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.
Living room interior in mixed style
Nick P. Cellucci
•
Feb 24, 2025
Feb 24, 2025
Exposed ductwork can be a smart choice even beyond aesthetics. Fortunately, exposed ductwork costs are relatively low, and easy access keeps repair costs to a minimum.
grey suburban home with porch
Dan Simms
•
Feb 14, 2025
Feb 14, 2025
Whole-house fans can help reduce your electric bills by providing ventilation and cool, fresh air. Use this whole house fan cost guide to price out the project.
Air conditioner units on concrete slab outside the house
Paige Bennett
•
Feb 19, 2025
Feb 19, 2025
Here's what you can expect when getting an estimate for coolant leak repair costs. The cost can vary based on the detection method used, the source of the leak, and the amount of damage that needs to be repaired in the aftermath.
A professional inspecting an air duct
Allie Ogletree
•
Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025
Air duct systems need routine maintenance to ensure they push clean air throughout your home. Have these questions to ask before your next service.
Focus on floor vent in room with carpet
Jill Harness
•
Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025
When you notice hot and cold zones in your home, it pays to learn how to balance airflow in your ducts to even out the temperature.
Register duct booster fan built into the air duct register
Nick P. Cellucci
•
Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025
If certain rooms in your home run too hot or too cool, a duct booster fan may help with the issue. Learn the costs to expect from duct booster fan installation.
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A professional inspecting an air duct
Allie Ogletree  •  Feb 27, 2025
4 Questions to Ask About Air Duct Cleaning
Air duct systems need routine maintenance to ensure they push clean air throughout your home. Have these questions to ask before your next service.
Register duct booster fan built into the air duct register
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Feb 27, 2025
How Much Does Duct Booster Fan Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
If certain rooms in your home run too hot or too cool, a duct booster fan may help with the issue. Learn the costs to expect from duct booster fan installation.
Focus on floor vent in room with carpet
Jill Harness  •  Feb 27, 2025
How to Balance Airflow in Ducts: 5 Tips for Even Temperature
When you notice hot and cold zones in your home, it pays to learn how to balance airflow in your ducts to even out the temperature.
An air vent
Catherine Hiles  •  Feb 27, 2025
6 Common Air Duct Cleaning Methods for Healthier Air at Home
Regular air duct cleaning can keep the air quality in your home healthier. Learn about the most common air duct cleaning methods for removing debris, bacteria, and mold.
Woman using smart thermostat to adjust the temperature in the house
Lawrence Bonk  •  Feb 26, 2025
What Is a Duct Booster Fan and How Does It Work?
A duct booster fan is installed within a home’s ductwork to improve airflow. Learn about their function, cost, and benefits in this guide.
Woman sitting on the couch relaxing and smiling
Jill Harness  •  Feb 26, 2025
What Is an AC Register and What Does It Do?
How well do you know your home’s vent components? We discuss what an AC register is, what it does, and how it differs from other vent covers.
An air vent in a room
Audrey Bruno  •  Feb 26, 2025
How Long Does Ductwork Last? The Average Lifespan of HVAC Ducts
How long does ductwork last? Systems like this can last a decade or more, but a handful of signs will help you know when it’s time for a replacement.
residential air ventilation system
Chris Middleton  •  Feb 26, 2025
Flex Duct vs. Rigid Duct: Pros, Cons, and Costs
Is it time to upgrade your ductwork? If so, knowing the differences between flex ducts and rigid ducts can help you choose the right option.
Man checking air ducts system
Lawrence Bonk  •  Feb 25, 2025
How to Clean Household Air Vent Covers Like a Pro
Dirty air vent covers can reduce air quality throughout the home. Here are some easy and efficient ways to clean air vent covers in your house.
Living room interior in mixed style
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Feb 24, 2025
How Much Does Exposed Ductwork Cost to Install? [2025 Data]
Exposed ductwork can be a smart choice even beyond aesthetics. Fortunately, exposed ductwork costs are relatively low, and easy access keeps repair costs to a minimum.
The interior of a home garage with a white SUV and an ATV parked inside
Timothy Moore  •  Feb 21, 2025
How to Insulate a Garage for an Efficient, Comfortable Space in 8 Steps
Our guide walks you through how to insulate a garage, including the walls, ceiling, and the garage door, in eight steps.
Air conditioner units on concrete slab outside the house
Paige Bennett  •  Feb 19, 2025
How Much Does a Coolant Leak Repair Cost on Your Air Conditioner? [2025 Data]
Here's what you can expect when getting an estimate for coolant leak repair costs. The cost can vary based on the detection method used, the source of the leak, and the amount of damage that needs to be repaired in the aftermath.