James Dulley
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Batch solar system can help cut water heating costs from teens' long showersApr 14, 2018 6:00 am - Q. We have teenage daughters who take long showers. Our water heating costs are sky high. We are on a tight budget, but want to use some solar water heating. Is there a ...
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Using a whole-house surge suppressorMar 16, 2018 6:00 am - Q. With all the electronic items I have, I thought about installing a whole-house electric surge suppressor. What are the various types? How can I compare the various mo...
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Tips on adding storm windowsFeb 03, 2018 5:00 am - Q. I think exterior storm windows would be good, but they are expensive. Will they improve window efficiency much? What is a low-cost simple design I can make myself? A....
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Affordable backup power supplies work well in a stormJan 06, 2018 5:00 am - Q. We had electric power outages from storms lately. It is inconvenient, so I want to find some type of backup electric power. What are my options that are not extremely...
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Insulated shades or curtains help keep cold outsideNov 05, 2017 5:00 am - Q. I should replace my old windows for winter, but I cannot afford more debt now. Is installing insulating window shades or curtains a viable alternative and which types...
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Cleaning a fireplace is best left to professionalsOct 01, 2017 6:00 am - Q. We use our wood-burning fireplace for heat. It has not been cleaned out for years and we noticed bad spots on the outdoor chimney brick. What maintenance steps can we...
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Homeowner seeks a longer lasting roofing materialSep 03, 2017 6:00 am - Q. Our old, dark, shingle roof is leaking again. I prefer to install a longer-lasting roof this time even if it costs a little more. Other than metal, what durable roofi...
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Solar cooker is a fun toolAug 06, 2017 6:00 am - Q. I want a solar cooker to help keep my kitchen cooler and save energy. It would also help in case of a power outage or emergency. Can I make one that really works or s...
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Portable air conditioners can supplement central airJul 02, 2017 6:00 am - Q. We have central air-conditioning. It seems wasteful to cool the entire house when just we two are home. Is using a portable air conditioner in various rooms more effi...
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Retractable screen is an alternative to a screen doorJun 04, 2017 6:00 am - Q. I like screen doors for natural ventilation, but they are expensive, inconvenient and don't look really good. Are hideaway retractable screen doors easy to operate an...