Q: Is it worthwhile to add a dehumidifier to an existing heating system? If so, approximately how much would it cost? I have a gas-fired furnace and central air.
A: Our house in the winter is not damp but dry, and I shut down the basement dehumidifier from November to April because it is unnecessary and expensive to run, although I've never broken down the electric bill to determine costs.
Because the house is so dry, the gas furnace has a humidifier that adds moisture once the relative humidity falls below 30 per cent (comfortable is considered to be in the 30 per cent to 50 per cent range).
By keeping the humidity above 30 per cent, you can normally turn down your thermostat a few degrees. With higher humidity, your heated air will feel warmer.
Yet, I'll admit that adding a dehumidifier to the HVAC system is not a bad idea, since the more moisture you can remove from the air, the less clammy you feel.
There are other reasons - mould, mildew - for keeping the relative humidity in the target area. But comfort is probably the best one for your purposes.
The square footage of your house would determine the size, and thus the cost, of the dehumidifier. I've seen prices starting at $1,000 for the product, but installation would be extra, of course.
A professional would first determine whether your present HVAC system would accommodate a dehumidifier and size it properly. On-site inspection works every time.
Q: I recently moved into a condo that has large tiles on the backsplash wall in the kitchen.
These tiles appear to be made of copper and need a thorough cleaning to remove grease.
I do not want to take the chance of just using any cleaning product and ruining them.
Also, the same kitchen has bird's eye maple cabinets and I would appreciate a recommendation on the appropriate cleaning product for them.
A: I would think standard copper cleaner would work on the tiles. I'm told lacquered copper tiles don't need cleaning.
Regularly wipe down the cabinets with lemon oil.
