Around the House with Eric G®: Home Improvement Remodeling & DIY

Eric Goranson
  • 4.3 (41)
  • Home & Garden
  • Semiweekly

Around the House with Eric G® is the national home improvement radio show and podcast for homeowners, first-time buyers, DIYers and the pros who build homes. Every week we cover kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home repair, healthy homes and smart home tech, so you can renovate, repair and upgrade with confidence, without the costly mistakes. Heard on 200+ stations by 1.2 million weekly listeners, and more than 40% of them are contractors. Hosted by Eric Goranson, CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer), with frequent co-host John Dudley, a former contractor. What you'll hear on Around the House: • Kitchen remodeling: cabinets, countertops, appliances and layout tips from a Certified Kitchen Designer • Bathroom remodeling: showers, toilets, tile, ventilation and fixtures that last • DIY home repair and maintenance you can tackle this weekend • Smart home tech: lighting, locks, cameras and safety products that are actually easy to use • Healthy homes: air quality, water, HVAC and building science explained in plain English • New products and trends from KBIS and the International Builders' Show • Expert interviews with designers, builders, manufacturers and industry leaders Plus The Punch List, our midweek episode on housing news: mortgage rates, home prices, remodeling trends and product recalls that affect your home and your wallet. New full episodes every weekend, and The Punch List every Wednesday. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast app. For show notes, product links and past episodes, visit aroundthehouseonline.com. Information on Around the House is general and not a substitute for advice from a building professional on your specific project.

  1. 1d ago

    Smart Home Tech & HVAC Explained | This Saturday's Preview

    This Saturday on Around the House with Eric G, we're covering smart home tech and how your HVAC system really works! In hour one, Wendy Glaister joins us and Eric teaches Home Tech 101. That means easy smart home products like a one-swipe "good night" scene that locks the doors, closes the garage, lowers the blinds and sets the outdoor lights. We'll also talk about why smart devices like video doorbells only last about five to seven years. In hour two, we sit down with Pyramid Heating and Cooling to explain how your furnace and HVAC work, which noises warn you of trouble, and how fresh-air code changes are affecting today's systems. Listen this weekend on your favorite podcast player. Everything's linked at aroundthehouseonline.com. Thanks for listening to Around the House with Eric G! Subscribe so you never miss a new episode: around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen Watch and follow us on YouTube: Around the House with Eric G: www.youtube.com/@aroundthehouseEricGAround the House HQ: www.youtube.com/@AroundtheHouseHQ Join the Around the House Insider for the full back catalog, exclusive content, early access to new shows and a direct line to Eric G: around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support Has this episode helped with your house? We'd love a quick rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's the best way to help other homeowners find the show. For more tips, products and past episodes, visit aroundthehouseonline.com Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

  2. 2d ago

    Portland Hotel Crash and Unlicensed Contractors: What It Means for Your Home

    Portland's downtown hotel crash and a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed contractors both hit homeowners, and we break down why. I saw hotels in Portland go from hundreds of millions to pocket change, and that cascade matters even if you're only worried about a kitchen remodel. We riff on jaw-dropping numbers. The Royal Sonesta was bought for $108M in 2016 and resold for about $6.8M. Yeah, you heard that right. We talk about how hotel and commercial fire sales reshape downtown cores, and why those downtown problems eventually trickle into neighborhood housing markets. I give the bleak-but-useful view: commercial collapse can depress surrounding residential values and change who's buying and how properties get repurposed. Then we flip gears into contractor land. State contractor boards are finally doing the thing we've been nagging about: going after unlicensed, unbonded contractors who show up with a van, a pocket full of cash and zero paperwork. I walk you through the real risks of hiring an unlicensed contractor, from injuries to illegal decks to bad wiring. Then there's the nightmare scenario where your homeowner's policy won't save you because suddenly you're their employer. I share how to check a contractor's license before you hand over a deposit, plus a brutal real-world story of a guy who paid cheap, got $200k of trash work, and doubled down on bad choices. We wrap with product recalls you shouldn't ignore: wire grill brushes, gas patio heaters and knockoff kids' gear. The takeaway? Spend a little more on a licensed and bonded crew, or pay a lot more later, literally and emotionally. Takeaways: I can't believe downtown hotels are selling for pennies on the dollar. We're seeing 70–90% collapses that could trickle into residential housing markets.State contractor boards and NASCLA are running nationwide stings against unlicensed contractors. Nevada's undercover ops exposed unlicensed bidders offering work up to $100k, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.Hiring an unlicensed, unbonded contractor can make you the employer on the hook for injuries, and your homeowner's insurance likely won't cover that mess.Here's how to check a contractor's license: I call the state or local licensing agency, dig through service records, and judge how complaints were handled before handing over any deposit.I watched a homeowner pay $200,000 to an unlicensed crew, then need another $100,000 in repairs because of illegal decks, bad wiring and dangerous workmanship. It's a textbook contractor scam story.Product recalls to know about: wire grill brushes, gas patio heaters and cheap knockoff kids' gear are getting pulled for safety reasons. Don't ignore them, or dinner might fight back. Links referenced in this episode: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls: www.cpsc.gov/RecallsOregon CCB contractor license lookup: search.ccb.state.or.us/searchNASCLA: www.nascla.orgAround the House: aroundthehouseonline.com Companies and organizations mentioned: Royal SonestaHotel ZagsNASCLA (National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies)Oregon Construction Contractors Board (Oregon CCB)California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)Hillsborough County Sheriff's OfficeSan Luis Obispo County District AttorneyLithonia Lighting Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/ Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

