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Freestanding radiators date to the 1860s, when pioneering American heating contractor Joseph Nason designed an accordion–shaped iron manifold with a central rod to hold its fins, or sections, together. This steam system had a single pipe connecting the radiator to a boiler. As the water boiled and steam rose to fill the radiator, it circulated through the fins and transferred heat to the room. When the steam cooled, it condensed to water and drained back down the pipe and into the boiler, where it was reheated....

Best Cordless Mower: Greenworks Cordless Lawn Mower Cordless mowers are convenient, as they offer all of the benefits of corded models—quiet operation, no emissions, and lightweight build—without the limited reach. This particular model offers a 60-minute runtime, seven grass height adjustments, and three clipping disposal methods. Key Features Cordless design 60-minute runtime 21-inch cutting deck Seven grass heights 74.1 pounds Four-year warranty What Customers Are Saying Customers who were pleased with this mower said that it was maneuverable, quiet, and powerful....

Pros and Cons ✔ Set includes a small foldable table✔ Features two table-integrated cup holders and one cup holder per chair ✔ Comes with removable head pillows ✘ Light frame not made to withstand high winds ✘ Table surface area is limited What Customers Are Saying Users liked the overall value of these lounge chairs, stating that their build quality met or exceeded their expectations given their affordable price. However, some customers expressed concerns about the limited weight capacity of the chairs....

Top 5 Under-Sink Water Filters Best Filter Life: CuZn Under-Counter Water Filter Most User-Friendly: Filtrete Under-Sink Water Filtration System Best Design: Express Water Under-Sink Filtration System Most Versatile: Waterdrop Under-Sink Water Filter System Best Two-Stage Filter: FRIZZLIFE Under-Sink Water Filter Best Filter Life: CuZn Under-Counter Water Filter Pros and Cons ✔ Designed to attach to your kitchen sink’s cold water line✔ Uses a catalytic carbon filter that’s resistant to mold and bacteria growth✔ Can last up to five years✘ Doesn’t specify if it has an NSF certification✘ Not designed to help with hard water...

Top 5 Zero-Gravity Chairs Key Features Two chairs and a side table Steel frame Mesh seat Built-in table What Customers Are Saying Many positive reviews noted that these chairs were an excellent value for the money, especially considering their comfort and their included side table. Negative reviews said that these chairs didn’t lock in place well and that they weren’t durable. Most Comfortable: PHI VILLA Oversized Zero-Gravity Lounge Chair With padding stuffed inside of an oversized fabric seat, this zero-gravity chair from PHI VILLA is a comfortable piece of furniture that’s suited for any setting....

The top three pest control companies are a great place to start, since they’re well-known across the country, including the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. These companies also currently offer special discounts and benefits that This Old House readers can take advantage of at their convenience. Top 6 Pest Control Companies in Kansas City The highest-rated pest control companies that service the Kansas City, Missouri, area include: Terminix: Best Overall Orkin: Best for Urgent Service Aptive: Most Customizable Blue Beetle Pest Control Gunter Pest & Lawn Augustine Exterminators, Inc....

She’s Always Worked with Children Jenn has always appreciated working with children. She’s worked in youth centers, summer camps, and even as an outdoor education teacher on a farm. She’s always appreciated giving kids the opportunity to discover things and figure things out for themselves. Good Things Take Time In today’s age of instant gratification, Jenn knows it’s important for kids to experience that good things take time. She knows that by learning where things come from or how to grow their own plants and food, kids are able to gain respect for the process and time....

And when it comes to painting cabinets, it’s important to keep in mind that kitchens are naturally exposed to high humidity and moisture; these factors can negatively impact your painted surfaces if they’re not properly primed first. Be sure to choose a formula that offers exceptional coverage, excellent adhesion, and resistance to mold and mildew. Always scrub clean any visible mold or mildew and allow surfaces to dry completely before you begin....

As larger houses occupy ever-smaller lots and the demand for outdoor living areas grows, privacy is at a premium. And it’s not just about prying eyes invading your space—you may want to shield your own view of your sunbathing neighbors and block out their chatter. How Can I Get Privacy in my Backyard Without a Fence? Fences are the usually the first solution that come to mind. But there are myriad ways to create privacy in your backyard without a fence too—from putting in perimeter plantings to stone walls, or garden structures....

How Long Should a Retaining Wall Last? How effective your wall will be and how long a retaining wall will last—decades or just a few years—depends largely on things you can’t see, such as a sound footing buried in the ground and drainage to keep water from building up behind the wall. Timber can last up to 40 years; there’s no limit on the life span of a properly installed masonry or concrete wall....

9 Chimney Designs 1. Separate Chimney Flues The channeled brickwork on this chimney hints that it serves three masters—fireplaces and/or fuel-burning heating systems—and the visible flues confirm this. Simple rain caps help keep moisture and rodents out while they direct the exhaust gas so that it doesn’t waft down an adjoining flue back into the house. 2. Clay Flue Pots Three clay flue pots crown this stone chimney, adding a decorative touch and probably serving a practical purpose as well....

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook tells us what we should do to keep the grass greener. Test Your Soil A soil test takes the guesswork out of lawn care, giving you precise measurements of pH as well as the quantity and availability of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus (home kits are usually reliable for pH only). Contact a cooperative extension service to conduct the test; they cost around $20....

One thing common to all doors is sizing. The standard height is 80 inches. Standard widths are in 2-inch increments. Exterior doors usually come in 30-inch, 32-inch, and 36-inch widths. Interior doors start at 12 inches and run up to 36 inches. Doors wider than that are either custom-made or a combination of two doors. Carpenters and suppliers often use feet and inches, rather than just inches, to describe door size....

Want to save these ideas for later? Create your own holiday gift list to share gift ideas with family and friends. DEWALT Titanium Drill Bit Set Shop Now This 21-piece drill bit set is a convenient gift for any woodworker. The bits come in a plastic storage case with a clear lid for checking your options before opening it. Each bit also features a patented web taper, which increases its rigidity to reduce the risk of breakage....

The Reviews Team at This Old House researched dozens of companies and compiled a list of the five best home warranties that are available in Las Vegas, accounting for factors such as cost, coverage, service, and availability. Top 5 Home Warranty Companies in Las Vegas 1. Best Overall: American Home Shield Since 1971, American Home Shield (AHS) has been among the top home warranty providers on the market, and it is our top overall pick for Vegas residents....

The best memory foam mattresses have played a huge part in the mattress in a box boom, proving to shoppers that affordable, pressure-relieving mattresses can be purchased online. But, there’s a lot to think about when researching the best mattress for your needs—quality, comfort, price, and convenience. This Old House Reviews team worked with the expert review team at Mattress Advisor to evaluate the top memory foam mattresses, breaking down characteristics such as motion isolation, responsiveness, pressure relief, edge support, spine alignment, and cooling, to identify the best memory foam mattresses for your particular needs....