Home | Thursday, December 14,2006

Keep all rooms comfortable

A programmable thermostat helps keep heat in balance

During winter and summer, it is difficult to keep all the rooms comfortable for my family. They are either too warm or too cool, and it varies throughout the day. What is my best option to fix this?

Home | Wednesday, December 6,2006

Paint your cracks

Ways to camouflage defects in a plaster walls

By Gene Austin

Our house has plaster walls with many minor cracks. Is there a special paint that will camouflage these cracks? I can’t afford to replace the walls. Texture paint, a heavy-bodied paint that lea

Home | Wednesday, November 29,2006

Choosing the best air cleaner

Don’t rely on price as an indication of effectiveness

By James Dulley

I need to get a room air cleaner for my son’s allergies. I see advertisements on television for expensive ones with no fans and others called “HEPA.” How can I tell which air cleaner

Home | Tuesday, November 21,2006

The power of corn

Stoves that rely on wood-pellet or corn fuel are energy efficient

By James Dulley

I use my fireplace for extra heat, but it is a hassle. I am considering getting a corn or wood-pellet stove instead. Are they energy- efficient and low-maintenance? What are my options? A wood-pellet

Home | Thursday, November 16,2006

More cricket-catching ideas

Readers suggest cats, duct tape, and glue traps

By Gene Austin

Untitled Document A recent item on dealing with an infestation of crickets in a basement brought so many ingenious tips from readers that the subject seems worth a follow-up.

Home | Wednesday, November 8,2006

How to improve ventilation

When windows aren’t enough, try fans, air exchangers, or “fresheners”

By Gene Austin

Dear Gene: My townhouse sometimes has a stale odor. I can’t open the windows for ventilation because they have no screens. What do you suggest? I would certainly take steps to install screens i

Home | Thursday, November 2,2006

Pile on the insulation

A few inches isn’t enough to keep you warm and tingly

By Gene Austin

Dear Gene: Our house, built in the 1960s, has several inches of insulation in the attic. The upstairs rooms get warm in summer and cold in winter. Should we add new insulation to improve the comfort?

Home | Thursday, November 2,2006

Best woods for flooring

Stability and durability are key

By James Dulley

Dear Jim: I am getting rid of wall-to-wall carpeting because of the kids’ allergies. I want to replace it with hardwood floors. Will hardwood insulate as well as the carpet? Which woods are best

Home | Wednesday, October 25,2006

Drive away crickets

Ultrasonic alternative to poison sprays

By Gene Austin

Dear Gene: Our basement is infested with crickets, and for years they have resisted our efforts to control them with sprays. We are considering trying an ultrasonic device because we do not like to us

Home | Wednesday, October 25,2006

A do-it yourself sunroom

Properly designed, it can capture the sun’s warmth year-round

By James Dulley

Dear Jim: My family needs additional living space. I want a sunroom, but I cannot afford to have one built. Are there any do-it-yourself kits available? Can I build one from scratch? What design is be