The coupling of mass spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography with thermal-analysis methods is discussed from the practical point of view. The gas-flow conditions in thermobalances, the design of coupling interfaces, and the features of the gas analysers relevant to the coupling are shown. The high sensitivity of the Skimmer coupling as compared to the capillary coupling of mass spectrometers is explained by the perfect gas-flow conditions and elimination of condensation effects. Optimisation of transfer systems and gas cells contribute to a high sensitivity also for the FTIR coupling. The evaporation of zinc and phosphorus from a ZnGeP2 semiconductor is shown by the Skimmer coupling with MS and the HF evolution from a brick clay is measured by coupled FTIR.