Search found 132 matches

by Carlton
Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vanguard website issues
Replies: 42
Views: 4695

Re: Vanguard website issues

For me was a browser issue. Got the "can't show balances right now" message using Edge. Switched to Firefox, and no issues.
by Carlton
Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How did you get over your fear of investing in the market?
Replies: 64
Views: 5019

Re: How did you get over your fear of investing in the market?

When I started my first "real job" in my 20's in 1986 as a building engineer in our corporate HQ building, got friendly with the CFO who gave some very good advice. Live within your means and try and maximize your pre-tax and post-tax 401k contributions. I rolled over my raises in the first few years into the 401k. Rode out the ups and downs of the markets (1987 was a learning experience for a new investor to ignore short term noise) and just let it ride. Later, when I started working in Manhattan rolled over the 401k into low-cost index funds with Vanguard (more good advice) and did steady contributions and rebalancing of my portfolio. Enjoy life, spend money wisely, ignore short term noise, avoid trends, avoid consumer debt, kee...
by Carlton
Sat Oct 21, 2023 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refrigerators. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
Replies: 115
Views: 13995

Re: Refrigerators. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

Unfortunately, most appliances aren't built that well anymore. The more complicated the refrigerator with added electronics, touch screens, ice makers etc. the lower the reliability. A simple top freezer/bottom refrigerator are generally the most reliable. My USA-made GE top freezer is over 20 years old and still works great. (I have simple needs and appliances as a lifestyle brand are not important to me).

Here's an interesting youtube video by a used appliance re-seller on the reliability of the major brand refrigerators.

https://youtu.be/rKJgYVhZ6-w?si=rEevS3yGBiSlpbcG
by Carlton
Sat Dec 03, 2022 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sanity check on AC / heat pump / air handler / gas boiler pricing
Replies: 46
Views: 4262

Re: Sanity check on AC / heat pump / air handler / gas boiler pricing

Heatinghelp.com is a fantastic resource especially for legacy steam systems. Highly recommend Dan Holohan's book "We Got Steam Heat" and "The Lost Art of Steam Heating". Many plumbers and HVAC techs are clueless on the proper setup and operation of steam heat systems.

Read the book and check out the Q&A section of Dan's website and you'll know more than most of the contractors. Following his knowledge will have your steam system operating as efficiently as possible.

https://heatinghelp.com/store/detail/we ... oexistence
by Carlton
Tue Nov 29, 2022 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacant Apartment - With Heat, how Low can you go?
Replies: 19
Views: 2797

Re: Vacant Apartment - With Heat, how Low can you go?

Regardless of the heating setpoint, always shut off the water at the incoming main (or well) and drain all piping in vacant properties. Leave a faucet cracked open on one of the sinks as a vent. Put a splash of RV anti-freeze in all the toilets and sink traps. A pipe could fail without freezing and cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage to the property. Turn off the water feed to the hot water boiler (not steam boiler). Will prevent a flood if the heat fails and a hydronic water line freezes. Shut down the water heater and drain it as well. Wrap and insulate the exposed water main piping from the street before the house main shut off valve. I had a sink supply fail in the middle of the night and found it in the morning. It only ran fo...
by Carlton
Sun Jul 03, 2022 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Do You Pay for an Oil Change?
Replies: 217
Views: 25654

Re: What Do You Pay for an Oil Change?

My prediction is oil changes will cost more now than in 2017.

I've had good results from my local Ford dealer with their Quick Lane Service and "The Works Package" for aroun $50 bucks. Usually I do my own oil changes though.
by Carlton
Sun Jul 03, 2022 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stuck Gas Gauge
Replies: 21
Views: 2175

Re: Stuck Gas Gauge

Somtimes the sender can get gunked up on older cars. Try filling the tank from almost empty with Top-Tier detergent premium gasoline and add one bottle of Gumout Regane Complete Fuel System Cleaner. Do not refill the tank until almost empty again. If it works, great, if not, only out a few bucks and your fuel system is clean!

https://gumout.com/fuel-additives/regan ... m-cleaner/

https://www.toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/
by Carlton
Sat Jan 01, 2022 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for handheld mini-vacuum?
Replies: 34
Views: 2999

Re: Recommendations for handheld mini-vacuum?

