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.

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

December 21, 2009

            Going away this winter?  Here are some close-the-house-down tips:

December 14, 2009

            Dear Ken:   We moved into a new home a short while ago.  The main heating ducts make a cracking and popping sound when the furnace comes on.  Do we have to live with this?       Richard

             You may have to live with some of it, but there are ways to minimize the noises.  The source of all this irritation is metal ducting passing through or near to framing lumber, like floor joists and studs....

December 7, 2009

      Dear Ken: I have newer vinyl windows in my house. Lately we've been noticing excess condensation on the sills. What could be going on? Lynn
      You're either producing more moisture than the house can handle, or you need more ventilation. Your humidifier has a little dial that you must turn down as the outside temperature decreases-since cold air holds less moisture than warm (there should be a little chart of humidity setting vs. outdoor temperature on the control). If you cook a lot, and the kitchen hood fan doesn't...

November 30, 2009

     Dear Ken: It was 63 degrees in the house this morning. The thermostat shut off the furnace too soon and it will not warm up. Help!                                      Sharon

November 23, 2009

 
             Dear Ken:   I have a tri-level house.  The lower room is always maybe 10 degrees colder than the rest  rest of the house.  What to do?                     Sharon
 

November 16, 2009

     Dear Ken: The linoleum around the toilet is starting to swell and discolor. There's no evidence of a leak downstairs or water on the floor. What's going on?    Florence