Ep 4. Ep 4

In Ask This Old House season 21 episode 4, architects Kevin O'Connor and Tom Silva take on a challenge to brighten up a dim and dark kitchen by adding some much-needed lighting.

The episode begins with Kevin arriving at a quaint New England-style home owned by a young couple in Dorchester, Massachusetts. The homeowners explain that their kitchen, which is the heart of their home, is just too dark, and they're at a loss as to how to brighten it up. Kevin takes a look around the kitchen and identifies the problem areas. There is no overhead lighting, and the existing light fixtures don't provide enough light on their own. He suggests bringing in expert Tom Silva to help install some additional fixtures.

Tom arrives, and the two get to work. They start by removing the existing light fixtures and patching up any holes or damage left behind. They then install new fixtures, including overhead lights and under-cabinet lighting, which will brighten up the entire kitchen and make it more functional.

But just when they think their work is done, they run into an unexpected problem. Kevin and Tom had planned to install dimmer switches to allow the homeowners to adjust the lighting levels as needed. However, the existing wiring isn't compatible with dimmer switches. The two put their heads together and come up with a creative solution that involves adding an additional switch to control the under-cabinet lighting.

With the lighting installed and working properly, the kitchen is transformed. The homeowners are thrilled with the results, and they can now enjoy their kitchen all day and night.

In the second segment of the episode, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey visits a homeowner in Daytona Beach, Florida, who is experiencing an unusual problem with her air conditioning. The homeowner explains that her unit is freezing up and not cooling properly. Richard takes a look at the air conditioning unit and quickly diagnoses the problem. The coils are clogged with dirt and debris, restricting airflow and causing the unit to freeze up.

Richard gets to work cleaning the coils, using a special foam cleanser and a powerful vacuum. He also checks the unit's refrigerant levels and replaces a faulty contactor, a switch that turns the unit on and off. With these repairs, the air conditioning unit is once again functioning properly, and the homeowner can once again enjoy cool air during Florida's hot summers.

Finally, in the third segment of the episode, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada visits a homeowner in Delaware who needs help turning an old, neglected garden into a beautiful and functional outdoor living space. Jenn begins by removing overgrown bushes and weeds and leveling out the uneven terrain. She then adds new soil and plants, including native species that will thrive in the Delaware climate.

Jenn also creates a custom-built raised garden bed, complete with a trellis for climbing plants. The bed is designed to be wheelchair accessible, making it easy for the homeowner to enjoy gardening and the outdoors. She also installs a new patio and fire pit, creating a beautiful space for the homeowners to entertain guests and enjoy summer evenings.

Overall, Ask This Old House season 21 episode 4 showcases the expertise and creativity of the show's hosts as they tackle a range of home improvement challenges. From lighting to HVAC to landscaping, the experts on Ask This Old House can help homeowners with almost anything.