The questions I get most often this time of the year is what can I do to save money on my winters electric and gas bill?  So I have got a few tips that are inexpensive.  First remember the windows need to be weather stripped.  Also there is a clear film that can be applied to the frame of the window that will give you a dead air space.  A dead air space is the best insulator.  You can do about 5 windows for $10.  You will save that much the first month.  The kit is made by MD (Macklanburg Duncan part # 04200) and comes with the film, and double stick tape.  That way you can put it on in the winter and then remove it if you like in the spring and summer.  But if you leave it on during the summer, you save money then too.  I know you think that having a film across your window would look bad- but it’s virtually invisible.  And if your windows sweat- this is a cure for that also.  Now how about the doors.  They need to be weather stripped.  The best one I know of now is (and it’s easy too) Penco System V.  It comes in a roll to go around a 36” door.  What makes it great is how long it will last, over 1,000,000 opening and closes.  It has a good adhesive on one side so you don’t even have to nail it- all you need is scissors.  It will take up space from 1/8” to 3/8”.    You can use it on old wood windows to keep the cold out.  How many of you no matter how great a heating system you have had cold spots in the house?  Well get a small space heater- I have used “Big Heat” for 25 years and still think it’s the best heater for $45.  I use 3 of them in the house, one in the bathroom and one in the kitchen and one in the den and keep the heating bill to a minimum.  So here are 3 things to try- before it gets cold and your heating bill gets way out of hand.  

Now to the e-mail…..

Question:  I have a commode that is only 4 month old and I have to flush it twice ever time.  Could it be limed up already?  I just hate wasting water.

Answer:  Easy problem to fix just hold the handle down just a little longer and you will get just a little more water – not a complete new flush.  Then check the water level in the tank and see if you are getting the right amount in the tank.  If not you can adjust that by adjusting the float.  

Question:  We are a newly retired couple living outside the Houston area.  We plan to replace our water heater with a tank less one.  Do you think that there are advantages to that?  I love your column.

Answer:  Stay with the standard water heater and add for instant hot water a little pump that runs only when you need to and it runs on pennies.  It’s called Metlund System.  For more info go to their website www.gothotwater.com.  

Question: Johnnie we have some expansion joints in the driveway that have the wood slats deteriorating and raising up out of the concrete.  Is there some replacement material that can be used to replace the wood?  

Answer:  Try a caulking called Big Stretch.  First fill the space with some sand except for the top ½”  and then apply the Big Stretch.  It will fill the gap and move with the concrete.

Question:  We have a carpet that has a red dye from wrapping paper and some yellow varnish stain.  Can you recommend something?

Answer:  On the red stain- use Perky Carpet Cleaner- is has worked on everything I have ever used it on.  It comes with a brush/blade to use with it.  Brush the Perky into the stain rubbing towards the middle.  Then use the blade part of the brush to get down to the bottom of the carpet fibers and get the stain up from the bottom.  Then blot dry with a clean towel.  Let dry completely- check it the next day and if there is still a shadow there then do it again.  On the varnish- use the Soy Gel and then rinse with clear water.  Put on a fan on it and let it dry.    

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.