SENSIBLE HOME
Cordless lawn mowers save money, air quality 
Dear Jim: My old gasoline lawn mower needs service again. I thought about buying a cordless, battery-powered walk-behind mower. Will charging its battery drive up my electric bills, and do they work well?
By By James Dulley , May 07, 2010
Screens let fresh air in, keep unwanted bugs out
Dear Jim: I do not like the appearance of a screen door over my front door, but I would like to get some light and natural ventilation through it. What options do I have other than to crack it open just a little?
By By James Dulley , April 02, 2010
Tankless water heaters great if use is staggered
Dear Jim: I thought about replacing my old gas water heater with a tankless one to save money. I heard there is limited hot water from a tankless one and the hot water temperature varies. What is your opinion?
By By James Dulley , March 05, 2010
Location determines ideal humidity level
Dear Jim: My kids have allergies, so I am not sure how humid the air should be inside my house during winter and summer. What is a good target humidity level, and what is the best and most efficient way to maintain it?
By By James Dulley , February 05, 2010
At lower price, special light bulbs a no-brainer
Dear Jim: The price of compact fluorescent bulbs has come down and I am ready to try them. Do they really save as much as it advertised? Which ones provide the best light quality and how do I dispose of old ones?
By By James Dulley , January 15, 2010
Insulating attic’s cover can reduce heating costs
Dear Jim: I use the attic floor for storage. When I recently went up there, I noticed there is no insulation or weatherstripping on the cover to the attic. Will I save enough energy to make it worthwhile to insulate and seal it?
By By James Dulley , January 08, 2010
Consider alternatives for your home security
Dear Jim: I would feel more comfortable with better security at home, but I cannot afford a complete monitored system. I do not want the electric cost of using floodlights all night. Are there any other good options?
By By James Dulley , January 01, 2010
Zoning thermostat can help balance heating
Dear Jim: I cannot seem to keep all my family members comfortable. Some rooms are too warm and others too cold. I have tried installing register fans, but they helped only a little. What other things can I try?
By By James Dulley , December 25, 2009
A new dishwasher will use less energy, water
Dear Jim: I think it is time to replace my old dishwasher. Mine is loud, does not offer many cycle options and uses a lot of hot water. When I compare new models, what are the important efficiency features?
By By James Dulley , December 18, 2009
Filtering materials key to effective air cleaners
Dear Jim: Several of my children have allergies, so I want to use room air cleaners in their bedrooms. I have seen many advertisements with great claims for effectiveness. What type of room air cleaner is really best?
By By James Dulley , December 11, 2009
Determine leak source before repairing doors
Dear Jim: Both my front and back doors are the original ones and are drafty. One is wood and one is steel. I would like to improve their efficiency without having to replace them. What should I do?
By By James Dulley , December 04, 2009
Pellet, corn stoves efficient, convenient
Dear Jim: I am tired of hauling wood indoors for my fireplace. I saw pellet and corn stoves at my home center store and they sell the pellets there. Are they convenient to use and do they produce much heat efficiently?
By By James Dulley , November 26, 2009
Try efficient glass or plastic block windows
Dear Jim: I am concerned about the security and efficiency of some of my old single-pane first-floor windows. I think glass block windows would be more secure. Are they efficient, and can I install them myself?
By By James Dulley , November 20, 2009
Replacing noisy vent fans simple, sensible
Dear Jim: My old bathroom vent fan sounds like a low-flying jet, and it does not seem to draw very well. I need a new, quiet one that is also efficient. How should I go about selecting a new bathroom vent fan?
By By James Dulley , November 13, 2009
Steps can help reduce smoke in your fireplace
Dear Jim: I just installed a new efficient fireplace in the living room. In the past, I have had problems getting a wood fire started and burning without much smoke. Do you have some tips for building a smoke-free fire?
By By James Dulley , November 06, 2009
View your ad here! Cost effective targeted advertising.
Contextual advertising starting as low as $79/month. This includes targeted ad delivery and search results!
Add your business to the Marketplace »
RSS Feeds