This is the time of the year when we start looking for ways to cool down.  One of the least expensive ways is to get a ceiling fan.  But how do you know if you getting a good ceiling fan?  That’s what I want to write about today, so that when you go looking for your next fan, you know what to buy.  How big should the fan be for the size room that you have?  For the most part, get a 52” fan for 12 x 14 or larger sized rooms.  If it’s 12 x 12 or smaller room, go with a 36” ceiling fan.  If you have a Great Room they even make a 60” ceiling fan.  The next thing that you want is a fan that has a 12 to 16 degree pitch on the blades.  Why you ask?  It’s that pitch on the blade that gives you the feeling of wind chill against your skin, and that’s what makes you feel cooler.  Fans don’t really lower the temperature of the room, they just make you feel cooler with wind chill.  So if you buy a fan, and the blade has a 1 to 2 degree pitch, you won’t feel any cooler because it’s not moving any air.  Ever stand under a ceiling fan and you have it on high, and your hair not even moving?  That’s a bad fan, don’t buy it.  Now what about the noise a fan makes?  Does yours make that click, click, click noise?  Not all fans do, because they have triple capacitors.  A capacitor is what makes a ceiling fan quiet.  And a fan that has a triple capacitor is virtually silent.  And that’s a good fan.  Some fans have warranties.  But if the fan that you are looking at doesn’t have a life time warranty on the motor (not blades) then you know that the motor will not last.  All these good things that I have written about, blade pitch, triple capacitors, and life time motors are in one ceiling fan, Regency.  We have carried that fan for 15 years and never had any problem with the fans.  They even have a fan that can go outside in a tree, if you want.  (no, I don’t have one outside!)  And they have beautiful designer colors and blade styles.  My job as always is to inform, and be an encourager.  I want to help you do things around the house and spend your hard earned money wisely.  I am off to the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas.  So when I come back I will share with you all that is new in the hardware business.  I have to tell you, it’s an exciting time for me!

Now to the email…..

Question:  I love your column and read it every week.  Do you know of a product that will remove rust stains from the driveway?  It was caused by leakage from the battery compartment of a golf cart.  I tried using a product, and the run off made a worse stain.  Help!
Answer:  The product to use is Safe Solutions.  Here is how to use it:  Sprinkle a little on the area, let sit for 5 to 10 minutes and then scrub with a brush or old broom and rinse off.  This product contains no acid and is completely safe.  You will have a clean driveway.

Question:  Johnnie, how do I clean solid brass?  What can I use to keep the shine on solid brass sink drain and shower head?
Answer:  Clean the brass with a product called All Gleam and then spray a protective coating called Superior Shield.  It will keep it brass looking brighter longer.  You can use it outside also. 

Question:  My deck is about 10 years old.  Some of the deck planks are chipped and needs some refurbishing.  Also since we have lots of pine trees there is a lot of mildew that is making the deck look black.  I have started to pressure wash it and will do the paint and sealant job.  Is there any product out there that will remove the mildew without wasting lots of water by pressure washing? 
Answer:  First of all down use a power washer.  Use JoMax to clean the mildew off.  Here is the formula:  I pt of Jomax, 3 pts of bleach in a 2 or 3 gallon pump up sprayer.  Use a brush to scrub and then rinse off.  After the deck is dried, use a stain to seal the clean deck called Super Deck.

Got a question for Johnnie? Tune in to Johnnie's radio show Saturday mornings on KKYX from 11-12 or call (21) 341-1573. Reach him on the web at www.happyhandyman.com.