James Dulley
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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...
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The Sensible Home: Open-front fireplaces are not efficientJan 07, 2012 11:00 pm - Q. I always buy firewood to use in my open fireplace. I burn it just for ambience, not really for heat. I thought about using fireplace logs instead. Are they as eff...
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The Sensible Home: New refrigerators are more efficientDec 03, 2011 11:30 pm - Q. Our refrigerator is pretty old and I would like to get a new, more efficient one. We are empty-nesters now, so I am wondering if it makes sense to get a smaller o...
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The Sensible Home: Options to improve window efficiencyNov 06, 2011 1:30 am - Q. I cannot afford to install new windows, but I need to do something to reduce heat loss and improve our comfort. Will installing insulated window shades accomplish...