Weekly Columns

    Dear Ken:  You recently wrote that a ceiling fan should be run blowing down in the summer and up in the winter. One of the consumer publications says the winter savings are offset by the fan's cooling effect. Do you still feel the same? Rick

     I do. The energy savings from ceiling fan operation are a little more subtle than just blowing air around. The theory of any heating system is to wash warm air over the colder outside walls and windows. That's why we locate...

     Dear Readers: The heating season is just around the corner, so this is the ideal time to schedule that furnace checkup. Why? When the first cold snap hits, the heating and air conditioning companies get swamped with requests to light pilots and to clean and service heating systems. You’ll have to get in line then and may not be able to schedule a visit when it’s convenient for you.

            Dear Ken: How do you know if your garage door is warped or not plumb? We seem to get cold air around it. E.J.

            The best indicator is daylight seeping in at the sides or across the top and bottom edges. These gaps are where dust, dirt, snow and cold air leak into the garage. In that case, you need a “tune-up” by a garage door company. They will adjust the rollers and the tracks for a tighter fit...

     Dear Ken: We need to replace some rotting floor joists under my redwood deck.  Someone said to use treated lumber. What do you recommend? Ginny

     Treated lumber is a good choice for this repair. Chances are, the original deck joists were ordinary fir or hemlock. As your question illustrates, the redwood decking on top holds up OK, but the constant moisture between them and the old joists creates spots that encourage rotting and deterioration.