Search found 655 matches

by Bengineer
Fri Jan 12, 2024 6:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Guest sleeping options
Replies: 39
Views: 5448

Re: Guest sleeping options

We use a queen size stack like this from top to bottom:
o plush mattress topper - avoids the "cold mattress" situation.
o nice inflatable mattress - several mentioned upthread. comfy.
o quilt or furniture blanket or similar - lowers the risk of mattress puncture by the frame
o foldable metal bed frame - gets the whole deal up to a nice height and folds flat as noted upthread.

The frame stows under one of the other beds and the rest in a closet.
by Bengineer
Tue Jan 09, 2024 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cleaning Hard Surface Flooring?
Replies: 21
Views: 2759

Re: Cleaning Hard Surface Flooring?

I have hardwoods, area rugs, carpet, tile.

Roborock 3 days a week on the wood flooring areas and tile. Sometimes on the carpeted areas.
Shark weekly on the rugs, carpet, mudroom and some corners.
Bissell crosswave every so often, particularly in the kitchen.
by Bengineer
Fri Jan 05, 2024 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GE Fridge crushed ice has cubes in it
Replies: 1
Views: 381

GE Fridge crushed ice has cubes in it

Ok, not an earth shattering problem, but annoying. Haven't found anything searching here or the web in general.

My GE PSS28KYHBCFS side-by-side fridge has an in-door dispenser that provides water, crushed ice and cubes. The crushed ice has chunks ranging from sleet to full size, with a fair amount of full-size slices/cubes.

If you have a similar one, how would you describe the crushed ice particle size distribution?

Thanks!
by Bengineer
Mon Jan 01, 2024 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Conduit Replacement from outside Main Box?
Replies: 5
Views: 657

Re: Conduit Replacement from outside Main Box?

thinking similar "boot" over existing. The conduit likely houses your main underground feed. the conduit is just protecting it where it exits the ground and up to your meter.
by Bengineer
Mon Jan 01, 2024 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar set-up for shed?
Replies: 10
Views: 1498

Re: Solar set-up for shed?

I'd think all 12v - lights, charger, etc. 12v panel & charge controller, 12v marine battery for night operation.
by Bengineer
Sun Dec 24, 2023 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need advice on cleaning fungus and mold from crawl space...
Replies: 36
Views: 3306

Re: Need advice on cleaning fungus and mold from crawl space...

... The fourth quote is just over 4K and includes the following: remove and replace somewhat incomplete builder grade vapor barrier with 10mil. Treat existing mold and other growth (which he says isn’t that bad) and he showed me pictures, etc... Install new circuit and install Aprilaire dehumidifier. Install pump to get water from dehumidifier out to drain. I’m hoping instead of a drain pump they can hang the dehumidifier and gravity out the water and remove the pump as a failure point. Cover/seal vents. I think that’s all. Seems fairly reasonable to me. Anything in the 4K range would seem reasonable after 3 quotes of 15K. I’ve followed up with him about looking behind existing insulation to make sure there is no growth that isn’t visible....
by Bengineer
Sun Dec 24, 2023 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need advice on cleaning fungus and mold from crawl space...
Replies: 36
Views: 3306

Re: Need advice on cleaning fungus and mold from crawl space...

OP, here is what I had done to seal up my crawlspace in the humid Southeast and why. First, the reason mold grows in a vented crawlspace in the humid east is that the crawl is cooler than the outdoor ambient much of the year. For example, 80 degree, 80% relative humidity air enters the crawl through the foundation vents and the air temperature drops to the roughly 60 degrees the crawlspace stays at. Relative humidity approximately doubles with a 20 degree temperature drop . Put another way, the dew point of the air entering the crawlspace is higher than the temperature there. So, the water condenses out of the air onto the floor joists and insulation, giving mold a nice growing environment. High levels of moisture in the wood crawlspace fr...
by Bengineer
Sun Dec 03, 2023 7:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need advice on cleaning fungus and mold from crawl space...
Replies: 36
Views: 3306

Re: Need advice on cleaning fungus and mold from crawl space...

