There are 2 products that if you will forgive me for repeating I would like to remind you about.  One is that clear plastic that comes in a box complete with the film and tape for 5 windows for less than $10.  It’s called MD (Maclanburg Duncan) Window Insulation Kit.  It should pay for it’s self in less than one month.  It can be installed and then taken down and then reinstalled again.  No matter if you 9 or 90 you can do this.  Any hardware store can order it for you.  And remember the internet is a wonderful place for knowledge and if you go to the website of any product I write about – they will tell you the closest dealer.  The next item is called a V weather strip.  It’s in the shape of a V (thus the name) and has adhesive on one side so that you can attach it to doors and windows.  Just measure out the 2 sides of the door and the top of the door, now you have 3 pieces.  The strip has adhesive on the one side.  Attach it to the top of the frame of the door and the other two longer pieces to the sides of the door jamb.  One side will be against the frame and the other side against the door.  So when you close the door- no air leak.  I know that the V strip looks flimsy but it is tested for 1,000.000 door closings.  They have done testing done on air leakage around doors and it compares to having a huge hole in the wall.  So if your utility bill is high, for less than $15 to $20 you can save some money and have the utility company wondering what you are doing at your home. 

Looking for all these hints in a book- go to www.acmelumber.com and shop Johnnie’s favorites for the Happy Handy Man Vol 7.

Now to the mail bag….

Questions:  Your columns are easy to understand even for a middle aged woman like me who knows very little about handyman stuff.  I am gathering info for replacing my windows.  I really like the ones that tilt out for cleaning.  But I was also wondering about an attic fan.  What do you think?

Answer:  I ‘m so glad that you have taken the time to e-mail me.  Let me give you the bottom line on windows.  Regular aluminum windows that are double pane make up about 46% of your utility bill.  The Visions Vinyl Window Co (www.visionswindows.com) is part of Peach Tree Wood Window Company and they make an extruded vinyl frame with lots of air pockets coupled with the newest 20-E shield triple coated low E glass.  The coating on the outside of the glass is so smooth that when it rains the glass just about cleans it’s self.  And a 3 x 5 window should cost no more than $250.  Now about the attic fan, not a good idea.  Sometimes they short out and cause a fire.  The better idea is vents under the eves and making sure that the attic insulation is not covering it up.  Make sure that your turbines are working and if new ones are needed then replace them with Solar Life Time with ball bearings.  They cost about $50.  You only replace the top, when you need to.    One more thing- check your ducts in the attic and make sure that there are no holes in them.  I found a hole in one the size of a base ball; I had the coolest attic in town.

Question:  I moved into an older home and one of my kitchen cabinets has a horrible odor when you open the door.  I believe this cabinet was used for spices.  I have tried to sand the inside of the cabinet and then painted it with Kilz.  But it still smells.  Do you have any tips?

Answer:  Let’s get all the primer and paint off.  Then you are going to sand with a product called Bio-Zapp.  We cant’ get to the odor in the wood without sanding the cabinets. 

Question:  I have a problem with a bathtub.  I have a rust spot on the tub.  I have replaced the tub before because of the rust spot.  Is there anything short of replacing the tub, again?

Answer:  There is a product called Rust Cure that you spray on and let sit for 7 days.  After the 7 days it will never rust again.  Then use a product called Porc A Fix.  Just paint it on and let it dry.  It will cover up the spot the rust left.  It looks like finger nail polish – and is easy to use.  Now the tub with look great again.

Got a question for Johnnie? Tune in to Johnnie's radio show Saturday mornings on KTSA (5500 AM) from 9-11 or call 828-8907. Reach him on the web at www.AcmeLumber.com.