  3. Oct 21

    Midweek Punch List: I Caught Lennar’s Sneaky Home Swap — Sketchy or Criminal?

    Forget polite corporate spin — I ripped into something that smells funny and I’m dragging you along. I talk about how Lennar spun off Milrose (they split it off in early 2025), and then Milrose went on a buying spree: more than 700 finished homes across 15 states in about a month, roughly $200 million worth. My antennae went up when Hunter Brook Media (and yes, they’re affiliated with an investment firm) started poking around and found Milrose buying homes that were supposed to be held as land — not rented out. Then filings changed, suddenly allowing Milrose to rent finished houses. Investors filed a class action claiming misleading statements between February 2025 and October 2026, and I walk through the math that suggests Lennar only barely hit delivery targets because of those sales. It’s sketchy, possibly a backroom move to prop up sales numbers and keep stock sentiment buoyant — and then Warren Buffett’s Berkshire quietly ups its stake. I also share my own, annoyingly personal connection: my fiancés son bought a Lennar home and we’re still battling HVAC and wiring issues. Bottom line: whether this is illegal or just ugly accounting, it stinks for homeowners and could ripple through neighborhoods. I’m staying on this story and doing a feature about a Lennar homeowner’s fight — so yeah, expect more receipts soon. Takeaways: I’m calling shenanigans on Lennar’s move to spin off Milrose and then sell finished homes back to it, because it looks like a dodge to prop delivery numbers and tidy up earnings at just the right time.We talked about the investor lawsuit alleging misleading statements between February 2025 and October 2026, and I can’t help but note how odd timing—Lennar misses targets, Milrose pops up buying homes, and Berkshire quietly ups its stake—raises real questions.I’ve seen the homeowner side up close—my fiancée’s son bought from Lennar and we’re still fighting HVAC and wiring issues despite inspections, which makes me skeptical about quality control and buyer protections.We dug into the data and found nuance: a London School of Economics study suggests institutional buying can depress nearby home prices over time, while a Philly Fed paper found single-family rentals might nudge prices up slightly, so the real impact isn’t black-and-white.Heads-up on recalls: big-ticket hazards this week include 3M Scotch laminators that can overheat, crystal glass cups that can shatter into ingestion risks, bedside sleepers posing suffocation dangers, and air rifles firing unexpectedly—so I strongly recommend checking cpsc.gov for anything in your home.On a lighter note, I’m kind of into Medea’s new Straw Wash dishwasher—finally someone designing jets to actually clean metal straws and lids, and yeah, I’ll admit I want one because I’m tired of pre-rinsing and pretending it’s fine. Links referenced in this episode: expedia.comyoutube.comcpsc.gov/recallsfinance.yahoo.comaroundthehouseonline.com

  4. Oct 17

    Home Ventilation & Indoor Air Quality: ERVs, Exhaust Fans, MERV-13 Filters (with Ken Nelson from Panasonic)

