Hour 1
Fresh Air Solution
Richard’s Michigan home is, like many newer homes, very tightly sealed to hold in the conditioned air. The problem he has discovered is that he needs to bring in fresh air to replace what exhaust fans like those in the bathroom and kitchen are removing. He wants to know how to do that without defeating the purpose of all the insulation.
The solution for this kind of situation is the addition of an HRV, or Heat Recovery Ventilator*, which exchanges inside and outside air without heat loss. These systems are connected into the HVAC system of a home, to pull in fresh, clean air and take out stale/unclean air while reducing humidity and pollutants.
Sprayed Paint Fix
Danny had the fiberglass front door to his California home spray painted but after installation, the window frame in the door shifted and revealed a narrow line of primer. He’s concerned that if he tries to touch up the paint with a brush it will be too obvious since the rest of the door is sprayed.
The big difference between sprayed and brushed paint surfaces is the brush marks which usually result from quick drying latex paint. The solution is an additive called Floetrol*. As the name implies it helps the paint flow and reduces brush marks while it fortifies the paint and helps resist mildew growth.
Hour 2
Swinging Door Fix
Oneta has a bathroom door in her home that simply will not stay halfway open. No matter what position it’s left in, it always swings wide open eventually. She wants to know what she can do to correct this problem.
The simple solution to this situation is to remove one of the hinge pins on the door and hit it on a hard surface with a hammer. This will bend the hinge slightly so that when you replace it, there will be enough tension on the hinge to hold the door in place. If the door still moves, you may have to repeat the process on the other hinge pins.
Stained Floor Fix
John says the hardwood floors in his New Jersey home have been stained by his dog relieving himself on them. He wants to know if there is a way to remove the urine stains without completely refinishing the floors.
The solution here is to draw the stain out with hydrogen peroxide. Apply 2 layers of paper towels over the stain and soak it with peroxide. This may have to set for some time but eventually it will draw the stain out. If some of the stain still, remains, use a scrub brush with peroxide to coax out the rest.
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Simple Solutions
Nail Pulling Tip—To remove a nail after the nail head has snapped off, slip the hammer’s claw around the exposed nail shaft, then clamp locking pliers onto the nail shaft very close to the claw. Slowly pull back on the hammer handle until the nail starts to pull out. If necessary, reposition the hammer claw and pliers, and repeat.
Rug Removal Tip—To simplify removal of a large area rug, roll the rug diagonally from one corner toward the opposite corner. This concentrates most of the weight in the center of the rug, making it much easier to lift and carry the rug from the room. You’ll also find that the rug won’t bend or fold in half, which can crack and damage the rug’s backing.