OP, here is what I had done to seal up my crawlspace in the humid Southeast and why. First, the reason mold grows in a vented crawlspace in the humid east is that the crawl is cooler than the outdoor ambient much of the year. For example, 80 degree, 80% relative humidity air enters the crawl through the foundation vents and the air temperature drops to the roughly 60 degrees the crawlspace stays at. Relative humidity approximately doubles with a 20 degree temperature drop . Put another way, the dew point of the air entering the crawlspace is higher than the temperature there. So, the water condenses out of the air onto the floor joists and insulation, giving mold a nice growing environment. High levels of moisture in the wood crawlspace fra...
by Bengineer
Wed Oct 25, 2023 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use Rain-X? Is there something better?
Replies: 40
Views: 5049

Re: Do you use Rain-X? Is there something better?

I found the clean-apply-buff product to work well, but have a limited effective life. As noted, worked great > 30mph, better @ 60. Really helped visibility on the highway in a heavy downpour. Using the wipers shortened the lifetime and wipers seemed necessary at slower speeds, particularly in the mist while following a vehicle or in a very light drizzle. I now use the washer fluid, which I find works well. I generally run the washer first thing out the driveway and get enough beading in heavy rains/high speeds. It's not quite as good as a fresh rain-x application, but good enough without the effort. I also clean the wiper blades with rubbing alcohol regularly. As long as we're on windshields, any tips on cleaning the inside? I find it reall...
by Bengineer
Sat Oct 14, 2023 6:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Extra A/C for southside-facing room
Replies: 26
Views: 2456

Re: Extra A/C for southside-facing room

Solar screens are an alternative to window film. Inexpensive, cut the heat. I've used them seasonally on south facing windows to cut the summer heat, but take advantage of it in the winter.
by Bengineer
Thu Oct 12, 2023 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacuum Sealing Food
Replies: 11
Views: 1355

Re: Vacuum Sealing Food

I use one for meats and coffee beans. Handy for getting the "family size" prices, yet avoiding freezer burn. I tend to separate meat portions e.g. chicken breasts, chill till semi-frozen and freeze separated so they can be pulled out as needed. Also for pine nuts, which are $$$, don't get used often and tend to go rancid. Not so much for often used items like crackers.

Have used this Nutri-Chef and bags for the last 4 years. Cheap, has worked well.
by Bengineer
Sat Sep 09, 2023 6:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Snow chains, AWD, or both for winter mountain driving?
Replies: 75
Views: 5414

Re: Snow chains, AWD, or both for winter mountain driving?

... Thanks for the correction, I mean "all weather." Whichever the type is that's at least somewhat better in snow. I've never changed to anything other than the factory recommended tire, so I'm not that well educated. I'm basically wondering if it's worth it to get "all weather" tires year round, or do the switch-up to winter tires for a couple months when I know we'll heading to the (little) mountains often. I take "the factory recommended tire" to mean what came on it new. Manufacturers have a whole host of variables they are trying to optimize (cost to them, mpg, long wear, etc.), possibly not the ones best for your use. I find tire rack a good resource - punch in your make/year/model and search for tires ...
by Bengineer
Sun Sep 03, 2023 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC experts: Is my A/C undersized for my home?
Replies: 45
Views: 3661

Re: HVAC experts: Is my A/C undersized for my home?

A couple thoughts I haven't seen noted so far. Apologies if they have.
doss wrote: Sat Sep 02, 2023 8:05 am ...
Specs:
- 1.5 Floor plan
- 2-zone damper system (dual thermostats)

...
1.5 story houses are notorious for air leaks and insulation issues at the top of the knee walls where they meet the sloped ceiling and at the bottom where they meet the first floor joists. They often have dormer windows with similar issues.

Two zone systems typically have a bypass duct to ensure adequate airflow when only one zone is calling for heat/cool. Removing the bypass and adjusting the zone dampers so that enough air flows to the non-calling zone to keep the airflow and coil temps within range could improve your overall performance.
by Bengineer
Thu Aug 17, 2023 6:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 18” vs 20” tires
Replies: 111
Views: 9810

Re: 18” vs 20” tires

I'd choose smaller wheels every time. As many noted, smaller wheels -> higher (deeper?) sidewall -> less chance of wheel damage <-> better curb / pothole / road trash navigation.