    Home ventilation with Ken from Panasonic: ERVs, bath and kitchen exhaust fans, crawlspace moisture and MERV-13 filters for better indoor air. Ventilation is the single biggest thing you can do to keep your home healthy, and John and I got into it with Ken from Panasonic. We talked about why the dusty little $29 fan most builders put in isn't cutting it, and why a quality fan with a real ECM motor pays for itself. Ken has one humming away in his own crawl space that's been running for 18 years. We broke down ERVs: two fans and a special membrane core that swaps heat and moisture, so you get fresh air without a runaway energy bill. Then the part nobody wants to hear: check those filters. In wildfire smoke or high-pollution areas you may be changing them monthly, and a MERV-13 filter makes a real difference. We also busted a few myths. An open window isn't always ventilation, because air needs pressure differences to move. Over-the-range microwaves are about the worst "hood" you can buy. And recirculating hoods just push the grease and gunk around. Kitchens, garages and crawl spaces all make moisture and fumes that feed mold, so vent fans to the outside, not into the attic. In this episode: - Why cheap bath fans are a false economy, and what ECM motors bring to the table - How an ERV works and why it saves energy - MERV-13 filters and how often to change them in wildfire or smoky air - Smart controls that can pause outside air when air quality is bad, and what they cost - Why open windows aren't reliable ventilation - Over-the-range microwaves vs. a properly ducted kitchen hood - Garage and crawlspace ventilation to keep moisture and mold out - Motion-sensor and humidity-sensing fans that turn on so you don't have to remember - Balancing a tight, energy-efficient house with healthy air, code and the builder's budget Thanks for listening to Around the House! Subscribe so you get the latest episode as soon as it posts: https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen Join the Around the House Insider for the back catalog, exclusive content, early access to the show and a direct email to Eric G: https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and reviews about how this info helped with your house. More at https://aroundthehouseonline.com/ Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show. Takeaways: I brag about Panasonic's ECM motors — ours run for decades with minimal fuss, so don't cheap out on fans unless you enjoy mysterious mold and callbacks.We reminded listeners that ventilation isn't just for bathrooms; kitchens, garages, and crawl spaces produce moisture, chemicals, and starch aerosols that feed mold and wreck indoor air if ignored.I explained ERVs: two fans and a special membrane core that swaps heat and moisture so we save energy and keep humidity manageable, not mystical voodoo.We stressed that ERV and ventilation filters must be checked often — in high PM or wildfire-prone areas you'll change them monthly, otherwise your fancy system turns into a black Chia Pet.I admitted smart controls can pause ventilation during wildfire smoke or awful outdoor air, but adding Wi‑Fi sensors and automation costs money, and builders are watching every cent.We warned that open windows don't guarantee ventilation because air movement needs pressure differentials; mechanical systems give predictable, uneventful fresh air while windows gamble with the weather.I roasted over‑the‑range microwaves as the worst ventilation option — they mostly recirculate greasy vapor, so invest in a properly ducted hood that vents outside.We balanced reality: tightening the building envelope saves energy but requires smarter ventilation choices, so pick solutions that hit comfort, health, code, and the builder's budget. Companies mentioned in this episode: Panasonic VentilationPanasonicENERGY STARGore-TexLinkedInFacebookYouTube Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/ Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

  5. Oct 17

    AI Remodeling Estimates: Instabid.pro Review, Scan a Kitchen and Get a Bid in Minutes (Best Of)

