Does Radiant Heat Warm The Air?
Radiant floor heating is best known for how it can keep floors at a comfortable temperature, but is it just for floors? Or is radiant heat enough to warm the air, maybe even heat the whole house? We’ve researched how…
Radiant floor heating is best known for how it can keep floors at a comfortable temperature, but is it just for floors? Or is radiant heat enough to warm the air, maybe even heat the whole house? We’ve researched how…
If you’ve been feeling a cool breeze from your windows lately, it’s understandable to be concerned. No one likes drafty windows, and who wants a high heating bill? So how can you seal a window from the inside and prevent…
When you think of windows, you probably picture big panes of glass. But plexiglass, while less common, is becoming a popular choice. However, most installation advice and tips still pertain to traditional glass windows. So how do you seal a…
Loose-fill insulation is a classic choice for attics, crawl spaces, and the like. But if you live in an old house, you might need insulation in more than just the attic. You might not even have insulation in the walls!…
When you buy insulation sold as batts, there’s no question of the R-value. It comes in a pre-cut size, and you just install it as it is. So if you’re blowing insulation into the space instead, how thick should the…
If you already have a fan installed, but are disappointed by the lack of airflow, then you came here with one specific question. Can you replace ceiling fan blades with longer ones? After all, if you just had bigger blades,…
A chilly floor is no fun. And if it’s not well insulated, it’s not just cold—it’s costing you money in your heating bills! But if it’s already in place, what can you do now? How do you insulate an existing…
If you live in a cold climate, you know the dreaded fear of having your pipes freeze. If there’s an area of your home where you’re especially concerned, it makes sense to do everything you can to prevent it. Heat…
There are lots of reasons to be interested in mineral wool insulation. Whether you’re trying to avoid VOCs or find something easier to install, mineral wool might keep coming up as an answer. But you still need to be sure…
It can be hard to keep your home at a comfortable humidity level during the winter months. Many people rely on a humidifier to make up for it. But many units are small – you can feel the moisture when…
Most humidifiers release a fairly light spray of water as they put moisture into the air. It’s light, but still visible to the eye. So it’s a natural question to ask – do humidifiers cause damage to items like furniture?…
If you’ve been thinking about installing a stove or a fireplace, there can be one big problem. Having to install a chimney to vent your fireplace correctly can be enough to deter anyone. As a result, maybe you’re considering a…
With winter coming, you might be considering options for better indoor heating. If you’re dependent on a heating fuel that’s skyrocketing in price, like oil, it might be time for something new. You’ve heard lots of people talk about how…
Mold is a worry, and danger, for many homeowners. It can be hard to detect. It can go unnoticed for long periods of time. If you’ve been struggling with strange, “allergy-like” symptoms, you might be looking for an air purifier…
Some areas have hot, humid summers and frequent summer storms. This makes air conditioning practically a necessity. Especially when rain prevents you from opening the windows for fresh air, a window air unit can be just what you need. But…
Your window air conditioner can work 24 hours a day, but it’s not always the most efficient or cost-effective option. An air conditioner might seem like your only respite in the scorching heat and humidity, but running it non-stop may…
With summer coming and the temperature rising, you may be thinking about air conditioning options. Central air keeps the whole house at a fairly even temperature. But it’s expensive to install. Window units are great for small areas. But what…
If you’re adding a laundry room or buying your first washer and dryer, it’s an exciting time as a homeowner. Finally, your own machines! Privacy! No more hauling clothes back and forth to the laundromat! But there’s a lot of…
Many people have special memories of time spent around the campfire or firepit. Or, maybe you just want to start some new memories. But if it has been a long time since you’ve built an old-fashioned wood fire, you might…
Forced-air systems, the heat source for a majority of homes, are commonly turned down at night or during the day if the home is empty. Why heat the air for no one to enjoy, after all? As radiant floor heating…
Many HVAC specialists are now touting the use of whole-house humidifiers. Some are described as a year-round (or very nearly) product. You may be wondering how that can be. Why on earth would you ever use a humidifier in the…
If you’re considering putting a vented gas fireplace in your home, but don’t have a chimney in place, you may be wondering if it’s even possible. At least, without a hefty remodeling bill. After checking with fireplace specialists, we have…
Fireplace flue, fireplace damper. If you are confused about the difference, you aren’t alone. The words are used incorrectly (and interchangeably) so often that the meaning of each has become muddled. But if you ask any fireplace specialist, the difference…