Heating and cooling older homes
Don't be scared of an older heating or cooling system. Systems can be inspected or retrofit to maintain the integrity of your older home.
A radiant heating system uses electric cables or small tubes of hot water embedded in a concrete floor, under a tiled floor or attached to the underside of the subfloor.
Instead of heating air and circulating it throughout the house, radiant heat warms objects - carpet, furniture and even people. Less energy is needed to transfer heat directly to people, rather than fill the entire room with heated air like a forced-air furnace.
In this video: Megan talks to an installer to learn how radiant heating is installed and operates.
Don't be scared of an older heating or cooling system. Systems can be inspected or retrofit to maintain the integrity of your older home.
A cooling breeze can reduce your need for air conditioning.There are some important things to know about purchasing and installing ceiling fans.
Shop and compare when choosing a new heating system. Look for the yellow Energy Guide label to see how one unit stacks up against another.
Leaks in your ductwork mean the air you've paid to heat or cool is not getting where it needs to go. Find out how to diagnose and fix this common problem.
Capturing the heat from the earth can save you big money on your energy bills. Learn how geothermal systems work.
It's important to keep this big piece of equipment in tip-top shape in order for it to operate at peak efficiency.
Discover how the next generation of smart thermostats adjust your home’s temperature based on your behavior and weather forecasts.
Is it time to upgrade your fireplace? Learn how you can improve your home's efficiency with the right fireplace.
When planning your new home, make sure you consider newer heating and cooling technologies that could save you money.