This Old House Radio Hour

Why We Hate the Big Light + Erin Napier’s Haunted Childhood Home + Choosing the Right Driveway

Why does turning on the “big light” instantly kill the vibe? Home design curator Andrew Maddock explains why harsh overhead lighting can make a room feel uninviting and h

Your Thermostat Is Lying + Tan France’s ‘Bougie Grandma’ Tudor + The Trouble With Flipped Houses

What’s the right temperature for your AC? HVAC expert Ty Branaman explains why the number on your thermostat matters less than humidity, airflow, and radiant heat when it

Can AI Run Your Home? + Matthew Quick’s Outer Banks Dream + The DIY Power of 3D Printing

Can AI actually run your home better than you can? AI expert Tiffany Chazey explains how it can manage everything from lights to maintenance reminders and where humans sh

Mosquito-Proof Your Yard + Kasie Hunt’s Forever Home + The Wild History of the Murphy Bed

Want fewer mosquitoes in your backyard without resorting to chemical sprays? Botanist Joseph Reynolds explains how to use non-toxic methods to dramatically reduce their n

Gas vs. Charcoal, Settled + Justin Halpern Moves Home + The Dark History of the Light Bulb

Gas or charcoal…which really makes for a better barbecue? James Beard Award-winning chef J. Kenji López-Alt settles the debate and shares the grilling techniques that can

The Tankless Water Heater Debate + Jonathan Knight’s Crazy Old House + Grow a Living Fence

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, inclu

Should You Kill Your Lawn? + Nathaniel Rich’s Artist’s Retreat + When Contractors Wreck Your Home

Is the traditional American lawn doing more harm than good? Botanist Joey Santore makes the case for replacing thirsty turf with native plants that support wildlife and r

The Right Way to Load Your Dishwasher + Colson Whitehead’s Family Retreat + Grow Backyard Fruit

Is there really a right way to load a dishwasher? Technology expert Alec Watson explains the science behind cleaner dishes, why you should stop pre-rinsing, and how a few

The Right Way to Load Your Washing Machine + Mary H.K. Choi's Texas Home + Contractor Truths

The debate over front-load versus top-load washing machines has homeowners fiercely divided, but laundry expert Zach Pozniak says the science points to one clear winner.

Avoid Locksmith Scams + Adam Rehmeier’s Hollywood Hideaway + Carpet Buying 101

Getting locked out of your house is stressful enough, but choosing the wrong locksmith could turn it into a $1,000-dollar mistake. Locksmith Phil Mortillaro reveals the b

Color Therapy at Home + Tom Papa’s Jersey Shore Paradise + Fenway Park Lawn Secrets

Can the color of your walls actually affect your mood? Therapist-turned-designer Anita Yokota explains the science behind color and how to use it to create calmer, more p

Unclog Any Drain + David Sedaris’ N.C. Retreat + Contractor Installation Red Flags

A stubborn clog doesn't always require harsh chemicals. Chicago plumber Benjamin Vance explains how a wet/dry vacuum, a towel, and a few simple tools can clear drains thr

Air Conditioning Myths + Ben Gleib's Mid-Century Studio + The Garage Conversion Guide

Every dad seems to have a theory about the thermostat, but does turning off your AC, closing vents, or buying a bigger unit actually save money? Building science expert A

Hantavirus Warning Signs + Annabelle Gurwitch’s Healing Wallpaper + Backyard Water Features

Hantavirus may be rare, but it can pose a serious risk to homeowners dealing with rodent infestations. Dr. Zachary Rubin explains where the virus hides, how to safely cle

Hard Water Woes + Ann Patchett’s Wild Childhood Home + Heat Pump Advantages

Hard water is quietly damaging your pipes, appliances, hair, and skin. Plumbing expert Tucker Yarbrough explains what causes it, how to spot it, and the best solutions fo

No More Open Kitchens + Fab 5 Freddy’s Harlem Brownstone + Fence Building 101

Open floor plans promised connection and convenience, but more homeowners are starting to want their walls back. Architect Alexander Dahlgren-Jawad explains why separate

Cleaning Dirty Ducts + Sheng Wang’s Bayou Childhood + Forced Air vs. Baseboard Heat

A five-foot snake inside the ductwork?! This week on Radio Hour, we uncover the strange, dusty, and sometimes creepy world hiding inside your vents — and what actually ha

Vacation-Proof Your Home + Italian Family Memories + Attic Renovation Secrets

Before you leave for vacation, your home might need a checklist of its own. Home maintenance expert Kyshawn Lane shares the simple steps that can help prevent leaks, odor

Grow Better Tomatoes + Tom Papa’s Jersey Shore Chaos + The Shed Showdown

Tomatoes are the holy grail of the home garden, but getting them right isn’t always easy. This week, Farmer Dean shares a simple, surprisingly effective way to grow thriv

Fire Safety 101 + Rob Corddry’s Childhood Home + Cut Renovation Costs

A house fire can start in seconds. This week, a firefighter breaks down the simple two-minute plan that could save your life and the most common mistakes people make in a