Heating and cooling

Our definitive guide to chimney sealing. Learn how to safely seal an unused fireplace permanently, or temporarily plug a working chimney to stop drafts. We cover chimney balloons, caps, insulation, different chimney types, and critical safety tips. Unused chimney? How to seal it successfully... That charming old…

Choosing the best heat pump can be difficult. Heat pumps are poorly understood, they have often been over-sold, poorly installed, and placed where they can be a noise nuisance. But the best heat pumps are a really good choice for heating green homes. How do the best heat pumps work? A heat pump works very…

When building a new home, especially sustainable high-performance eco homes like Passive House or Zero Net Energy in a cold climate, some heat is still necessary. Is the greenest option electric heating. More and more homebuyers are starting to demand energy-efficient new homes and are pushing the building…

A comeback for foam radiant floor ICF forms heated with air tubes. Radiant heating systems are very common in concrete floors now because they provide a very balanced and comfortable distribution of heat. Those systems are most commonly hydronic, meaning heated liquid is pumped through tubing in the concrete which…

A comprehensive guide to 2026 heat pump technology, top-performing models like Mitsubishi and LG, new refrigerant rules, and finding federal tax credits. 2026 heat pump buyers guide: a homeowner's and pro's guide The landscape of home heating and cooling has shifted dramatically as we enter 2026, with heat pump…

A definitive guide to 2026 hybrid water heater technology, top models from Rheem and A.O. Smith, new refrigerant rules, and federal tax credits. 2026 heat pump water heater buyers guide: a homeowner's and pro's guide Heat pumps for home heating has become a very common choice, and hot on their heels are heat pump…

Discover how the Merino Mono delivers high-efficiency cooling and heating without the 240V upgrades, outdoor condensers, or the risk of pulling radon into your home. The Merino Mono: The first through-wall plug-and-play heat pump The Merino Mono installs quickly and easily with very little disruption to your home…

Compare initial costs, ROI, and efficiency of air to water heat pumps versus gas or electric boilers for slab on grade radiant floor heating. What's the best way to heat a slab on grade home foundation? A slab on grade is a very cost-effective, durable and low-impact foundation for a home. You get to live above…

Master the basics of outdoor wood boilers, from high-efficiency gasification technology and EPA standards to integrating hydronic heating for homes, garages, and workshops. Outdoor wood burning boilers: Is this the right home heating system? For homeowners seeking energy independence, outdoor wood burning boilers…

A complete breakdown of district heating, from central plants and underground networks to 5th generation ambient loops. Learn the pros, cons, and how DE impacts your home and community. District heating and district energy systems: What they are and how they work District heating, also known as district energy (DE)…

Known for their distinctive roar and heated cob benches, Rocket Mass Heaters offer incredible fuel efficiency. Learn how these permaculture favorites work and how to safely adapt them for modern airtight homes. If a masonry heater is the refined, commercially installed option for thermal mass heating, the Rocket…