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In this episode: In this special episode of Ask This Old House, Tom Silva and Kevin O’Connor explain everything you need to know about using, installing, maintaining and repairing a window. First, Kevin explains the anatomy of a window: The sash, stool, sill, jamb, head and side casings, apron, trim and stiles. Kevin takes a deep dive into the history and manufacture of glass, the most important part of any window: Single pane, double pane, triple pane, coated, safety etc....

In this episode: It has been a little bit of everything this week at the 1890s West Roxbury Victorian. The homeowners decided to match the new floors with the old, the interior trim is starting to go in, and the base cabinets and island are installed in the new modern kitchen. Kevin O’Connor gives builder Deliandro a hand installing the two-toned upper cabinets. Upstairs, Boston designer and color expert Cheryl Rosenberg has brought in mood boards and samples inspired by a modern twist on the Bohemian style, Boho Chic....

In this episode: A little over a year ago, the 1890s West Roxbury Victorian was a tired-looking house. Now, it’s all dressed up and looking good. Jenn Nawada and Kevin O’Connor show off the changes to the front and back of the house, creating an open and welcoming environment for the city neighborhood. Inside, Tom Silva assists homeowner Derek with installing an adjustable closet system in the new master closet. Richard Trethewey recaps changes to the HVAC system and basement, including the addition of a new cold-weather inverter heat pump unit, instantaneous gas water heater, foundation repair, and full access to the laundry and electrical panel....

The History Located in Kentucky’s state capital, this simple two-story house was built in 1894 as a parsonage for the First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church. From 1951 to 1960 it was home to Rev. Charles King, a World War I veteran who gained national renown, becoming the first Black elected to a high office in the historically white Southern Baptist Convention. In April, the house was moved across the street to make way for a planned community center....

How to Fix Shut-Off Valve Leak Tools

Payment options (40 points): Options include purchase, loan, lease, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Companies receive points for each of those four options it provides. Solar services (30 points): Does the company provide in-house installation of solar panels and battery backups? Can the company also monitor energy production and perform energy-efficiency audits to ensure system performance. The more options available, the higher the score. Warranty options (10 points): The success of a residential solar system depends on the workmanship, performance guarantees, and length of product coverage....

Most commonly used to reheat leftovers or prepare frozen meals, microwaves are an essential part of a functional kitchen. Today, microwaves contain an array of settings, such as pre-programmed buttons for food-specific cooking and adjustable power levels for a controlled cooking temperature. Top 4 Microwaves Best Medium Capacity: Toshiba Microwave Oven Most Space: BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven Best Value: COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave Oven Best Settings: Panasonic Microwave Oven Best Medium Capacity: Toshiba Microwave Oven This microwave comes with smart-sensor technology that adjusts its runtime and temperature based on the food inside....

Top 4 Outdoor Ceiling Fans Best Reach: Harbor Breeze Outdoor Downrod Ceiling Fan Most Versatile: Prominence Home Outdoor Ceiling Fan Most Rustic: Hunter Fan Company Key Biscayne Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan Most Industrial: Minka-Aire Outdoor Ceiling Fan Best Reach: Harbor Breeze Outdoor Downrod Ceiling Fan This product has two mini fans with three blades each on either side of a light with a frosted glass shade. With an airflow of 4,450 cubic feet per minute and a reach of 72 inches, the three-speed motor can cool large porches and patios....

Top 4 Portable Power Stations Most Powerful: Jackery Portable Power Station Most Lightweight: AIMTOM Power Station Most Ports: GOLABS Portable Power Station Fasted Recharge: FF FLASHFISH Portable Power Station Most Powerful: Jackery Portable Power Station Pros and Cons ✔ Has a specially designed motor to limit noise when it’s in use ✔ Can provide power to devices while it’s being recharged ✔ Can power up to eight devices at once ✘ Has a high price point than some other, similar products ✘ Weighs 22 pounds, making it less portable than the other options in this review What Customers Are Saying Customers complimented how powerful and well-designed this unit was....

Top 4 Tape Measures Best Value: Komelon SL2825 Self-Lock Power Tape Best Protection: Craftsman CMHT37216S Tape Measure Best Digital Tape Measure: eTape16 ET16.75-db-RP Digital Tape Measure Best Blade: DAYOU Nylon Wrap Blade Tape Measure Best Value: Komelon SL2825 Self-Lock Power Tape This product is the most affordable option in this review. It includes standard tape measure features, including a rubberized case, nylon-coated blade, and self-locking mechanism. In addition, the Komelon tape measure has push buttons that allow you to retract the blade when you’re done measuring....

Best Survival Gear: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter This filtration straw doesn’t expire and has a compact design, making it a good addition to emergency kits. Along with filtering bacteria, it also removes microplastics to provide cleaner water. Additionally, LifeStraw covers a year’s supply of drinking water for a child in need with the purchase of one of the company’s products. Key Features Filters 1,000 gallons of water Comes in multiple colors and quantities Removes microplastics, bacteria, and parasites Made from plastic...

To help you decide which cordless drill best fits your needs, the This Old House Reviews team researched and tested five of the best cordless drills on the market. Keep reading to learn about our top picks and how they performed during our testing process. Top 5 Cordless Drills Best All-Inclusive Kit: KIMO Cordless Drill Driver Kit Most Durable: DEWALT DCD771C2 Cordless Drill/Driver Most Lightweight: Avid Power Cordless Drill Best Battery Life: Black & Decker LD120VA Cordless Drill Best for Home Projects: GOXAWEE Cordless Drill...

Top 5 Toaster Ovens Best Cooking Methods: Oster Toaster Oven Best Temperature Control: Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven Best Rack: Breville BOV650X Smart Oven Countertop Toaster Oven Best Capacity: BLACK+DECKER Countertop Convection Toaster Oven Best Toaster And Air Fryer Combo: Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer Best Cooking Methods: Oster Toaster Oven This toaster oven is simple to use with its digital control panel that can convection bake, broil, toast, bake, warm, and defrost with the touch of a button....

Top 5 Vacuums for Hardwood Floors Best Robotic Vacuum: iRobot Roomba i7+ Robot Vacuum Best Cordless Vacuum: Bissell ICONpet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Best Canister Vacuum: Bissell Deluxe Canister Vacuum Most Versatile: Eureka Blaze Stick Vacuum Cleaner Most Lightweight: iwoly V600 Stick Vacuum Cleaner Best Robotic Vacuum: iRobot Roomba i7+ Robot Vacuum For those who want clean floors without the hassle of manually operating a vacuum cleaner, this robotic model may be the product for you....

Best For Large Projects: Gorilla Wood Glue You can use this wood glue on hardwoods, softwoods, and composite woods. It has a clamp time of 20–30 minutes that’s followed by a cure time of 24 hours. After 24 hours, it dries a light brown to blend into your wood. Key Features 36-ounce bottle 20-to-30-minute clamping time 24-hour curing time Brown drying color Water-resistant formula What Customers Are Saying Customers were pleased that this glue worked on several types of wood, offered strong adhesion, and used a fast-drying formula....