The Money Pit is a nationally syndicated, call-in radio show that helps listeners with their home repair and improvement problems. The show has consistently been named among "America's 100 Most Important Radio Shows" by Talkers magazine. It's been on the air for over ten years, and is now carried on over 300 radio affiliates across the nation, as well as on iHeart radio.
Each week, Tom and Leslie take dozens of calls from listeners who ask about everything from pest problems to deck dilemmas. Their combined experience and expertise allow them to offer solutions to a wide range of problems immediately. If they aren't sure how to help, which is rare, they can always point callers in the right direction. Call us at 1-888-MONEY PIT or post your question in our home improvement community. Our call center is manned by a live person 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Heating Check-Up
Eliminating Carpenter Bees
Get tips on eliminating carpenter bees. Learn how to prevent carpenter bees from destroying the wooden surfaces around your home and keep them from returning.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Storing Outdoor Furniture
How-to tips on storing outdoor furniture.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Choosing Bolts for Cinder Block Walls
Get tips on choosing bolts for cinder block walls. Learn which bolts will hold something as heavy as a deck into your cinder block walls.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Home Hazards
How-to tips on home hazards.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How to Clean Stains From Marble Tile
Looking to clean stains from marble tile in your kitchen? Find out the best do-it-yourself products that might make your surfaces look newer.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#2549 – Hot Tips for Furnace and Fireplace Maintenance | Steps to Protect Floors | HVAC Filters
SHOW NOTES:
Welcome back to The Money Pit, your ultimate guide to turning your house into a home! We've been busy laboring away so you can have the home of your dreams, answering your how-to questions and diving into smart seasonal transitions to get yourself ready for fall. Here are some of the main points and caller questions covered this hour:
- Furnaces and Fireplaces: It's crucial to prepare your home for cooler temperatures, which includes maintaining your furnace and fireplace by changing filters, scheduling professional tune-ups, and ensuring fireplace safety and carbon monoxide detectors are operational.
- Floor Surface Protection: It’s important to deep clean and protect wood, tile, and stone floors before they face the wear and tear of muddy boots
and wet paws. Get tips for sealing stone, silencing squeaks, and tackling loose tiles.
- HVAC Filters: A small but impactful task is changing your HVAC air filter every 30 to 90 days (or more often with pets/allergies) to improve indoor air quality, lower energy bills, and prevent costly breakdowns.
Q & A:
- Laura in Connecticut called about strengthening the kitchen floor in her 100-plus-year-old house to support a new appliance where a beam is missing. We suggest adding a girder to provide a neutral base and prevent decay.
- Dennis in Florida inquired about using Trex composite decking for a lake dock, despite his contractor's reservations. We affirm that Trex and other composite decking are excellent, durable choices, cautioning only that they can get hot in direct sunlight.
- Heather in California was concerned about her 1937 home's crumbling foundation, damaged by water, and the high quotes she received for replacement. We strongly advise her to seek an independent structural engineer's assessment to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure the recommended repairs are truly necessary.
- Mike called regarding recurring pinhole leaks in his 36-year-old home's copper plumbing. We recommend immediately repairing the leaking sections and nearby areas of the pipe to address the immediate issue and prevent further damage.
- Jim discussed mold growth in his attic after adding insulation. Inadequate ventilation combined with insulation can trap moisture, leading to condensation and mold. He should increase attic ventilation and treat the mold with a bleach solution.
- Martin asked about installing engineered wood flooring, specifically the choice between glue-down and floating methods, and the use of underlayment. We recommend floating floors as the best modern option due to their ability to expand and contract, and advise consulting the flooring manufacturer for the ideal underlayment product.
ASK A QUESTION:
Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fall Compost
How-to tips on fall composting.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Slippery Concrete Driveway: How to Fix
If you have a driveway that's on a slope or is otherwise slippery, learn two ways ways to add traction to the surface without replacing the driveway.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fall Lawncare
How-to tips on fall lawncare.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices