Tag: home maintenance
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Around the House: Window film good for saving energy
Dear Ken: We have two big windows in a sunroom that gets quite hot, and we want to know what you think of window film? Does it last? Is it good for privacy? — Cheryl Answer: It’s mostly good for saving energy. It can help reflect heat inside in the winter, saving heating dollars —…
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Around the House: Window film good for saving energy
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dear Ken: We have two big windows in a sunroom that gets quite hot, and we want to know what you think of window film? Does it last? Is it good for privacy? — Cheryl Answer: It’s mostly good for saving energy. It can help…
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At Home: Women launch stop-shopping movement to save planet
“What are you writing about this week?” my husband asks, stopping by the door to my home office. “Buying nothing,” I say, tapping keys. “I like the sound of that,” he says. “Me, too,” I say, for a change. My husband and I recently replaced our home’s air conditioning system and eight outdated light fixtures.…
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Around the House: With siding showing its age, replacement options abound
Dear Ken: I have that old pressed board siding — about 30 years old and the edges are starting to look bad. What about new vinyl material? Or what kind do you like? — Brad Answer: It sounds typical for this material. If you wait too long between paint jobs, the edges start to swell…
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Accessory dwelling units are hot properties, and now often legal
While a city exodus is one of many pandemic-driven housing trends, at the other end of the spectrum are millions whose living arrangements have been upended due to job loss, closed college dorms, fear of nursing homes or a need to live near loved ones. Those motives have fueled another trend: the rise of the…
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Around the House: Water line insurance likely not needed
Dear Ken: I got a flyer in the mail that offered to sell me water line insurance for that line that goes out to the street for about $65 a year. Do you think this is a good deal? — Hannah Answer: Not really. The chance of a water line causing problems is slim. It’s…
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Around the House: Time to give your lawn some attention
I hope you kept up with your winter watering when conditions were dry. These here-today- gone-tomorrow snowstorms are fine, but we have had fairly minimal soil percolation. You can tell how your landscape is doing by probing with a simple moisture meter or by poking into the topsoil with your finger. Anyway, this is the…
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Around the House: Take these steps with carbon monoxide detectors. It could save your life.
Dear Ken: I know you should put the carbon monoxide detector somewhere upstairs, but why not in the furnace room too? — Daniel Answer: It can’t hurt, but the primary aim is protecting the family. The biggest concern is carbon monoxide coming from the heating vents in the living area. People are most vulnerable to…
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Around the House: Furnace starts up with a blast of cold air
Dear Ken: I have a crawl space. When the furnace comes on, there is a blast of cold air through the ducts. Is that OK? — Karen Answer: It happens in all houses. When the furnace starts up, it has to push that dead air out of the duct system first. Most of us have…
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Lighting trends: Pull the plug on dated light fixtures ― part 1
“Eeeek!” My husband heard my scream from two rooms away. “What’s wrong?” he asked, finding me in the dining room, where I had locked my eyes on the ceiling. “A huge tarantula is hanging over our table!” He rolled his eyes. “I am well aware you want new light fixtures,” he droned, then went back…