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 23, 2017

     Dear Ken:  I’m having trouble hearing my doorbell in certain parts of the house. Any recommendations? Mildred.

     Why not go wireless? It would be impractical to add another ringer to your existing system. You would have to string wires through the walls and maybe add a bigger transformer. A self-contained wireless door bell system, on the other hand, can go anywhere. I found a package on line with two plug-in receivers (the chimes) and a battery powered...

January 16, 2017

     Dear Ken: I have two rooms over a crawl space which are very cold. What kind of insulation should I use? Also, I need radon mitigation down there. Should I do that first? Theresa 

January 9, 2017

     Dear Ken: We would like to get an enclosed system so our fireplace that actually produces heat. What would you recommend? Carole

January 2, 2017

     Dear Ken: I had my furnace replaced, but I’m not sure if they pulled a permit. Is it possible he got one without me knowing? Robert

December 26, 2016

      Dear Ken: We’re leaving the house for three weeks pretty soon. Should we turn the water off while we’re away? Dick

     It’s a good idea this time of year. You don’t need to drain or blow out the system, but by simply turning off that main water valve in the utility room you will have depressurized the piping. That way, if there is an unusual event—like a freeze up...

December 19, 2016

     Dear Ken:  I have that popcorn type ceiling and want to paint it. What is best, latex semi-gloss or flat? Jan

December 12, 2016

     Dear Ken: Is it OK to have a new roof installed in the winter? Ray

December 5, 2016

     Dear Readers: This is the season that stresses the systems in our homes to the max. Long nights and short days with their extra lighting loads, cooking, Christmas lights, fireplace use and extra folks staying over mean that hidden vulnerabilities may show up during the holidays.

November 28, 2016

      Dear Readers:  You may have noticed that enterprising landscaping companies-- in order to even out their seasonal cash flow and stay busy--are advertising their services to install your Christmas lights for you. If you have any trepidation about hanging from a ladder, you should consider hiring one of these firms. Of course, make sure they have worker's compensation and liability insurance before you hire them.

November 21, 2016

     Dear Ken: I have a mountain cabin, and the county wants me to put in a propane “sniffer” in the crawl space. They are kind of pricey. What do you think? Alisa