Hunker: Inspired Home Design, Gardening Tips, and DIY Improvements

The Best Performing Whole-House Heat Pumps, According To Consumer Reports

staff@hunker.com (Jennifer Davis) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 22:00:00 +0000

Heat pumps are expensive and take a lot of effort to set up, so knowing which ones are the best will help give new buyers plenty of confidence.

Should You Close Vents In Unused Rooms To Stay Warmer This Winter?

staff@hunker.com (Kristeen Cherney) — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000

When the temperature drops in winter, it's tempting to start closing vents in your unused rooms to save money on your HVAC system, but is it a good idea?

What Those Ugly Radiator Covers Along Your Walls Are Really Designed To Do

staff@hunker.com (Ron Baker) — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

The purpose of those ugly, grated radiator covers along the side of your walls may be shrouded in mystery, but there's a design factor in play.

Prolong The Life Of Your Water Heater With Two Must-Know Tips

staff@hunker.com (Ron Baker) — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Replacing appliances in your home, your water heater, can be costly. Here's how you can prolong the life of your water heater through routine checks.

Why More Homeowners Are Switching To Heat Pumps — And Why You Might Too

staff@hunker.com (Jennifer Davis) — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

The popularity of heat pumps is on the rise, and with good reason. Here's why homeowners have been switching to this heating and cooling system.

Are Pricier Furnace Filters Actually Worth Buying? Here's The Truth

staff@hunker.com (Cayla Leonard) — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Furnace filters are an important component of your home's HVAC system, but is it really worth it to splurge on the more expensive filter options?

Why Your Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air (And Steps To Take ASAP)

staff@hunker.com (Emily Ray) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:00:00 +0000

The last thing anyone needs is for their furnace to start blowing cold air - especially in the winter. But what causes this problem, and how can you fix it?

Should You Leave Your Doors Open In The Winter To Stay Warmer? Here's The Truth

staff@hunker.com (Christy Rae Ammons) — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Winter heating habits aren't as simple as they seem. One small adjustment can make a big difference, or might not matter at all, depending on your setup.

Top Reasons To Install An Air Curtain In Your Garage

staff@hunker.com (Ryan Cashman) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:00:00 +0000

While it provides light and fresh air, an open garage door can let in other unwanted items. An air curtain can help turn your garage into a livable space.

Reduce Dust In The Winter By Ditching This One Common Habit

staff@hunker.com (Cayla Leonard) — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

If you have this bad habit, when you finally ditch it, you'll see evidence of just how much dust is accumulating in your home during the colder months.

Most People Set Their Thermostat Wrong In Winter — Here's The Best Nighttime Temperature

staff@hunker.com (Erika Dale) — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Winter heating habits matter more than you think. A simple nighttime adjustment could improve sleep and even help you save some cash during the cold months.

Thinking About A Heat Pump? Beware Of These Hidden Downsides

staff@hunker.com (Ryan Cashman) — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:00:00 +0000

A heat pump may seem like a great energy-efficient home heating option, but here's why it could end up costing you money in the long run during a harsh winter.

Don't Cover Your Air Conditioner This Winter Until You Know This

staff@hunker.com (Ron Baker) — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Winter can be tough on your air conditioner, so it makes sense to cover it up when the frost comes. We spoke to one expert to find out why this is a bad idea.

Flushing Vs. Draining Your Water Heater: Which Is Better For Performance And Longevity?

staff@hunker.com (Ron Baker) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

These two water heater maintenance methods sound similar, but one significantly outperforms the other for extending your unit's lifespan, an expert reveals.

Why You Might Want To Hold Off On Buying A Tankless Water Heater For Your Home

staff@hunker.com (David Kuchta) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Tankless water heaters seem like the perfect alternative to the massive standby heaters of yore, but many homeowners find they have unexpected downsides.

Don't Waste The Water From Your Air Conditioner. Here's What To Do With It Instead.

staff@hunker.com (Kirsten Nunez) — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 20:00:00 +0000

The water from your air conditioner is a lot more valuable than you think. Here are clever ways to reuse it around the house and why it is a good repurpose.

Turning Off The A/C When You Leave To Save Money? Here's Why You Should Stop

staff@hunker.com (David Kuchta) — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

It seems like a logical way to reduce your power bill. But is it really wise to turn off your air conditioning when you aren't home? We break it down for you.

The Spring Cleaning Task You Shouldn't Skip If Your Home Is Always Dusty

staff@hunker.com (Ron Baker) — Fri, 02 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000

If your house is dusty all the time, there are steps you can take to prevent it. For one thing, you don't want to skip this important spring cleaning task.

How To Cool Down A Room Without A Ceiling Fan Fast

staff@hunker.com (Gabrielle Hondorp) — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0000

As the weather heats up, your house might start to feel warmer too. If you don't have a ceiling fan, you can still cool down a room quickly with a few tricks.

How Much Does Cost To Install A Mini-Split Unit In Your Garage? It Depends

staff@hunker.com (Ron Baker) — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Tired of working a hot garage in summers, and a frigid one in winters? You've probably been tempted by mini-splits, but what do they cost? We asked an expert.