Weekly Columns

             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...

             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...

            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. 

             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...