As far as road feel / driving / steering, I think it's the tires and alignment setup... I note that Indy & other racing cars have tiny wheels / high sidewalls.
by Bengineer
Tue Aug 15, 2023 5:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving cost - best way to do it
Replies: 14
Views: 1369

Re: Moving cost - best way to do it

Okay, the best way depends on how urgent your move is. "this weekend" is going to be expensive. Three quotes and availability likely less so. Regardless, from my experience with multiple moves, you have five possible stages of a move: o Packing - the movers pack your dishes, books, et al into boxes and disassemble beds, bookcases and the like.This will take 3-5 guys some part of a day depending on how much of a packrat you are o Loading - the movers load the truck. 3 guys minimum - 1 to pack the truck & 2 to load. o Transport via truck - driver o Unloading - the movers unload the truck and place your stuff in the room it goes in. o Unpacking - the movers unpack your boxes into your cabinets etc. You can do the packing / unpack...
by Bengineer
Sun Aug 06, 2023 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Potential slab leak. What to do?
Replies: 45
Views: 4974

Re: Potential slab leak. What to do?

trueballer wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 8:31 pm ...
inside shut off valve in the house not fully working.
...
How do you know it's not fully working? Flow at a faucet/spigot when shut off?

I'd get that replaced and test.

Ideally, you have a shutoff outside just after the meter. livesoft's note is good too - we've always had shutoffs at the meter on the street.
by Bengineer
Sat Aug 05, 2023 6:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Remodel - Seeking window advice
Replies: 15
Views: 1703

Re: Remodel - Seeking window advice

... Assuming triple pain to limit solar gain, but open to advice. Some will be fixed windows, others casement and sliders. ... Any advice/suggestions on something to compare with Marvin Signature line? Triple pain (sic) is about heat transfer. You have four numbers on a National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label on every window you'll consider: o Solar heat gain - how much the window reduces the solar heat gain. o U-value - how much heat transfer the window has at a given temperature differential. o Air infiltration - how much air infiltration the window has. o Visible light transmission From my experience with a few remodels: CO surely has a minimum spec for the first three for windows, likely your default choice when buying. Some ...
by Bengineer
Fri Aug 04, 2023 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recurring Car Issues - How to Proceed (Texas)
Replies: 27
Views: 2133

Re: Recurring Car Issues - How to Proceed (Texas)

I would be annoyed too, with a new car. I think if it were me, I'd try to diagnose where the noise is coming from/what makes it happen.

When driving smooth/accell/decel/bumps or parked, climate off, on ac, swc to heat, back blower cycling, steering and so forth.

My $2 is on some part of the climate control. :o)
by Bengineer
Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quality Chef's Knife as Wedding Gift
Replies: 44
Views: 2599

Re: Quality Chef's Knife as Wedding Gift

How about a Miyabi? We have the 800DP - 8" chef's knife. It is a joy to use.

We also have Wusthof & Mercer chef's knives. All are well balanced and shaped.

The Miyabi has a very thin blade, which is great for slicing veggies paper thin, but does take a bit more maintenance. I find I have to steel it more often than the others. It's worth the maintenance. I think "what a great knife" every time I use it! :o)
by Bengineer
Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sealing a new concrete sidewalk
Replies: 21
Views: 2383

Re: Sealing a new concrete sidewalk

Op, you must live where the freeze-thaw cycle is a concern.

An earlier poster noted caulk for sealing cracks and joints.

I think you are looking for a silane / siloxane sealer for the surface of the concrete. Being in the south, I have only used them to slow curing. Readily available at your hardware/improvement store.
by Bengineer
Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Air Conditioning: Adding 2nd floor vent from 1st floor AC
Replies: 39
Views: 2856

Re: Air Conditioning: Adding 2nd floor vent from 1st floor AC

OP, now that you've made a couple simple changes with the vents, I'd take a look at your return. ... The single return vent is inadequate based on vent size for AC tonnage and also observation (the vent is visibly struggling for air). If I add a second return vent in one of the bedrooms, would this noticably improve the 2nd floor cooling? What kind of filter do you have in the return? What pressure drop is it specced for at the feet per minute your system generates? If the area of the return filter opening is undersized as you note, going to a low pressure drop filter may improve the airflow. Maybe try out one of the inexpensive spun glass filters as a test. I have a similarly undersized filter holder that would be really difficult to incre...
by Bengineer
Sat Jul 08, 2023 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Insect Repellants?
Replies: 11
Views: 941

Re: Insect Repellants?