Gave up on the battery hand held vacuums. The old B&D Dust Buster's were great, but the quality and battery life of the new ones no so much.

I use a corded Dirt Devil Scorpion, Great for the car and other quick jobs. So much more power than the battery hand held vacuums. For $30, a best buy IMHO.

https://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Devil-Scorp ... ads.org-20
by Carlton
Sat Dec 25, 2021 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Verizon FIOS Gigabit 2.0 - ONT
Replies: 9
Views: 3420

Re: Verizon FIOS Gigabit 2.0 - ONT

If it's an older white ONT outside, the VZ tech will most likely gut the box and run a fiber extension into the home. VZ has been putting the newer 211 ONT's indoors.

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by Carlton
Sat Dec 25, 2021 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Men's trimmer
Replies: 13
Views: 1936

Re: Men's trimmer

Bought this Phlips trimmer earlier in the year. Good for maintaining stubble and also trims nose, ears and hair well once you get the hang of it. Seems well built and battery charge lasts long time.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0714 ... UTF8&psc=1
by Carlton
Sat Nov 27, 2021 8:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tow vehicle
Replies: 41
Views: 2949

Re: Tow vehicle

From your post, since you take 2 vehicles, I would look, for example, a F250 or 350 Super Cab 4X4 long bed with the 7.3 gas engine and 4.30 locking axle. Go as fancy as you wish, but an XL with the STX and power group package or base XLT are very nice trucks. For you trailer weight, nothing wrong with the tried and true 6.2 Ford V8 especially if not towing in mountainous areas. Order with the factory trailer brake controller, upgraded radio etc, and you can come in at around $52-55k. GM got rid of their bulletproof 6.0 gas engine for a new design with cylinder deactivation, which I'm not a fan of in HD applications. Keep it simple and reliable. Talk to a fleet manager at a bigger dealer as they should know the product better than the regula...
by Carlton
Sun Nov 07, 2021 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Uncertain on generator purchase / finance
Replies: 72
Views: 5330

Re: Uncertain on generator purchase / finance

We don't get enough power outages to justify a permanent genset installation. I do have a 6250 watt Brigs & Stratton "Storm Responder" portable generator bought just before Super Storm Sandy. We lost power for a week and the generator worked well. Ran it approximately 5 hours in the morning and 5 hours in evening. After the storm, I installed a circuit breaker interlock kit at the main electric panel with a outside 30 amp Twistlock receptacle. The interlock kit will not allow the generator circuit breaker to be turned on unless the main breaker is turned off. (This prevents back-feeding into the utility grid) Check local codes. Now I can flip the breaker in the house panel, plug in the generator and everything is live in the ...
by Carlton
Sat Oct 30, 2021 12:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Uncertain on generator purchase / finance
Replies: 72
Views: 5330

Re: Uncertain on generator purchase / finance

We don't get enough power outages to justify a permanent genset installation. I do have a 6250 watt Brigs & Stratton "Storm Responder" portable generator bought just before Super Storm Sandy. We lost power for a week and the generator worked well. Ran it approximately 5 hours in the morning and 5 hours in evening. After the storm, I installed a circuit breaker interlock kit at the main electric panel with a outside 30 amp Twistlock receptacle. The interlock kit will not allow the generator circuit breaker to be turned on unless the main breaker is turned off. (This prevents back-feeding into the utility grid) Check local codes. Now I can flip the breaker in the house panel, plug in the generator and everything is live in the h...
by Carlton
Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cost to Asphalt a Driveway?
Replies: 25
Views: 5551

Re: Cost to Asphalt a Driveway?

