Air Cleaners, Heating & Cooling

Tantalizing tax breaks and uncertain energy prices have fueled interest in freestanding stoves and fireplace inserts. These outsized space heaters are designed to supplement your central heating system, generally in a large, frequently used room, or perhaps in a central area of the home.

Americans spend more than $500 million each year on room and whole-house air purifiers--also known as air cleaners--mostly in the hope that they'll ease the symptoms of asthma and allergies. But there's little medical evidence that any air cleaner alone can do that effectively.

When set properly, a programmable thermostat could cut your utility bills by up to 20 percent. Our tests found some models that were a challenge to program, so be sure to use our Ratings to find a model that's easy to use and which works with your heating and/or cooling system.

The newest steam irons might make you reconsider sending your clothes to the local dry cleaner for a fresh press. Many new irons are safer, easier to use and release enough steam to smooth dry cotton and linen. Our latest tests show that even budget-friendly models can make your casual-Friday chinos look their best.

All the air conditioners in our latest tests do an excellent job of cooling and come with such convenient features as a digital display, a built-in timer, a remote control, or touchpad controls. But some models are noisy and others struggled to cool during brownouts. Find out which to buy for your home.