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Weekly Columns

Both current and archived weekly newspaper columns. The date of the column and a teaser of the column appears below. Click on the date to see the entire column.

March 8, 2010

            Dear Ken:  You recommended using satin or semi-gloss paint on a popcorn ceiling.  I'm getting conflicting advice.  Lots of folks say "no", use flat.  What do you think?             Barbara

            The reason you paint a popcorn ceiling in the first place is to cover up that dingy look of accumulated dust and smoke.  Those particles have a static-cling property that affixes...

March 1, 2010

 

 

             Dear Ken:    I'm thinking of having an energy audit.  Do you think it's worth it for the money?      Marjorie

            An energy audit usually involves something called a "blower door test" that reveals just how air tight your house is, plus an infrared camera that shows-by highlighting various areas in different color shades-- where the main energy losses are occurring.   Much of this is...

February 22, 2010

 

             Dear Ken:    The kids' bedrooms are over the garage.  As you might guess, they're really cold.  What can do down below to get them more comfortable?        Lori

            First, make sure the attic above the bedrooms has loose insulation to a depth of about 13 to 15-inches;  add some if you need to.  Also, how about the windows?  Are they double-paned vinyl or wood?  Do they have...

February 15, 2010

             Dear Ken:   We bought an expensive new dishwasher because the old one was leaving a film on the dishes.  Now this new one does it, too.   I'm exasperated.  Is there any answer to this?    Janet

            Water can be harder in the winter-especially in certain cities that get their water from a river, or areas on small community systems.   You need to test your water for hardness.  Buy a test kit on line, or at an...

February 8, 2010

             Dear Ken:  Two concerns:  You've talked about draining the water heater every once in awhile.  Could we have the details on that?   Also, one of our exterior walls creaks, and it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the furnace coming on.      Kathleen & Dick

February 1, 2010

 

            Dear Ken:  I'm confused as to where to put carbon monoxide detectors.  I see some up high, some low, and some half way up!      Ken

            I like them low.   When you're sleeping, you're at your most vulnerable.  So plug in at least one detector into a regular outlet-so it'll be at roughly the same level as your head. 

January 25, 2010

             Dear Ken:  A contractor tried to sell us a surge protector to be mounted on the electric panel.  He said it would protect us from power company surges and lightning.  Do you think it's worth $10 a month?     Doug

January 18, 2010

             Dear Ken:  We have a garage problem.  My husband came running into the house to report that we had water dripping form the ceiling and frost on the walls.  What can we do to counteract this?         Joan

            This is quite common.  In fact, if you look  at garage walls in older homes-especially if they are still raw drywall--you'll see brownish circular stains on the ceiling and walls.  That's condensation...

January 4, 2010

            Dear Ken:   I have icicles on the north side gutters.  Is this the same as ice dams?  If so, what can I do?          Dave

            Icicles usually means that water is leaking behind the gutters, next to the fascia board.  That may indicate that the shingles were cut too short.   When the weather warms up, you should install strips of metal drip flashing under the shingles to...

December 28, 2009

            Dear Ken:  I had a technician recommend replacing the furnace soon because it has a small beginning crack in the heat exchanger.  What do you think I should do?   Bev

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March 8, 2010
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