Perhaps consider asphalt millings? A skilled dump truck operator can tailgate the millings (drive truck with tailgate partially open while dumping) fairly evenly. For a driveway that long a front end loader with box grader would be helpful to even out the surface. Best job would be to finish and thoroughly compact with a roller. The hotter the weather, the better. You would need about 4" of millings, so it's still a lot of delivered loads!

https://youtu.be/oOKqmI2YF7s
by Carlton
Sun Jul 26, 2020 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing structural components of roof (NOT just shingles)
Replies: 5
Views: 673

Re: Replacing structural components of roof (NOT just shingles)

Call a experienced house framer/general contractor to take a look. You would most likely need to frame new roof joists for new sheathing. Really can't tell without looking at the job. You may decide to install some smaller skylights in the new roof if you enjoyed the bright space.
by Carlton
Thu Jul 09, 2020 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking of buying myself a luxury item.. Is LV wallet a legit purchase?
Replies: 153
Views: 11436

Re: Thinking of buying myself a luxury item.. Is LV wallet a legit purchase?

I found a very small company that makes high quality leather goods. Rather support them than a multi-billion dollar luxury conglomerate, but I'm not one that's very brand conscious.

https://americanbenchcraft.com/categories/wallets.html

I bought the slim riveted wallet made from a piece of saddle leather. Very stiff in the beginning, but eventually molds to the contents and softens. Probably will last 25 years, plus the slim design forced me to de-clutter my old wallet.
by Carlton
Sun Jun 21, 2020 8:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: tire recommendation for 2015 Honda Civic coupe lx
Replies: 25
Views: 1606

Re: tire recommendation for 2015 Honda Civic coupe lx

I had to replace 4 tires on my '17 Ford Escape city car due to a sidewall cut. I chose Gereral Tire Atlimax RT43. Got very good reviews for a mid-range tire, made in the USA and I'm satisfied.

[https://generaltire.com/tires/passenger/altimax-rt43][/url]
by Carlton
Fri Jun 19, 2020 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Worth fixing a 30-year-old Maytag dryer?
Replies: 77
Views: 22750

Re: Worth fixing a 30-year-old Maytag dryer?

As the previous poster said, Speed Queen is the only washer and dryer brand that's still made to old-school, heavy duty standards. Their primary customers are commercial coin-op and large institutional laundry plants. FWIW, I'm still using a mid-1980's Maytag washer/gas dryer. Only parts were belt replacements every 5 to years or so. Pre-2000 Maytag, Whirlpool, Kenmore and Roper were all good machines. Once the Energy Star stuff started, everything was made cheaper and more complicated with marginal electronics. Really, do we need wi-fi connected washing equipment?
by Carlton
Sun Jun 07, 2020 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheaters [ground plug adapters]-- how do deal with them, how to find them when you need them
Replies: 34
Views: 2911

Re: Cheaters [ground plug adapters]-- how do deal with them, how to find them when you need them

As a former electrician, I would strongly suggest upgrading old circuits/receptacles that feed high draw appliances to current codes. Dedicated circuits for each window AC unit and new kitchen/bathroom countertop receptacles. Strong possibility that a 1920's home has "knob and tube" wiring. While not inherently dangerous, especially for lightly loaded circuits, (think table lamps etc.) they tend to have many outlets and ceiling fixtures on few circuits and are prone to be damaged in attics and by people not familiar with working on these systems. Even if not K&T, no way of knowing what mickey mouse fixes or "improvements" were made over the years. We found homeowner installed outlets that were wired with 18 gauge zip...
by Carlton
Sun Jun 07, 2020 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What fun car should I get in the $150k - $200k range?
Replies: 499
Views: 40831

Re: What fun car should I get in the $150k - $200k range?

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R, $70k, wonderful flat-plane crank V8 engine. "Invest" the rest in track days and tires for some serious fun! Will turn heads on the street, unique engine sound that any person with a interest in cars will notice. Plus easy to find mechanics and body shops that can work on it.

GT350R at world famous Nürburgring
https://youtu.be/WlBzGHuohgw



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by Carlton
Mon Mar 30, 2020 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Wheel Cleaner Spray
Replies: 9
Views: 954

Re: Car Wheel Cleaner Spray

I use SimpleGreen Pro HD cleaner. It's the same formula as the Simple Green Aircraft Cleaner (aluminum safe) in consumer packaging. Home Depot and others carry it. Buy a empty spray bottle, dilute it around 1:3 and you'll have a very cost effective wheel cleaner.

https://simplegreen.com/products/pro-hd ... degreaser/
by Carlton
Mon Nov 20, 2017 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla truck unveil
Replies: 142
Views: 13852