Agreed, we've found DEET, Picaridin and Permethrin are the big three.

DEET in the concentration corresponding to the time you'll be out/exposed. A good writeup on Consumer Reports here.

Permethrin formulated for clothing/gear application (i.e. Sawyer's) to keep the ticks, spiders & other bity bugs at bay while out in the garden/fields/woods.

The combo of permethrin treated long clothes tucked in with deet around the edges & on the remaining exposed bits works pretty well.
by Bengineer
Sat Jun 10, 2023 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stuck bolt on oil pan?
Replies: 137
Views: 9046

Re: Stuck bolt on oil pan?

Assuming the black gunk around the edge of the bolt is hard, my money is on J-B Weld. I'm with Jack on heating the bolt.
by Bengineer
Sun May 28, 2023 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is a heat pump the right choice for us?
Replies: 67
Views: 6729

Re: Is a heat pump the right choice for us?

OP, I think I would want to first understand what I have. First: How good is the air sealing in the house / Where are the big air leaks? What is the current R-value of the insulation in the floors/walls/ceiling? Single or double pane windows? Area? R-value? U-value? What is the calculated heating load at the design temperature for the location? Are the radiant floor heating system controls set up for best practices? Constant temperature seems right. Thermostats? Pumps? Are the boilers performing to design efficiency? 396kbtu seems very large. Do the zones hold set point? If all the zones are set to a constant temperature, does each maintain the temp? Then what I can improve my comfort, possibly cost-effectively: Can I / will it improve my c...
by Bengineer
Fri Apr 07, 2023 7:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roof Replacement Quote Tips
Replies: 25
Views: 3300

Re: Roof Replacement Quote Tips

an_asker wrote: Fri Apr 07, 2023 5:30 am
billaster wrote: Thu Apr 06, 2023 3:16 pm
an_asker wrote: Thu Apr 06, 2023 2:26 pm
pshonore wrote: Thu Apr 06, 2023 9:44 am [...]Of course the main question is how big is your roof? Ours is 19 squares.[...]
This is a new unit of measurement (of area?) that I am unaware of. Would you mind elaborating?
A square is a standard roofing measure of 100 square feet. So 19 squares would be 1,900 square feet. Most typically used when using asphalt shingles.
Thanks. I had no clue lol. :oops:
Roofers will sometimes quote bundles (of shingles) so it's important to know how many bundles per square for the shingles you are using. For example 3 bundles per square for 3-tab shingles, often 4 bundles per square for multi layer architectural shingles.
by Bengineer
Thu Feb 16, 2023 7:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Made-In cookware
Replies: 38
Views: 4175

Re: Made-In cookware

I think YMMV on the "exposed rim" dishwasher issue.

We've used all-clad for nearly 3 meals a day for 23 years, mostly hand wash, but run some through the dishwasher occasionally, say once a week. I don't see or feel any erosion of the core at the edge of the pots that get run through the dishwasher the most often.

We've lived in places with hard and soft water over the years. We use the minimum amount of detergent to get the job done.

Running them through the dishwasher every day / hard water / lots of detergent might alter the outcome.
by Bengineer
Wed Feb 01, 2023 6:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC problem-Check-up/ regular service choices
Replies: 7
Views: 767

Re: HVAC problem-Check-up/ regular service choices

Is your system a heat pump? One possible source is that the HVAC went through a defrost cycle, which fires up the electric aux heat strips (think wire coils like a toaster) and runs the fan at higher speed. If it's the first time in a while, the coils will burn off any dust that has accumulated, creating a burnt smell.
by Bengineer
Fri Jan 20, 2023 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to eliminate significant off-gassing from refinished floors, 6 months later
Replies: 22
Views: 2948

Re: How to eliminate significant off-gassing from refinished floors, 6 months later

