James Dulley
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A portable air conditioner can save moneyJul 04, 2020 6:00 am - Q: I am trying to run my central air conditioner less to save electricity. Would using a portable air conditioner use less electricity? Does one have to be vented outdoo...
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There are alternatives to the traditional screen doorJun 06, 2020 6:00 am - Q: We want ventilation during mild weather and more light from our front door but don't like the appearance of screen doors. What are other options to add screening to t...
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Battery-powered lawn mowers are superior to gas modelsMay 02, 2020 6:00 am - Q: My gas lawn mower just died, so I might try a cordless battery-powered one this time. What factors should I consider and can one cut a normal-sized residential yard? ...
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Rolling shutters can increase window efficiencyApr 04, 2020 7:00 am - Q: My windows are not the most efficient but are still in decent condition. I thought about getting rolling shutters for safety, efficiency and security. What are my opt...
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How to select an quiet, efficient dishwasherMar 07, 2020 5:00 am - Q: My old dishwasher is noisy and has only two cleaning cycles. Which options and features are important when selecting a modern, more efficient dishwasher? A: Today, ev...
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How to heat a home efficientlyJan 04, 2020 5:00 am - Q: Should I use an electric resistance system to heat my house? A: In general, electric resistance systems are expensive to use for heating a house. This is why most hom...
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Using a fireplace without creating a smoky roomDec 07, 2019 5:00 am - Q: We had many trees taken down due to ash borers, so I plan to use my fireplace more this fall and winter. I have never had much luck building fires without smoking up ...
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Glass block windows now often made with plasticNov 02, 2019 7:00 am - Q: My house needs more efficient windows. I live alone, so I am considering some glass block windows for security. Are they very efficient and how can I have some summer...
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Leaky doors cost moneyOct 19, 2019 7:00 am - Q. Both our front (wood) and back (steel) doors look bad and are leaky. Are there many simple DIY efficiency improvements that are effective and low-cost? A. Older, well...
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Countertop appliances vs. large oven and rangeSep 07, 2019 6:00 am - Q. I prefer to use the kitchen range and oven for cooking, but I've heard it is more efficient to use small countertop appliances. Is this true and is there a simple way...