Re: Tesla truck unveil

Electric trucks would make the most sense for local and regional delivery where the vehicles return to a home base each night. For long distance, i don't think its practical. How much battery density do you need to get a 80000lb semi up the very long grades in mountainous terrain? For moving long distance tonnage, available technology such as rail will be very hard to beat for a long time. Video of monster inter-modal trains running in the mid-west. Equivalent of 600 or so trucks off the road, with only 2 people (train operator and conductor) operating the entire train with speeds up to 70mph. Even though train has 10 locomotives, the btu consumption per ton mile moved is very efficient. https://youtu.be/9Z10g9wBNhg?t=15s Electric vehicles...
by Carlton
Sun Nov 19, 2017 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla truck unveil
Replies: 142
Views: 13852

Re: Tesla truck unveil

Electric trucks would make the most sense for local and regional delivery where the vehicles return to a home base each night. For long distance, i don't think its practical. How much battery density do you need to get a 80000lb semi up the very long grades in mountainous terrain? For moving long distance tonnage, available technology such as rail will be very hard to beat for a long time.

Video of monster inter-modal trains running in the mid-west. Equivalent of 600 or so trucks off the road, with only 2 people (train operator and conductor) operating the entire train with speeds up to 70mph. Even though train has 10 locomotives, the btu consumption per ton mile moved is very efficient.

https://youtu.be/9Z10g9wBNhg?t=15s
by Carlton
Sat Jun 17, 2017 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Air conditioner for narrow windows
Replies: 23
Views: 21048

Re: Air conditioner for narrow windows

http://www.lg-dfs.com/products.aspx

Don't know if you own or rent, but maybe a ductless mini-split? Very efficient with inverter variable speed compressors and super quiet. On some models one outdoor condenser can handle several indoor evaporators. Considerable more expensive than window units, but worthwhile if you're staying put, and heat pump models can provide supplemental heating. LG and Mitsubishi recommended.
by Carlton
Tue Dec 27, 2016 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cutting Trees in the Back Yard
Replies: 27
Views: 3515

Re: Cutting Trees in the Back Yard

Go with the pro. I made the mistake of having a local gardener cut down a sizable spruce tree next to my driveway. Had branches in my front yard for a week till he hauled them away. Was also supposed to grind out the stump so area could be planted with shrubs, he shows up with this dinky little grinder like something you would rent from Home Depot. Barely got 6" down into the base. Next year I needed a couple of large fir trees removed and a sycamore shaped up. Called a local, professional tree aborist. He showed up with around 12 men, 2 giant branch chippers, huge dollys to remove the tree trunk pieces from the rear yard. They were done in around 3 hours, everything cleaned up and raked. Later that day a boom grappler truck picked up ...
by Carlton
Sat Dec 17, 2016 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Winter car safety kit?
Replies: 46
Views: 4660

Re: Winter car safety kit?

Montana DOT has a excellent handbook that includes winter driving safety and supplies recommended.

https://www.mdt.mt.gov/publications/doc ... rvival.pdf
by Carlton
Fri Sep 30, 2016 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where/how do Bogleheads get their tires inflated?
Replies: 97
Views: 11972

Re: Where/how do Bogleheads get their tires inflated?

This little compressor from Sears Craftman is a great unit. It's frequently on sale for $99. I like the fact that it's oil lubricated, and it comes in handy for small projects around the house from needing a blow gun to clean out a fan or a small brad nailer. I bought a 50' Goodyear air hose from Ebay and I can fill all my car and motorcycle tires without having to move the compressor.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-gallon ... ockType=G5
by Carlton
Sun Sep 18, 2016 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for External Hard Drive
Replies: 50
Views: 6668

Re: Recommendations for External Hard Drive

I have a Synology DS216 Disc Station in my basement connected via eternet to home network. (Router is in basement next to FIOS service, but you can connect it anywhere along the network or via USB). Disk Station does automatic weekly backups of the important files on my PC's.

https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/DS216
by Carlton
Fri Sep 16, 2016 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Coffee
Replies: 147
Views: 22006