    Eric had a family emergency this week so we had to jump into a best of episode as he had to jump on a plane to the midwest: AI remodeling estimates with Instabid.pro: scan your kitchen with your phone, get a contractor bid in minutes. A Best Of on AI estimating. John and I start by poking at those viral 3D-printed house videos. They look great, but I'm not convinced a stack of concrete tubes makes it through a real winter. Then we get to something actually useful: Instabid.pro. You walk a kitchen with your phone, the app recognizes the granite, sinks and cabinets, and it gives you a full bid, a material list and a before-and-after render in about a minute. That takes out the slowest part of remodeling, the back-and-forth measuring and estimating that used to eat days or weeks. For contractors, it handles automatic sub notifications, change-order tracking, labor-hour uploads and approvals, so jobs don't bleed money because somebody forgot the countertop. It's built on decades of field experience and regional pricing, so the numbers reflect where you live. We also compared it with other AI estimating tools, including one demo that came in $60K short on a 600-square-foot addition. AI is not a contractor replacement. It's great at simple visual swaps, but you still need people for the messy surprises of real construction. In this episode: - 3D-printed houses: hype vs. a real winter - How Instabid.pro turns a phone scan into a bid, material list and render - Regional, contractor-based pricing vs. AI tools that come in way off - Contractor tools: sub notifications, change orders, labor hours and auto-approvals - What homeowners should do instead of waiting on bids that never come - Phone thermal imagers for spotting hidden leaks and hot breakers - Instabid's free trial and pilot program Links: https://instabidpro.com Takeaways: We ripped through Instabid.pro — I swear it spits out regional, contractor-priced bids in about a minute, killing the old two-week bid slog.I kept saying AI isn't a magic contractor replacement — it nails simple visual swaps, but we still need humans to handle construction's messy, surprise-filled nuance.We laughed about robot apocalypses, but truthfully Instabid actually helps keep contractors honest with auto sub notifications, change orders, and fewer admin headaches.I told homeowners the new workflow plainly: scan your kitchen with your phone, hit the contractor's Instabid form, and bam — multiple real bids, not sketchy spitballs.We compared the market and found a lot of AI estimating tools wildly off; Instabid leans on decades of trade experience and localized data for much better accuracy.I geeked out about affordable tech like phone thermal imagers — small, fun toys that let us spot hidden leaks or hot breakers without ripping open walls.We emphasized how contractors can customize parts and pricing, set auto-approvals, and protect margins, so the platform’s speed doesn't mean careless, underpriced work.I openly invited listeners to try the Instabid Pro trial and even call the founder — no-BS transparency, a pilot program, and a promise to build what contractors actually need. Links referenced in this episode: youtube.comhomeadvisor.comhouzz.cominstabidpro.com Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/ Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

  6. Oct 14

    New Construction Buyer Tips: Builder Rate Buy-Downs, Pre-Drywall Inspections & Recalls

    Buying new construction with 7% mortgage rates: builder rate buy-downs, pre-drywall inspections, buyer's agents and this week's product recalls. This week's Punch List is a quick one. I recorded from a hotel room in Rochester, MN, near the Mayo Clinic, because family comes first, so forgive the scratchy voice. Next week we're back with a fresh show. The housing market is weird right now. Mortgage rates are over 7%, but prices are drifting down, so if you can handle the payment it may be a smart time to buy. Builders are getting creative to move houses. They're buying down points, cutting their realtor commissions and, in some cases, cutting corners on the build. I walk through how a builder buying down two points can steer you toward new construction, and why that sweet monthly payment can come with drywall surprises later. I also don't think we're going back to 3% rates. 5% is the new comfort zone. If you're buying new, get a local new-construction inspector on a pre-construction contract to check the concrete, framing and pre-drywall. And don't cheap out on your agent. When the builder knocks commission down to 1%, you lose the person who's supposed to fight for you. We also ran through the recalls, including propane fireplace lava rocks that can explode and trimmer mowers that can catch fire. And I had a few words for the internet folks upset that Tillamook is Halal-certified. It's about how the cheese is made. Do two seconds of research. In this episode: - Why falling prices and 7%+ rates make timing and math everything - How builder point buy-downs work and how they steer buyers - Hiring a new-construction inspector for concrete, framing and pre-drywall checks - Why paying a market-rate buyer's agent protects you - Where long-term mortgage rates are likely to settle - Recalls: propane fireplace inserts and lava rocks, recalled trimmer mowers - The Tillamook Halal-certification panic Links: https://aroundthehouseonline.com Takeaways: I'm on the road in Rochester with a shot voice from a pre-90s hotel room, so forgive the rasp while I walk you through why high interest rates make buying tricky even as prices fall.We think right now is a weird sweet spot: prices are dropping, but seven-percent mortgage pain makes timing and math everything, so buying only makes sense if you can stomach higher payments short-term for potential long-term gains.Builders are aggressive—buying down points and skimping on workmanship—so I recommend locking in a local new-construction certified inspector for concrete, framing, and pre-drywall checks to catch shortcuts early.Don't cut realtor corners: when builders slash commissions to one percent you lose an advocate; pay market rate for an agent who will actually fight for you and protect future costs.Heads-up on recalls and safety: stop using certain propane fireplace inserts and recalled trimmer mowers, and check with manufacturers or REI for fixes—small products can create big fire or crash risks.And for some delightful social-media nonsense—Tillamook being Halal-certified isn't a cultural takeover, it's better cheese production choices; I call out the dumb panic and remind you to do two seconds of research. Links referenced in this episode: aroundthehouseonline.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Around the HouseMayo ClinicTillamookSnow PeakDr. Power EquipmentDecathlonVan RyselREIFord Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/ Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

