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
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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.
New air conditioner units on a concrete slab
Taylor Freitas
•
Feb 14, 2025
Feb 14, 2025
Average costs of HVAC inspections vary based on house size, location, and type of HVAC system. Follow our easy guide to gauge your home’s HVAC inspection cost.
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.
Contemporary condominium with air ducts and ceiling fan
Melissa Graham
•
Mar 7, 2025
Mar 7, 2025
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
Mar 7, 2025
This ductwork inspection checklist shows you what to expect when an HVAC professional makes a maintenance visit.
Angled wooden beams on attic with ductwork and air vent
Taylor Freitas
•
Mar 7, 2025
Mar 7, 2025
In an HVAC system, dampers help control and direct airflow—but they aren’t always easy to locate. Here’s how to find dampers in ductwork.
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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.
A spacious living room with an air duct above the sofa
Catherine Hiles  •  Mar 7, 2025
How to Clean Air Ducts: 9 Steps and When It’s Best to Call a Pro
Dirty air ducts can make your home dustier and shorten the lifespan of your HVAC system. Learn how to clean air ducts to keep your home clean and comfortable.
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.
repairman checking air duct
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Mar 7, 2025
How Often to Clean Air Ducts and Why Clean Them at All
Air duct cleaning is a specialty service that isn’t required regularly. Follow our guide to learn what it is, when you need it, and when you don’t.
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.
Angled wooden beams on attic with ductwork and air vent
Taylor Freitas  •  Mar 7, 2025
How to Find Dampers in Ductwork and Adjust Them to Control Your Home’s Airflow
In an HVAC system, dampers help control and direct airflow—but they aren’t always easy to locate. Here’s how to find dampers in ductwork.
Woman breathing air and relaxing in her living room
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Mar 6, 2025
Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you are among many homeowners wondering if air duct cleaning is worth it, here we clear the air so you can breathe easier at home.
HVAC units in the backyard
Alison Kasch  •  Mar 6, 2025
Can Dirty Air Ducts Make You Sick? The Dirty Truth About HVAC Ductwork
Can dirty air ducts make you sick? Find out how dirty HVAC ductwork impacts indoor air quality and can even affect your health.
Father and son using smartphones on sofa
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Mar 6, 2025
How to Hire a Good Air Duct Cleaning Pro
Air duct cleaning is a service for homes affected by mold, pests, or excess dust. Use this guide to find a good air duct cleaning company.
Woman meditating at home taking a deep breath
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Mar 6, 2025
Does Air Duct Cleaning Help Get Rid of Bad Smells?
If you suspect foul odors are coming from your air ducts, know that air duct cleaning does not always help with smell. Consult this guide to determine the best solution.
Mature woman doing yoga in her living room
Tyler Lacoma  •  Mar 6, 2025
What Is Air Duct Cleaning? Pros, Cons, and What the Experts Say
Air duct cleaning is a very common service, but is it necessary for your home? Here are the signs to watch for and when duct cleaning is beneficial.
hvac on a concrete slab
Gemma Johnstone  •  Mar 6, 2025
Common HVAC Filter Sizes and Why Proper Sizing Matters
You can purchase a wide range of HVAC filter sizes. This guide will help you learn how to pick the right one and why it is so important to get a snug fit.