Re: Favorite Coffee

Brew of 1/2 Café Bustelo and 1/2 Folgers Columbian. nice cup of coffee. I can't get to involved with coffee as a lifestyle beverage.
by Carlton
Mon Sep 12, 2016 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HD TV antenna replacement
Replies: 13
Views: 3230

Re: HD TV antenna replacement

I've been using a Winegard MS-2002 on a mast on my chimney. Very good omni-directional performance, and small "flying saucer" size. It is amplified, so there is a power injector that connects to the antenna cable.

https://www.amazon.com/Winegard-MS-2002 ... B001DFZ5HO
by Carlton
Mon Sep 12, 2016 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Flashlight to keep in home for emergency
Replies: 56
Views: 10441

Re: Best Flashlight to keep in home for emergency

I like the Fenix Brand.
The LD22 can run on 2 AA batteries. Buy a pack of Energizer lithium AA with a 10+ year shelf life. Slightly bigger is the powerful PD35 which uses 2 CR123 cells or Fenix's excellent ARB18 batteries and ARE-C2 charger. The HL50 headlamp is also very good, small in size and uses 1 CR123 cell. All of these lights have multiple output levels and will run a very long time on the lower settings.

(have no connection/reccomendation to store, for info only),

http://www.fenix-store.com
by Carlton
Sat Sep 10, 2016 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How hard to convert 1993 Chev truck AC from R-12 to R134
Replies: 4
Views: 882

Re: How hard to convert 1993 Chev truck AC from R-12 to R134

You first need to figure out why the AC system does not work. Leaks? Bad compressor or clutch? etc. Just doing a conversion will not repair mechanical problems. The older Delco AC systems were very robust. I have a '93 Buick and the R12 system works perfectly. If the system is tight and mechanically sound, I would recharge with R12. You wont lose 20-25% cooling capacity that usually occurs with a 134 conversion. R12 is still available and the system probably uses less than 3 pounds of refrigerant. Bring your truck to a qualified automotive HVAC tech and have him go over the system. If the system needs major repairs, then a conversion might make sense. http://www.aa1car.com/library/retrofit.htm http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/310/re...
by Carlton
Sun Aug 14, 2016 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sealing Asphalt Driveway
Replies: 30
Views: 4200

Re: Sealing Asphalt Driveway

If you have a long driveway, consider having it chip-sealed like many counties do to back roads. You will never have to re-seal it, as the chip-seal has self healing properties and lasts a very long time. The surface will be rougher, but you have options of the color of stone used. In harsh weather states like Montana, it's standard practice to immediately chip-seal new asphalt to protect it from winter freeze-thaw deterioration.

Some examples..
County roads...
https://youtu.be/FYc-_q6UsZ0

Driveways... (Have no connection to contractor, video for example only)
https://youtu.be/KHb3ttZRZQM
by Carlton
Sun Aug 14, 2016 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you wash your car yourself, or have it done?
Replies: 96
Views: 14829

Re: Do you wash your car yourself, or have it done?

I wash my cars when dirty, even the older ones. I don't like driving a shabby looking car with filthy windows and interior. Use a soft car wash brush and bucket, can wash all the cars in less time it takes to wait in line at the automatic car laundry for 1 car. Plus no scratches and save around $20 bucks.

Twice a year, they get a coat of Collinite 845 Insulator wax. The stuff isn't expensive, goes on and off really easy and lasts and lasts. (845 was originally used to protect and help keep clean utility high voltage power line and sub-station porcelain insulators) A good wax job also helps the car stay cleaner, the rain can rinse off the dirt.

http://www.collinite.com/automotive-wax/insulator-wax/
by Carlton
Sun Aug 14, 2016 4:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can landlord specify 6 month inspection in California?
Replies: 16
Views: 4400

Re: Can landlord specify 6 month inspection in California?

