Ask This Old House Season 4 Episode 21 Instantaneous Water Heater; Planting Trees To Save Energy; Cellulose Insulation

In season 4 episode 21 of Ask This Old House, the team focuses on three home improvement projects, each designed to help homeowners save energy and money.

First up, host Kevin O'Connor visits a home in Leominster, Massachusetts, where a homeowner is looking to replace his aging tank-style water heater with a more energy-efficient option. Master plumber Richard Trethewey is on hand to install a new, instantaneous water heater, which heats water on demand. Richard walks viewers through the installation process, which involves disconnecting and removing the old tank-style heater, installing the new heater and the necessary piping and valves, and making sure everything is up to code.

Next, Kevin heads to San Francisco, where he meets up with a representative from the nonprofit urban forestry organization Friends of the Urban Forest. They discuss the importance of planting trees in urban areas not just for aesthetic reasons, but also for their role in reducing energy consumption. Specifically, trees provide shade and evaporative cooling, which helps to reduce the amount of energy needed for cooling during the hot summer months. Kevin helps plant a tree in a residential area, and viewers learn about the many factors to consider when choosing the right tree for the right location.

For the final project, Kevin and general contractor Tom Silva are back in Leominster to help a homeowner add insulation to his attic. They opt for a type of insulation called blown-in cellulose, which is made from recycled paper and has excellent insulating properties. Tom and Kevin explain how the process works, from drilling holes in the ceiling to inserting the insulation using a special machine. They also discuss the benefits of cellulose insulation over other types, such as fiberglass.

Throughout the episode, the team offers plenty of tips and advice for homeowners looking to improve their homes' energy efficiency. From choosing the right water heater to planting the right tree, little changes can add up to big savings on utility bills and a more comfortable home overall.