HomeHeatAdvisor publishes plain-English guides for homeowners who are deciding how to heat and cool their homes. We focus on heat pumps, ductless mini-splits and the questions that come with them: what they cost, what they save, which rebates apply and what to do when something goes wrong.
Who our guides are for
Most of our readers are replacing an old furnace, boiler or air conditioner, or adding heating and cooling to a room that never had it. Many are comparing quotes from installers and want to understand what they are being offered. We write for people who don’t work in HVAC, so we explain the jargon (SEER2, HSPF2, COP, Manual J) instead of assuming it.
Our coverage is mainly for the United States. We also cover the UK’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme for readers there.
What we cover
- Heat pumps: how they work, cold-climate and dual-fuel systems, sizing and refrigerants.
- Mini-splits and AC: ductless and multi-zone systems, DIY kits, window and portable units.
- Costs: installed prices and running costs, with the assumptions behind every number.
- Rebates: federal, state and utility incentives, plus UK grants.
- Reviews: brand and model comparisons based on published performance and warranty data.
- Energy bills: efficiency ratings and what they mean for what you pay.
- Troubleshooting: error codes, noises, ice, leaks and maintenance.
- Home efficiency: insulation, windows, air sealing and energy audits.
A good place to start is our guide to what a heat pump is and how it works.
How we research
Our guides are built on primary sources: the U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR, the EPA, the IRS, AHRI and the programs that run rebates. Each guide lists its sources, and where we calculate costs we show the assumptions so you can redo the math with your own energy prices. Our editorial policy explains the full process, from sourcing to corrections.
Independence
We don’t sell equipment or installation, and no manufacturer, installer or utility pays for coverage or rankings. If we add advertising or affiliate links in the future, we will label them clearly and explain on this page how they work.
Get in touch
Questions, corrections and topic suggestions are welcome. Use our contact page to send us a message.