HVAC Basics, Guides & How Tos

HVAC

The heating, ventilation, and cooling systems in your home are vital to your comfort and safety. Learn all about HVAC systems, maintenance, and equipment.
turning on gas fireplace
How to Light a Gas Fireplace in 3 Different Ways
Person replacing a furnace filter
How to Clean and Maintain a Furnace for Better Efficiency
removing a furnace filter
Here's How Often You Should Really Change Your Furnace Filter
air conditioner leaking
Why Is Your Window Air Conditioner Leaking Water and How to Fix It
Removing the top and side condenser covers
What to Know About HVAC Maintenance Costs (Plus How to Help Your System Last Longer)
Vacuuming the air conditioner unit
How to Clean an AC Filter and Reduce Energy Costs
swamp cooler
How to Build a DIY Swamp Cooler and Beat the Heat
How to choose the right size humidifier
What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need?
Central Air Conditioner (AC)
How Much Does It Cost to Install Central Air?
How to install a smart thermostat
How to Install a Smart Thermostat
Radiator
How to Repair a Radiator
Closeup of cleaning a furnace flame sensor with sandpaper
How to Clean a Furnace Flame Sensor
Gas vs electric fireplaces
Gas vs. Electric Fireplace Comparison Guide
Gel fuel fireplace
What Is a Gel Fuel Fireplace?
How to bleed a radiator
How to Bleed a Radiator
Electric Fireplace in Fireplace Wall
How to Build a Fireplace
Ethanol fireplace
What Is an Ethanol Fireplace?
Cleaning Air Ducts
How Often Should You Clean Air Ducts?
How to make your home cool this summer
Keep It Cool: How to Beat the Heat at Home This Summer
Duct Cleaning
How to Clean Ducts Yourself
bathroom ventilation
Bathroom Ventilation: Everything You Should Know
Modern metallic floor fan in a plant-filled room
How to Keep Your House Cool Without AC
Thermostat
How Much Does Thermostat Replacement Cost? Here's What to Know
Fan in Window
How to Use Fans to Cool a Room
patio privacy ideas
6 Mistakes That Are Making Your Home Feel Too Hot (and How to Fix Them)
How to clean HVAC conditioner coils
How to Clean Air Conditioner Coils
Air Duct Cleaning
How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost?
thermostat digital Programmable on wall
What Is EM Heat on a Thermostat?
Thermostat on wall
7 Common Reasons Your Thermostat Isn't Working
Air vent cover for room heating/cooling and return furnace air
11 Reasons for a Furnace Not Blowing Hot Air
Gas Furnace
What It Means When Your Furnace Is Short-Cycling
Control valve on gas water heater tank being checked with bottom panel removed
6 Common Reasons Your Gas Water Heater May Not Be Working
Infrared heater
All About Infrared Space Heaters
Cleaned window air conditioner next to pink flower bouquet
How to Clean a Window Air Conditioner
HVAC Thermostat
How to Repair a Home Air Conditioner
Fan in Window
How to Make a DIY Air Conditioner
Ceiling fan with fixed chain to turn on and off
How to Fix or Replace the Ceiling Fan Chain Quickly
person changing fan speed on an air conditioner
Adjust Your Air-Conditioner Settings
Gas furnace
How to Light the Standing Pilot Light on a Gas Furnace
Gas Furnace and Water Heater
How to Test a Furnace Pressure Switch
Fire and smoke detector on beige wall
Where to Position the Fire and Smoke Detectors in Your Home
Line-voltage thermostat wired for a baseboard heater being adjusted
How to Wire a Line-Voltage Thermostat for a Baseboard Heater
Steam vs Hot Water Radiators
Steam vs. Hot Water Radiator Comparison Guide
Ventless gas fireplace decorated with surrounding bricks, houseplants and couch
How to Pick Out a Ventless Gas Fireplace
Baseboard heater
Convection vs. Hydronic Electric Baseboard Heater
Fire burning in wood stove
Wood Heat vs. Pellet Stove Comparison Guide
AC unit in a living room
Window Air Conditioning Chart (BTUs for Room Size)
How a Furnace-Mounted Home Humidifier Works
How a Furnace-Mounted Home Humidifier Works
ceiling fan
How to Fix a Noisy Ceiling Fan
pile of firewood
The Best Firewood for Your Wood Stove or Fireplace
Fixing a thermostat's heat anticipator function
How to Adjust a Thermostat's Heat Anticipator
Closeup of repairing a wall-mounted heater
How to Repair an Electric Wall Heater
window unit air conditioner
What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Yellow dryer vent hooked up in tight space
How to Install a Dryer Vent in a Tight Space
Side by side comparison of rigid foam and fiberglass insulation
Rigid Foam vs. Fiberglass Insulation Comparison Guide
Downstairs basement of modern home with wood trim
Why Is My Basement So Cold?
Brown home and tree covered with snow in winter
12 Tips for Protecting Your Home From Freezing Temperatures
Fan
Tips for Positioning a Bathroom Vent Fan
Bathroom exhaust fan in ceiling above shower curtain
How to Choose a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Hands holding cellulose insulation
What You Should Know About Blow-In Cellulose Insulation