In this Insider-exclusive Q&A, Electrician Heath Eastman and Building Engineer Ross Trethewey teamed up to tackle your top questions about home electrical systems, smart upgrades, and safety concerns. This event also marked Ross’s first time hosting our Insider Q&A series, and he did a fantastic job leading the conversation and keeping things flowing!
Heath fielded a wide range of questions from fellow Insiders—from flickering lights and panel safety to whole-house surge protectors and underrated home upgrades. He even took on a few fun, rapid-fire questions submitted by Jenn Nawada about his favorite projects, hobbies, and most memorable travel mishaps. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues in an older home or planning your next DIY project, there’s a ton of useful insight packed into this Q&A.
Have a question for Heath for the future?
Submit it using the form below or by emailing us at QandA@www.thisoldhouse.com with the subject line, “Question for Heath”.
How to watch:
Catch it on YouTube or in the This Old House Insider Facebook Group.
As always, this event is just for This Old House Insiders—don’t miss it!
Questions from the Livestream
1. Must-Have Electrical Upgrades for Older Homes
What’s one electrical upgrade you think every older home should prioritize? –Sandra M.
2. The Most Common Electrical Problem Heath Sees
What’s the most common electrical issue you get asked about on Ask This Old House—and what’s usually the cause? –Charlie P.
3. Are Power Strips a Long-Term Solution?
Is it ever OK to use a power strip permanently in a room that doesn’t have enough outlets—or is that a fire hazard waiting to happen? –Dan R.
4. Can You Swap a 15-Amp Breaker for a 20-Amp?
Can you take out a 15 amp breaker at the panel and replace it with a 20 amp breaker, so I don’t keep blowing the breaker? –Jason
5. Do I Still Need Power Strips with a Whole-House Surge Protector?
I installed a whole house surge protector. Should I throw out my power strips or do they provide extra protection? –Ed B.
6. How to Identify GFCI Protection Without Reset Buttons
How can I tell if my existing outlets are GFCI protected—even if they don’t have the test/reset buttons? –Ben M.
7. Why Do My Lights Flicker When Appliances Kick On?
Why do my lights flicker when the AC or fridge turns on? Is that just normal power draw or something I should worry about? –Gary S.
8. Do Breakers Wear Out Over Time?
We have two kitchen ovens that are the only things on a double-breaker circuit. Over the last 6 months or so, the breaker will sometimes pop when both ovens are on at the same time. Do breakers “age”? What else could cause this? –Dave O.
9. Should I Replace My Zinsco Panel?
My circuit breakers are Zinsco brand and someone told me they’re a fire risk. Should I replace the entire panel right away? –Carmen S.
10. Do Smart Switches Require Wiring Updates?
If I want to add smart switches or outlets, do I need to update any part of my wiring first? –Tom E.
11. The Most Underrated Electrical Feature to Add to Your Home
What’s one electrical feature that you think is underrated or that you wish more people had in their homes? –Angela F.
12. A Dream Project Heath Hasn’t Done Yet
Is there a project you’d love to do on the show but haven’t had the chance yet? –Phil J.
Bonus Questions from Jenn Nawada
13. Heath’s Worst Travel Story
What is your worst travel story? –Jenn Nawada
14. Favorite Project on Ask or This Old House
What has been your favorite project so far (could be either Ask or House)? –Jenn Nawada
15. Heath’s Hobbies Outside of Work
What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of work? –Jenn Nawada