We had 1000'^2 of our downstairs refinished with polyurethane as part of a reno/remodel. The volatile organic compounds dropped off exponentially (anectodally), but we could still smell them when returning from away 6 months later. I think they are below my ability to detect now. An earlier poly refinish at a different location was similar. An expensive quick fix is to re-refinish the floors with a water-based product. Adding fresh air intake/ventilation via your air handler(assuming your HVAC is forced air) or spot ventilation, particularly to the bedroom would help dilute the VOCs to a workable level. An air purifier that removes VOCs could work. Ventilation or purification would have to be daily/continuous until the varnish outgassing dr...
by Bengineer
Fri Jan 20, 2023 6:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Provide WiFi to an Area 400' From Home
Replies: 28
Views: 2955

Re: Provide WiFi to an Area 400' From Home

bad1bill wrote: Thu Jan 19, 2023 8:25 pm Been using "KuWFi 2-Pack 300Mbps Wireless Bridges" (from Amazon) to a barn about 400' away for a 3 camera setup and it works great... since late 2020. Cheap and so far reliable. Goes through some shrubs.

Read the reviews for tips on setup..
This. You'll need power, an enclosure, wifi router, & one of the KuWFi @ dock, fairly clear line of sight between house & dock, KuWfi, cable at the house. TP-link also makes similar devices.
by Bengineer
Thu Jan 19, 2023 5:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rigid foam board instead of batts and blown-in attic insulation?
Replies: 27
Views: 6158

Re: Rigid foam board instead of batts and blown-in attic insulation?

... https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AL9nZEWBZGdcjuZfB9XpIlxtNJ_lSzixz3XbFcNH9bj_eM39iHWaBVZgMxVZqaDJd41ebCYrfpsAAS6K5OpgknuTrZzedwZf7g71akR13FONESkGctl_y3m1k2AyK04_K4Je_dqqmYY9jUMQZVsoQuJ2PdrWOA=w568-h574-no?authuser=0 I think the existing joists are 2x6s What you have there is engineered roof trusses. One approach to attic access with deeper insulation is to build a catwalk raised above the insulation down the center of the space, and as noted by another poster, placing a few scraps of plywood or boards around to kneel/lie on when doing work, then blowing in insulation. Blown-in cellulose blocks infrared and air movement better than fiberglass. Either can be blown in over existing. In my remodel, all the ancient, existing blown-in wa...
by Bengineer
Mon Jan 16, 2023 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to look for in a new heat pump.
Replies: 7
Views: 1166

Re: What to look for in a new heat pump.

OP, some questions for your decision process: How is humidity in the summer? Do you use a dehumidifier? Is it a single room or multiple? Bedrooms or shop/rec room/utility? It's a basement partially below grade and concrete floor, so tending to 60ish as you noted. The simplest and likely least expensive thing would be a single speed split system replacing your current heat pump. If summer humidity is an issue, choosing the smallest capacity unit that will work will get you longer run times, which will help lower the humidity and likely be more efficient than an overized unit. Do a thermal load calculation using something like loadcalc.net to give you a rough idea. If your space is utility, undersizing won't be much of an issue with your eart...
by Bengineer
Thu Dec 22, 2022 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Heat Trak
Replies: 4
Views: 611

Re: Heat Trak

One alternative would be contract to have it cleared and salted. Rough on the ramp materials, though.
by Bengineer
Wed Dec 21, 2022 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Changing single Ignition Coil vs all of them?
Replies: 24
Views: 3326

Re: Changing single Ignition Coil vs all of them?

Jack FFR1846 wrote: Wed Dec 21, 2022 9:30 am ... This isn't a VW that eats coils every oil change.
Ha! I had a VW that resembled that remark. Replaced 4 of 6, I think. I kept a spare coil tucked in the back.
by Bengineer
Mon Dec 19, 2022 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How would you celebrate completing another Grad program?
Replies: 26
Views: 1882

Re: How would you celebrate completing another Grad program?

I'm in the "go for a great experience" camp. A friend and I took a road trip across Mexico for about a month after graduation. Memorable to this day.

