James Dulley
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How to make a build-it-yourself solar heaterJan 06, 2013 4:43 am - Q. I would like to use some free solar heating in a south-facing kitchen. I cannot afford to have a system installed professionally. What type of simple solar heater can...
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Zone control systems adjust ducts, room temperaturesDec 02, 2012 4:18 am - Q. Some rooms in our house are too hot or too cold and someone is always complaining. What can we do to even out the room temperatures to keep everyone happy. Will doing...
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What to do about a noisy bathroom vent fanNov 04, 2012 5:52 am - Q. Our bathroom vent fan has been getting noisier for years, so I want to install a new quiet one. How can I tell which are most quiet? Is it more energy efficient to ru...
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A do-it-yourself energy auditOct 07, 2012 4:43 am - Q. I don’t have a huge budget to work with, but I would like to make my house more energy efficient. Instead of spending some of it on a professional energy audit, how c...
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It often makes sense to use smaller, countertop cooking appliancesSep 02, 2012 4:59 am - Q. I prefer to use the kitchen range and oven for cooking, but heard using small countertop appliances is more efficient. Is this true and is there a simple way to deter...
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Mini-split systems will cool second-floor roomsAug 05, 2012 5:07 am - Q. We added a room, but our central air conditioner doesn’t cool it well. Our second floor master bedroom also does not stay cool. Does it make sense to install a window...
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Rolling shutters work similiar to a roll-top deskJun 03, 2012 5:00 am - Q. The sun bakes us through a large window. We also have a fireplace for heating in that room. Would installing a rolling shutter save energy and improve comfort? I am a...
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$ensible home: Tips on choosing a skylightMay 06, 2012 5:30 am - Q. I want to reduce my electric bills, especially with the upcoming summer’s air-conditioning costs. I thought about installing a skylight or tubular skylight so I need ...
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$ensible home: Wood not a good insulatorApr 08, 2012 5:20 am - Q: My wood front door needs to be refinished again. When I put my hand on it, it feels cold and I think I can feel a chilly breeze around it. Would a stainable fiberglas...
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The Sensible Home: Air inside homes can get staleMar 03, 2012 10:00 pm - Q. The indoor air gets stale and too dry or too humid during winter and summer when we heat or air-condition. Is there any efficient way to get fresh air indoors wit...