Heating & Cooling

While solar energy’s most common use might be turning the sun’s rays into usable electricity, that’s not its only use. We’re also able to heat things like a home’s water or a pool with this energy, reducing utility costs compared to traditional methods. Technology now exists to combine solar thermal with a heat pump to heat a home’s water, using passive energy for more than just electricity.

Electrical meters track how much energy your home consumes. Once mechanical and complicated, they’ve become easier to understand and use. Host Kevin O’Connor, master electrician Heath Eastman, and building engineer Ross Trethewey discuss these devices.

Want to get the longest possible life out of your water heater? Then you have to change your anode rod. If you don’t know what an anode rod is or how to change it, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey is here to guide you.

We always appreciate our cozy heat when the temperatures plummet and our air conditioning when it’s scorching hot out. But one thing most homeowners don’t love about the HVAC systems is how loud they can be. Building engineer Ross Trethewey breaks down the common causes and some simple solutions.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can be complex and mysterious to homeowners. So when there’s an issue, finding the cause is often way beyond the DIYer’s scope. When a Miami homeowner was tired of living with temperature imbalances throughout his home, he called the team at Ask This Old House for help, and building engineer Ross Trethewey showed up to help.

Mini-splits are a type of air conditioning unit where the two main components are divided into separate parts (an indoor and an outdoor unit), with refrigerant piping connecting them. 77% of the world’s air conditioning market is handled by mini-split. And while they’re simple and efficient, they do require some maintenance. Here’s what you need to know to maintain yours like a professional.

Host Kevin O’Connor meets with building engineer Ross Trethewey and master electrician Heath Eastman to discuss whole-home electrification, and whether it’s always the best move for homeowners.

While not a DIY project, home technology expert Ross Trethewey shows a homeowner the basics of having a whole-house humidifier installed to help solve their winter-specific dry air issues.

When a homeowner’s aged baseboards were detracting from the look of their renovations, they called the team at Ask This Old House for a solution. Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey saves the day with new baseboard covers.

Home technology expert Ross Trethewey helps a homeowner upgrade his existing thermostat to a smart model by finding the power source the new device needs.

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a radiant floor system in their bathroom.

Home technology expert Ross Trethewey teaches host Kevin O’Connor about heat pumps and how they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey diagnoses and solves a homeowner’s lack of hot water.

If your home is too warm or too cold throughout the year, you may need to revisit your HVAC plan. Find out how with this guide.

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner supplement their living room heat by installing a wood-burning insert in their existing fireplace.

Weatherstripping a wood door is a valuable DIY project that can improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort. Learn how to do it in our step-by-step guide.

Home technology expert Ross Trethewey helps a homeowner solve an ice dam issue with smart insulation practices that also improve the home’s efficiency.