Caribbean or Hawaii with the family?
by Bengineer
Tue Nov 29, 2022 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toilet repair - tank to toilet gasket leaking
Replies: 31
Views: 2305

Re: Toilet repair - tank to toilet gasket leaking

I am definitely a fix-first, guy, but there's a point at which I would just get a new toilet, like the Kohler comfort height with the "aquaflush" piston.
by Bengineer
Tue Nov 29, 2022 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opinions on "Meater"/remote wireless thermometer, esp how to handle thin cuts of meat
Replies: 16
Views: 1784

Re: Opinions on "Meater"/remote wireless thermometer, esp how to handle thin cuts of meat

Agreed, remote probe thermometers are great for smoking, really thick steaks, etc. Not so much for 500d+ searing.

A thermocouple is faster than a thermistor. Thermapen is a classic instant read, ~3sec to temp.

A probe that steps down to a fine point has less mass and therefore comes to temp quicker. Sensor in the very tip is better, but how do you know? :o)

I grab a chicken breast beaten flat or fish filet with tongs, hold it up sideways and slide the probe in the edge thru the center of the cut.
by Bengineer
Mon Nov 28, 2022 7:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Basement Dehumidifier
Replies: 24
Views: 1969

Re: Basement Dehumidifier

I have a Frigidaire 30 pt dehu that's about 5 years old. It's worked well. I have a newer, 1yr old one that's also working ok. The humidity sensor Relative Humidity sensor is about 10% off. I also have a larger Midea that's about a year old and working well. All are drained via a hose. ^^^ The connections have worked fine for these units. I do: Run them within their temp range of ~40ish to 90ish. Use a foam prefilter. Keep the filters clean. Clean the slime out of the condensate area. Run them @ 60%RH to keep condensation / rust from happening and to keep the framing moisture at a reasonable level. The newer Frigidaire bears a resemblance to the Midea. I do hate thinking of them as consumables, but the price point vs a whole house unit plus...
by Bengineer
Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suspected slab leak in laundry room area...
Replies: 35
Views: 3331

Re: Suspected slab leak in laundry room area...

Does your water meter indicate low flow? Could you use it to check for a leak?
by Bengineer
Thu Oct 27, 2022 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Taos for winter ski vacation
Replies: 9
Views: 1384

Re: Taos for winter ski vacation

I enjoyed skiing at Taos about 20 times over a period of 30 years, but the last time was 25 years ago. The last time that I was there, snowboarding was not yet allowed, only skiing. One thing to be aware of is that the lodges on the mountain are above 9,000' above sea level. If you are from sea level it may take time for you to become acclimated. Ralph Me too! Some of the most challenging terrain I ever skiied. In addition to the 9,000' you'll be staying at, 12,000' as you get off the top chair altitude, the sun can be really intense. Good glasses / goggles are a must. I fondly remember the Vuarnets I splurged on as a kid. Taos is beautiful. It has some of he best steeps anywhere as well as hike, canyon and tree skiing. It will test you! W...
by Bengineer
Mon Oct 03, 2022 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Rental additional driver fees
Replies: 18
Views: 1961

Re: Car Rental additional driver fees

We encountered the extra fee with thrifty just recently.

A quick search turned up this writeup on theflightexpert (no affiliation). Seems like a good checklist before renting.
by Bengineer
Sun Oct 02, 2022 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wifi Antenna for metal building
Replies: 36
Views: 3538

Re: Wifi Antenna for metal building

One option mentioned above, is an ethernet cable to the building. That could work well if cable run would be within 100 meters and burying conduit between the buildings wouldn't be too hard.

A wireless bridge could work well. I used ubiquiti components, which are definitely not "consumer friendly". Connection something like this: bldg #1 router <-> cat6 cable <-> wireless bridge #1 <-> line-of-sight <-> wireless bridge #2 <-> cat6 cable <-> bldg #2 router. Typically the wireless gizmos can be powered over ethernet (POE), which makes the install simpler.

The setup of all this might be a stretch if you're not so network savvy.
by Bengineer
Sun Oct 02, 2022 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Crawlspace Encapsulation? Alternatives?
Replies: 26
Views: 2607

Re: Crawlspace Encapsulation? Alternatives?

