Columns

Both current and archived 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 11, 2020

     Dear Ken: I've installed one of those pull down stair systems in my garage.  How do I finish a floor up there, and with what kind of material? Don

January 4, 2020

     Dear Ken: I have a refrigerator in my garage. In the summer it does OK, but usually not in the winter. I can’t keep it cold enough. What can I do to have it run more normally? William

December 28, 2019

     Dear Ken: What would you recommend for cleaning the metal vent screens in a kitchen range hood? So far I've tried liquid detergent and boiling water. Cheryl

     Normally, they can be kept clean by running them through the dishwasher about once a month. Try soaking yours in full-strength ammonia for a few hours. Then rinse well, and they can dry themselves while sitting in their brackets in the hood. Also, don't forget that most hoods have a charcoal odor filter lying somewhere above the grease screens....

Christmas Column

     Dear Readers: This is a reprise of a column I first published in 1996. I hope it will remind you of your favorite Christmas past.

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December 14, 2019

     Dear Readers: Many of you will escape to warmer climates this winter. So here’s my annual snowbird tip list to get the house ready before you leave. Two areas need attention: plumbing and security. 

     I'm not a believer in shutting off the heat entirely. You risk freeze-ups of pipes inside wall cavities, plus the super cold temperatures are brutal on woodwork, furniture, electronic devices and the appliances.

December 7, 2019

       Dear Ken: I’m going away for twelve days. I will shut off the main water valve in the basement, but I don’t want to turn the water heater off because it’s too hard to light. Is that OK? Bill

     Turn the water heater control to the OFF position. It’s OK to leave the pilot on so it’ll be easy to reenergize when you get back. For longer trips though, I think it’s a good idea to turn...

November 30, 2019

     As I get older, it seems the Christmas season starts ever earlier and I catch up ever later. One way to get in the mood, I find, is to dig the lights out of the garage and make a holiday decorating statement. Here are a few tips on outdoor light decorating to keep both you and the family safe this year. 

 

Gifts for Handyman Column

          It’s time to start thinking about gifts for those handy folks in your life.

    And don’t forget the kids. Boys and girls beginning around 1st grade age, a college student in your life, or a young couple just starting out can all benefit from familiarity with tools.

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November 16, 2019

       Dear Ken: Should I do anything with my air conditioner in the winter? Sam

November 9, 2019

     Dear Ken: Would you tell me how to pick out a whole house humidifi­er? Brenda

     Designs without moving parts and continuous self-cleaning operation are best; the AprilAire brand is one. It simply dribbles a flow of hot water over a mesh screen. Warm air then blows over the screen and this more humid air is deliv­ered to the rooms. Install it offset from the furnace---that is on one of the side ducts, so it doesn't sit directly over the combustion chamber....