial cautions to consider before attempting.
Living room decorated in Scandinavian style
Mitchell Grant  •  Nov 14, 2024
How Much Does Injection Foam Insulation Cost? [2024 Data]
Foam insulation can be injected which saves homeowners time and overall cost when compared to other insulation types. Learn what makes up injection foam insulation costs—and where you can save.
A worker is putting a sealant on the vapor barrier joints.
Audrey Bruno  •  Nov 12, 2024
How Does a Radiant Barrier Work?
How does a radiant barrier work? This alternative insulation is effective at cooling a home, but its unique mechanism won’t provide the same heating benefits.
Cozy living room with gas fireplace
C.E. Larusso  •  Nov 12, 2024
How Long Does Insulation Last? A Comprehensive Guide to Replacing Your Home's Insulation
If your home’s temperature is uncomfortable or your energy bill is spiking, you should check your insulation. We'll help you find out if you should replace it.
woman laying down on the couch
Dan Simms  •  Nov 11, 2024
Inspecting and Repairing Your Insulation: Follow This Checklist
Use this DIY checklist for insulation repair to make your living space more comfortable and reduce your heating and cooling bills in the process.
Father and daughter sitting on the couch relaxing at home
Audrey Bruno  •  Nov 11, 2024
How to Calculate the R-Value of Insulation
Knowing how to calculate R-value for different insulating materials will ensure you pick the right one for your home, no matter your local climate.
Teen girl reading e-book in her bed
Mitchell Grant  •  Nov 11, 2024
Faced vs. Unfaced Insulation: Which Is Better?
Face vs. unfaced insulation can make all the difference in keeping your home insulated for decades. Here’s what you need to know about which one to choose.
A radiant barrier in an attic
Jacqueline DeMarco  •  Nov 11, 2024
What Is a Radiant Barrier? Here’s What to Know
What is a radiant barrier? This reflective building material is designed to reduce heat transfer and save you money on energy costs.
A worker using a blown-in insulation machine to insulate an attic
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Nov 8, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Blown-In Insulation Machine?
Learn the key factors that influence the cost of renting a blown-in insulation machine.