Ep 5. Radiator Swap; Brick Repointing

In season 16 episode 5 of Ask This Old House, the team takes on two projects: swapping a radiator with a more efficient one and repointing brick.

The first project takes place in Cambridge, Massachusetts where host Kevin O'Connor is helping a homeowner swap their old cast iron radiator with a new, more efficient one. They begin by draining the old radiator of water and removing it from the wall. They then install a new radiator that is more efficient and fits the existing space. They also add a thermostatic valve to the radiator to help regulate the temperature. Kevin explains the benefits of this upgrade, including increased energy efficiency and cost savings over time.

The second project takes place in nearby Arlington, where Tom Silva is helping a homeowner with some brick repointing. The homeowner recently noticed that the mortar between the bricks in their chimney was deteriorating and needed to be fixed. Tom demonstrates the process of removing the old mortar, mixing new mortar, and carefully filling in the gaps between the bricks. He explains the importance of this maintenance to prevent water from seeping into the chimney and causing further damage.

Back in the workshop, Kevin meets with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey to discuss different types of radiators and their efficiency ratings. They also explain the benefits of using a programmable thermostat to control the heating in a home, leading to energy savings and more consistent temperatures.

In the final segment, Kevin visits a manufacturing facility to see how modern cast iron radiators are made. He learns about the history of cast iron radiators and how they have evolved over time to be more efficient and stylish.

Overall, this episode of Ask This Old House offers practical tips and solutions for common home improvement projects related to heating and masonry.