March 2, 2009

My neighbor Jeff wants to know if he can use a brighter CFL in a fixture marked "60 watts max".

CFL's (compact fluorescents) create light--and emit heat--differently than a regular incandescent bulb.  Because they are more efficient, you get the same amount of light by using about 2/3 less electricity, and, conversely, you can get a corresponding increase in brightness for the same wattage.  For instance, if the fixture limits you to 60 watts, you could install a 13 watt CFL for that same equivalent brightness, or you could screw in a 29 watt bulb and get the comparable light that a regular 100 watt bulb would emit.

Jane has a mess:  I spilled some splotches of latex paint on my carpet.  How can I get them off now?

Of course, it would have been best to hop right to it.  Acrylic latex paint can be pretty tough to remove after it's set.  First, let's talk about what might have been.  One of the essentials for any workshop is a supply of white terry cloth shop towels, which you can buy in a bag at the hardware store.  Use cold water to immediately blot up spilled paint, followed by a second course of warmer water plus a little detergent-but always blot, never rub!

However, after the paint has dried, it becomes quite brittle, so there's a chance you can remove it mechanically by scrubbing with a wire brush, or, perhaps, "shaving" the spots with scissors or a razor blade.

Chemically, Goof Off or hydrogen peroxide can work, but only as a last resort, and only after you've tested their chemical action in a closet.

Ted has a cold kitchen:  We have a vented microwave and it gets down to 32 degrees or so inside the box when it's cold outside.  Is this normal?

A vented-to-the-outside microwave is wonderful for getting the smoke and odors outdoors, but it does have its disadvantages, as you indicate.  Check the outside vent;  the little "door" should close completely when you shut off the vent fan part.  If it doesn't, you can adjust it accordingly with subtle bends and tweaks, or you could find one that has a closer spring.  Check with the manufacturer's accessory catalog on the Web.  There also may be a hinged metal flapper inside the microwave itself.  It could be stuck open, and you may be able to check it by removing the front plastic grille.

Sometimes-especially for north-facing vents-the wind is the main culprit.  You could ameliorate this by installing an upside down wooden box over that exterior vent.  Design it so the smoke has to make a 180 degree turn to escape upward.   You can see that will also require the wind to make several turns before it can blast into the microwave.

Pat has had snow trouble:  I get blowing snow through my attic vents several times in the winter.  I know you've talked about this, but what can I do?

Since this pesky problem is a function of your home's orientation and the surrounding topography, usually, it's the same one or two that drive you nuts.  So, climb up into the attic and install some cheap fiberglass furnace filters on to their undersides--but don't forget to unblock them when spring gets here.

For a more permanent fix, block off the offending vents with sheet metal, and then install a different type in another location.  For instance, you could trade roof vents for wall side gable vents and vice versa.