    New Construction Buyer Tips: Builder Rate Buy-Downs, Pre-Drywall Inspections & Recalls

  7. Oct 10

    Walk Your House Plans Before You Build: Life-Size Blueprints (with Joe Matejka, Walk Your Plans)

    Walk your floor plans at full scale with Joe Matejka of Walk Your Plans: life-size blueprints that catch home design mistakes before you build. What if you could walk through your new house or remodel before anybody pours concrete? Walk Your Plans projects your blueprints at exact scale on the floor, and Joe Matejka told us builders and designers catch over 90% of pre-construction mistakes this way. That's a lot of $20K to $50K fixes that never happen. I'll admit I used to tape out kitchen islands with foam board so clients could picture them. Amateur hour. Joe shared the story of a 26-person lodge in Idaho where they realized too late that "we got a good room when we wanted a great room." That's exactly the kind of mistake this prevents. Islands get moved a lot once people actually walk the space, and you can drop your real furniture into the scaled room on an iPad to find out whether that sectional or dining table will actually fit. We also talked about why Joe went with floor projection and iPad-based 3D instead of VR (vertigo and liability), how the business has grown to 58 locations with a goal of 120, and why hospitals, restaurants and lenders love anything that cuts risk. In this episode: - How life-size blueprint projection works - Catching over 90% of pre-construction mistakes before you build - Kitchen island placement and real-world traffic flow - Testing your actual furniture in the plan on an iPad - Why they picked floor projection over VR - Commercial projects: hospitals, restaurants, banks and insurers - Growth to 58 locations (goal: 120) after a viral video with 37 million views Links: https://walkyourplans.com Takeaways: We project blueprints exactly to scale on our studio floor so I can literally walk the space before a single brick gets laid — that pre‑walk 'aha' moment prevents headaches and dumb surprises down the road.I learned we routinely catch over 90% of pre‑construction mistakes during these walkthroughs, which translates to real time and cost savings versus crying into a $20k–$50k fix later.As a kitchen designer I’ll tell you, we move islands all the time — roughly 65% — because physically navigating the plan changes design from theoretical to actually usable for two people cooking together.We drop your exact furniture into the scale model via iPad, so I can prove whether that beloved sectional or giant dining table will fit, avoiding glorious returns and awkward living‑room do‑overs.I found VR is flashy but often makes people dizzy, so we built a low‑nausea, on‑the‑floor solution that’s a tool, not a toy — practical, tactile, and way less liability prone.We’re scaling fast (58 locations now, 120 goal) and our viral social presence proved demand is real — people worldwide want to walk their plans, not squint at tiny PDFs.We help commercial clients, hospitals, banks and insurers reduce massive liability by catching layout failures digitally early — sometimes preventing million‑dollar screwups instead of expensive late‑stage reframing.Ultimately, I love seeing clients walk out smiling and confident; we turn anxiety into belief, speed up approvals, and get builders, architects and homeowners on the same page — which, honestly, feels like magic. Links referenced in this episode: walkyourplans.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Walk Your PlansOur House FurnitureAround the HouseInstagramYouTubeFacebookNational Association of Home BuildersKBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show)IBS (International Builders' Show)Meditech Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/ Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

  8. Oct 10

    Smoke & CO Detector Tips for Fire Prevention Week (with Stephanie Berzinski & Jason Kohm, Kidde)

