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.
A family relaxing in the living room
Breyden Kellam
•
Mar 10, 2025
Mar 10, 2025
Regularly replacing your HVAC filter regularly is vital for a healthy system. Learn how much an HVAC filter replacement costs with this informative guide.
Humidifier attached to furnace air duct
Mariel Loveland
•
Mar 11, 2025
Mar 11, 2025
A central humidifier can make dry winter air more comfortable indoors. Before your installation, discuss these whole-house humidifier questions with a pro.
White heat pump
Stephanie Mickelson
•
Mar 10, 2025
Mar 10, 2025
If you’re having issues with your heating and cooling system, it’s probably time to discuss these heat pump questions with your HVAC pro.
Young woman at home relaxing on a sofa
Gemma Johnstone
•
Mar 11, 2025
Mar 11, 2025
Learn how to install an air conditioner filter. You must change the filter regularly to keep your system running smoothly and your indoor air quality high.
Worker installing return vent in the room
Chris Middleton
•
Mar 11, 2025
Mar 11, 2025
Return vents help your HVAC system work to ensure your home maintains its desired temperature and air quality. How many return vents you need depends on your home.
Worker installing flexible aluminum
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Mar 11, 2025
Mar 11, 2025
Cutting flexible ducting correctly ensures a snug fit, preventing leaks from occurring while maximizing your HVAC’s efficiency.
Need help finding the right pro?
Share your project details and we’ll match you with up to 3 available pros near you.
View all articles
White heat pump
Stephanie Mickelson  •  Mar 10, 2025
5 Heat Pump Questions to Ask Your HVAC Service Pro
If you’re having issues with your heating and cooling system, it’s probably time to discuss these heat pump questions with your HVAC pro.
A man cleaning an air duct with a vacuum
Catherine Hiles  •  Mar 10, 2025
Does Air Duct Cleaning Save Energy? What You Need to Know
Your air ducts deliver warm and cool air to each room, but if they’re dirty, they may not work as well as they should. But does air duct cleaning save energy?
A man cleaning an air duct by using a vacuum cleaner
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Mar 10, 2025
DIY Air Duct Cleaning Tools and How to Use Them
Cleaning air ducts maintains your home’s air quality and keeps your HVAC system running smoothly. Hire a pro with the right tools to clean your air ducts well.
A minimalistic kitchen with a hood used as an exhaust fan
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Mar 10, 2025
What Is an Exhaust Fan? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Ever wonder what an exhaust fan is and if they’re necessary in the home? Learn the importance of exhaust fans for keeping your home safe and comfortable.
A family relaxing in the living room
Breyden Kellam  •  Mar 10, 2025
How Much Does an HVAC Filter Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
Regularly replacing your HVAC filter regularly is vital for a healthy system. Learn how much an HVAC filter replacement costs with this informative guide.
blue house with attic ventilation window
Kate Fann  •  Mar 10, 2025
Understanding Common Duct Sizes for Your Home’s HVAC System
Understanding common duct sizes for HVAC systems can ensure proper installation for better airflow. Here's what to know about ductwork sizing.
Air conditioning compressor
Veronica Sparks  •  Mar 10, 2025
DIY Duct Leakage Test: How to Check Your HVAC System for Leaks
Energy bills rising? Here’s how to perform a DIY duct leakage test to locate any damage in your ductwork and restore your energy-efficient home.
A mature couple relaxing on their sofa
Sara Coleman  •  Mar 10, 2025
Who Cleans Air Ducts? Who to Hire
Are your air vents looking dusty? Discover who cleans air ducts and whether this project is one that you can do yourself or if you need to hire a pro.
Family having fun in the living room
Sara Coleman  •  Mar 10, 2025
How to Eliminate Ductwork Noise in Your Home
Figuring out how to eliminate ductwork noise may require anything from replacing the ducts to changing the filter. Learn more about fixing this issue.
Two professionals installing new AC unit
Emma Diehl  •  Mar 7, 2025
Do You Need to Replace Ductwork When Replacing Your AC?
When replacing an AC unit, do you need to replace ductwork, too? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but here’s how to tell what you should do.
Contemporary condominium with air ducts and ceiling fan
Melissa Graham  •  Mar 7, 2025
4 HVAC Duct Types Used in Heating and Cooling
Explore the most common HVAC duct types, from flexible to sheet metal to fiberglass, and learn about their pros and cons.
Worker repairing heat pump
Sara Coleman  •  Mar 7, 2025
Ductwork Inspection Checklist: What to Expect From Your HVAC Pro
This ductwork inspection checklist shows you what to expect when an HVAC professional makes a maintenance visit.