"Encapsulation" is absolutely what to do with a crawl in the southeast. Here is why: Code requires it be ventilated. Air from outside @ 80 degrees, 70% relative humidity and a dew point of about 70 degrees moves into the crawl, cools to 60 degrees, the moisture condenses and you're growing mold, rotting wood and insects are having a party down there! The only time the ventilation improves things is in winter when the outdoor temp/RH are low enough to reduce the RH in the crawl. Sealing the floor plane is possible, but complicated by piers, plumbing, hvac and electrical bits. Persnickety work overhead in a 30" space gets old quickly. We had ours done a couple years ago. Removed insulation, treated the joists/subfloor with a bo...
by Bengineer
Tue Sep 27, 2022 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Strapping a cal king mattress to suv roof rack/crossbars
Replies: 32
Views: 2580

Re: Strapping a cal king mattress to suv roof rack/crossbars

I think I'd rent a u-haul box truck. Too much windage and flexibility in a mattress for me.
by Bengineer
Wed Sep 21, 2022 5:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water heater replacement, etc
Replies: 66
Views: 6420

Re: Water heater replacement, etc

Chuckles960 wrote: Mon Sep 19, 2022 12:18 pm ....

(My 6-year-warranted water heater is currently 19 years old; I wish I could see the state of the anode, but I haven't been able to get it open without causing the whole water heater to move.)
Two words: impact wrench.
by Bengineer
Tue Sep 20, 2022 6:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Water Heater vs Tankless Electric (space limitations)
Replies: 35
Views: 2910

Re: Electric Water Heater vs Tankless Electric (space limitations)

OP, what does "on its last legs" mean?

We have a thermostatic mixing valve on our tank electric water heater. It mixes the 150d.F. water down to ~120d.F. or so.

With sufficient tank capacity and solar, you could put the water heater(s) on a timer/controller to use the PV to heat the water during the day for use later. I'd think that would be a win with your rates.
by Bengineer
Sun Sep 18, 2022 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone use a Foodsaver Vacuum Sealer?
Replies: 19
Views: 1843

Re: Anyone use a Foodsaver Vacuum Sealer?

We've used a Nutrichef vacuum sealer and their Nutrilock bags for the last 3 years. We mostly use it for freezing meat and storing coffee beans. It opens up the "what's for dinner?" options.
by Bengineer
Wed Sep 14, 2022 5:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Extra $400k in checking account -- where do I invest?
Replies: 48
Views: 5403

Re: Extra $400k in checking account -- where do I invest?

OP, I think I would consider asset allocation with my wife. As your portfolio grows to multiples of your annual income, the swings of your portfolio will become large enough to get your attention. Agree on enough bonds to sleep well at night regardless of the markets. Then invest in a simple, diversified portfolio as described here on bogleheads. You and your wife will be able to focus on your careers, which are already going well, and raising your children. What could be more important? You might want to keep some of your cash for a remodel or new house when the time is right so your home fits your needs better. Rental real estate is a part-time job that takes both skill and luck to do well. Our financial advisor told us many years ago tha...
by Bengineer
Wed Sep 07, 2022 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Attic Insulation benefits.
Replies: 115
Views: 12854

Re: Attic Insulation benefits.

Katietsu wrote: Wed Sep 07, 2022 6:15 am This does not sound right. A new A/C unit, outside temperature 84 and the inside temp never gets below 77. ...
This! Something ain't right.

While air sealing and then getting the insulation at least up to code will be beneficial, a new AC should be keeping up.

When has anyone reported getting an undersized AC unit?

OP, check the tonnage of your unit and compare to similarly sized houses in your neighborhood. Test your return air temp vs at a supply register near the air handler after it has been running a while. There should be something like a 20d.F. difference.

After that, call your installer and complain that the new system isn't performing.
by Bengineer
Tue Sep 06, 2022 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Skylight Covers (external)
Replies: 6
Views: 856

Re: Skylight Covers (external)

You could use solar screening (e.g. phifer suntex). I've used this type of material for solar roll-down shades and window screens. it's tough stuff.

agricultural shade cloth would be a cheap test.
by Bengineer
Thu Aug 18, 2022 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replace Engineered Wood with Porcelain Wood look like tile
Replies: 7
Views: 935

Re: Replace Engineered Wood with Porcelain Wood look like tile

Something to think about with large format tile - lippage. Tile isn't flexible, so the larger the tile, the flatter the floor needs to be to avoid "lips" from one tile to another.