    Smoke and carbon monoxide detector tips from Kidde for Fire Prevention Week: new UL standards, low-level CO alerts, lithium battery fire risks. Smoke and carbon monoxide detector tips from Kidde's Stephanie Berzinski and Jason Kohm: new UL standards, low-level CO alerts, lithium battery risks. Smoke and CO detectors aren't the dinosaurs our parents screwed into the ceiling. The UL rewrites turned them into little computers that can tell a real fire from burnt toast, so people stop ripping them off the wall. Kidde's newer units will even nag you at the 10-year mark so you finally replace them. Jason walked us through the UL changes that speed up detection, plus low-level CO alerts at 35 ppm, which are a big deal for kids, seniors and pets. Carbon monoxide often comes from outside the house: generators, contractor vans, pool heaters, a car running in the garage. So even all-electric homes need CO detection. And when you travel, pack a battery CO alarm, because only a handful of states require them in hotels. We also covered lithium-ion battery risks. Cheap knockoff batteries and chargers can start fires fast, so buy UL- or ETL-listed and don't leave tool and phone batteries on the charger all the time. Then the basics: test monthly, check the date on the back, replace anything over ten years old, keep extinguishers on every level, and aim at the base of the fire. In this episode: - How the new UL standards make alarms smarter and cut false alarms - Low-level CO alerts (35 ppm) for kids, seniors and pets - Surprise CO sources: generators, vans, pool heaters, cars in the garage - Why to pack a CO alarm for hotels and rentals - Combination alarms that monitor VOCs, air quality, radon and gas - Lithium-ion battery and knockoff charger fire risks - Alarm maintenance: monthly tests, manufacture dates, 10-year replacement, compressed-air cleaning - Fire extinguisher placement, and why you never use water on a grease fire - Making a family escape plan, and calling the fire department's non-emergency line for help Links: https://kidde.com · https://cause4alarm.org · https://portalarm.org https://aroundthehouseonline.com Takeaways: I loved how we explained the UL changes — modern alarms are basically tiny computers that actually know the difference between a real fire and burnt toast, so people stop taking them down in frustration.We warned that carbon monoxide is sneaky and often comes from outside sources like generators, contractor vans, pool heaters, or a running car in the garage, so I keep saying: even electric homes need CO detection.I pushed the travel tip hard: pack a simple AA carbon monoxide alarm when you stay in hotels, rentals, or Airbnbs, because only a handful of states require proper detection and you can’t trust every property.We drove home maintenance basics — test your alarms monthly, check the manufacturing date on the back, replace units older than ten years, and clean sensors with compressed air so false chirps don’t wreck your sleep.I got passionate about fire extinguishers and placement: have multiple extinguishers per level, use a kitchen-rated unit (not water on grease!), know to aim at the base, and stash one near bedrooms for quick grabs.We dug into lithium-ion battery risks — cheap knockoff chargers and batteries can chain-ignite; I recommend buying UL/ETL‑listed batteries and keeping tool and phone batteries off continuous charge, ideally in a metal cabinet.We hyped the smarter features we love: low-level CO alerts for vulnerable folks, air quality and toxic chemical monitors, plus new radon and gas detectors — layering detection really gives us extra time and calm.We closed with a practical nudge: practice a family fire escape plan now — map two exits per room, include pets and grandparents, and if you need help call your fire department’s non‑emergency line. Links referenced in this episode: kidde.comcause4alarm.orgportalarm.org Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/ Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

See All (858)

4.3
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

Around the House with Eric G® is the national home improvement radio show and podcast for homeowners, first-time buyers, DIYers and the pros who build homes. Every week we cover kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home repair, healthy homes and smart home tech, so you can renovate, repair and upgrade with confidence, without the costly mistakes. Heard on 200+ stations by 1.2 million weekly listeners, and more than 40% of them are contractors. Hosted by Eric Goranson, CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer), with frequent co-host John Dudley, a former contractor. What you'll hear on Around the House: • Kitchen remodeling: cabinets, countertops, appliances and layout tips from a Certified Kitchen Designer • Bathroom remodeling: showers, toilets, tile, ventilation and fixtures that last • DIY home repair and maintenance you can tackle this weekend • Smart home tech: lighting, locks, cameras and safety products that are actually easy to use • Healthy homes: air quality, water, HVAC and building science explained in plain English • New products and trends from KBIS and the International Builders' Show • Expert interviews with designers, builders, manufacturers and industry leaders Plus The Punch List, our midweek episode on housing news: mortgage rates, home prices, remodeling trends and product recalls that affect your home and your wallet. New full episodes every weekend, and The Punch List every Wednesday. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast app. For show notes, product links and past episodes, visit aroundthehouseonline.com. Information on Around the House is general and not a substitute for advice from a building professional on your specific project.

Information

You Might Also Like