This Old House has been America’s most trusted source for home improvement, expert renovation advice, and DIY inspiration for over 40 years. Now, that trusted guidance comes to your ears with This Old House Radio Hour—a weekly home improvement podcast designed to help homeowners, renters, and renovators take better care of the places they live. Hosted by This Old House editor Jenn Largesse, and featuring fan-favorite experts like Zack Dettmore (general contractor), Richard Trethewey (plumbing and HVAC specialist), and Jenn Nawada (landscape designer), each episode offers practical, step-by-step solutions to real home improvement problems. Listeners can expect weekly episodes pack...
Latest episodes
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51 min
Is Your Fridge Spying on You? + Billy West’s Haunted Bungalow + How Blenders Changed History
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 ac…
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1 h 02
Who Will Build America's Future? + The Bedroom TV Debate + Roof Repair Secrets
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 skill…
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51 min
Should You Talk to Your Plants? + Barbara Kingsolver’s Farmhouse + DIY Reality Checks
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. Th…
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51 min
Stop Wasting Electricity + Ryan Hamilton’s Humble Childhood Home + Home Elevators Go Mainstream
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 r…
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51 min
Designer Dorm Rooms + John Wilson’s Century-Old House + A DIY Toilet Dispute
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 in…
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51 min
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 how layerin…
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52 min
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 comes to…
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51 min
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 should stay…
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51 min
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 numbers. CN…
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51 min
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 make a di…
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51 min
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, including what…
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51 min
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 require far…
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51 min
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 simple ch…
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51 min
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. Then, best…
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50 min
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 biggest red…
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50 min
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 productive…
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50 min
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 throughout yo…
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50 min
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 Allison Bai…
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50 min
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 clean up drop…
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50 min
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 for every bu…