James Dulley
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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...
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Praise for rechargeable cordless lawn mowersMay 07, 2017 6:00 am - Q. I am tired of the maintenance for my old gas lawn mower. I might buy a rechargeable cordless mulching one. Are they powerful enough for a normal yard and what feature...
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Rolling shutters can protect windows and glass doorsApr 02, 2017 6:00 am - Q. I want a strong window shutter for security and storms, but I don't want it to block my outdoor view. Is a rolling shutter strong enough and will it improve the effic...
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EnergyStar standards good guide for finding efficient modelsMar 05, 2017 5:00 am - Q. I am looking for a new dishwasher. My very old one is noisy, has only two cycle settings and does not clean well. What features should I look for in a new efficient m...
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Consider a kit when building a sunroomFeb 05, 2017 5:00 am - Q. We think adding a sunroom would give us more space and assist with winter heating our house. What design factors should we consider when building one from a kit or fr...