The Tankless Water Heater Debate + Jonathan Knight’s Crazy Old House + Grow a Living Fence
This Old House Radio HourShow Notes
Should you replace your traditional water heater with a tankless model? Plumbing expert Ryan Carpenter breaks down the pros, cons, and hidden costs of both systems, including what homeowners should know before making the switch. Jonathan Knight of New Kids on the Block and Farmhouse Fixer shares memories of growing up in a bustling Victorian home that sparked his lifelong passion for restoring old houses. Then, In The Secret History of Your Home, we take a look at the long, messy history of the toilet. Finally, Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada explains why "living fences" are becoming one of the hottest trends in backyard design.
On this episode you'll learn: * How to know whether a damaged standing seam metal roof needs a simple repair or a full replacement. * Whether a solar chimney can actually cool your home and why it works better in some climates than others. * What might be causing squeaky parquet floors and a simple trick that could quiet them down. * Why bathroom ceiling paint keeps bubbling and peeling, even after you've repainted it.
All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
More from This Old House Radio Hour
Is your smart home spying on you? Cybersecurity expert Patricia Egger reveals what your connected appliances know about you and how to protect your privacy. Then, Futurama voice actor Billy West takes us inside his haunted 1926 Hollywood bungalow, where mysterious ghosts and old Hollywood history collide. Plus, uncover the surprising history of the blender, from frozen daiquiris to groundbreaking DNA research. And in House Therapy, a couple battles over whether to turn their unfinished attic into a home office or a kids' playroom.
In the first of a series called Work In Progress, This Old House's Kevin O'Connor sits down with Business Roundtable President and COO Kristen Silverberg to explore America's skilled labor shortage and how workforce training could help.
Should you be talking to your houseplants? Plant stylist Hilton Carter explains why forming a relationship with your plants might actually help you become a better plant parent. Then, Barbara Kingsolver takes us inside her 120-year-old Appalachian farmhouse, where generations of stories are embedded in everything from the kitchen cabinets to the handmade stone porch. Plus, we uncover the surprising history of the burglar alarm, from ancient Roman guard geese to the Queen's nurse. And general contractor Zack Dettmore explains how to know when a DIY project is worth tackling yourself and when it’s time to call in a pro.
Why does your electric bill keep going up and what can you actually do about it? Consumer reporter Jeff Rossen shares simple ways to cut your energy costs. Comedian Ryan Hamilton returns to the tiny Idaho house where he grew up and reflects on how its simplicity and spectacular views shaped his idea of what makes a home feel comfortable. Plus, we dive into the strange rise and fall of the waterbed, then accessibility specialist Blake Watson explains how a new generation of residential elevators and stair lifts is making it easier to age in place.
Dorm rooms have come a long way from cinderblock walls and milk-crate storage. Designer Shelly Gates explains why some families are spending thousands to transform college dorms into picture-perfect spaces and shares the tricks that make tiny rooms work harder. “History of Concrete” filmmaker John Wilson takes us inside the century-old Queens house that became both his first real home and an unlikely inspiration for his work. We uncover the secret history of microwave and House Therapy returns to settle a marital dispute over a sinking toilet and whether this repair is really DIY-able.