Expensive flooring in a rental is asking for trouble. I just got back from a 2 week pre-purchase inspection tour of a 2900 (!) unit, multiple location rental property for my employer. Almost every single apartment from small 1 bedroom to much larger, newer 3 bedroom units had "carpet, commercial, beige" installed. Tenant moves out, unit gets new carpet and coat of paint. Only difference is the more expensive units get better padding under the broadloom. Maybe protect the floors with wall to wall carpet and padding?
by Carlton
Tue Aug 09, 2016 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell Service for Elderly Parent
Replies: 10
Views: 1526

Re: Cell Service for Elderly Parent

Verizon now has a basic prepaid cell plan for $15 per month. It includes 300 minutes of combined talk/text. The $30 plan is unlimited talk/text.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/prepaid/ ... hly-plans/
by Carlton
Mon Jul 04, 2016 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any motorcyclists here? - First road trip
Replies: 33
Views: 4775

Re: Any motorcyclists here? - First road trip

While the Bogleheads forum is awesome for investing advice, many of the folks here just seem to be very careful and risk-adverse both in investing and other pursuits. Yes, statistically motorcycle riding is more dangerous than driving a car. How are the stats skewed by riders that were intoxicated, not wearing a helmet, engaging in foolish or reckless riding et-al? You can manage and improve your odds greatly. Been riding since 1983, mostly sport bikes when younger, now a ST1300 for touring and Yamaha FZ1 for day trips. Did a couple of coast to coast trips including Alaska so I've found out a few things for long distance riding. -I ride for pleasure, so if I can avoid interstates I almost always do. The older state and US highways still all...
by Carlton
Sun Apr 17, 2016 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A Month in Manhattan
Replies: 87
Views: 10480

Re: A Month in Manhattan

A quick tourist tutorial on visiting NYC.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LmPBPWHJu4
by Carlton
Sat Feb 13, 2016 4:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: portable electric heater
Replies: 10
Views: 1704

Re: portable electric heater

The "Milk House" heaters like the one linked above are very rugged. King Electric and Patton are still made in the USA. Any space heater that will be run for extended periods need a solid outlet connection. The plug should fit tightly into the outlet, and after a few hours of run time, the outlet should only be barely warm. If you have dedicated 120v window AC outlets, use these. Best bet is to install some supplemental electric baseboard with a home run feed back to the circuit breaker panel. Is should not be all that expensive to install and provides the greatest safety of long-duration operation for electric resistance heating..
by Carlton
Sun Jan 17, 2016 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How long can I let my car "sit" on vacation?
Replies: 47
Views: 97607

Re: How long can I let my car "sit" on vacation?

Your owners manual should have recommendations on longer term vehicle storage. Link is to Ford Fusion owners manual. See page 270 on vehicle storage. Procedure is generic and could apply to most vehicles.

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_ ... 3_2015.pdf
by Carlton
Sun Jan 10, 2016 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Films or TV with great period sets
Replies: 46
Views: 5600

Re: Films or TV with great period sets

"Naked City" TV show. Mostly shot on location in gritty parts of 1950's NYC.

Short opening clip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNYUq2ACpHQ
by Carlton
Sat Jan 02, 2016 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Price to replace the catalytic converters in a Toyota Highlander
Replies: 50
Views: 11610

Re: Price to replace the catalytic converters in a Toyota Highlander

If it's a V6, there may be up to four cats on the exhaust. One for each exhaust manifold, a center and rear, so with decent discount aftermarket parts (like walker) your probably looking at $800, plus clamps and labor. If the exhaust system and muffler(s) looks corroded/crappy, it would be a good time to replace as well, also o2 sensors. A independent garage will be much cheaper than the dealer.
by Carlton
Sun Oct 04, 2015 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pseudo Finished Basement Heating
Replies: 23
Views: 2914

Re: Pseudo Finished Basement Heating

Since the basement is being left in a somewhat unfinished state and not used continuously, a properly sized ceiling hung electric unit heater might be a good choice. It should warm the space up quickly and would only require a dedicated 230v line from the electric panel.

Something like this...
http://www.marleymep.com/en/qmark/pd-mu ... t-heaters/

Or a little more involved, install some electric baseboard in a few spots around the perimeter walls.
http://www.marleymep.com/en/qmark/pd-25 ... d-heaters/
by Carlton
Sun Sep 27, 2015 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I install a drip-leg for tankless water heater?
Replies: 8
Views: 4540

Re: Should I install a drip-leg for tankless water heater?

Most municipalities adopt/follow the "National Fuel Gas Code". A drip leg/sediment trap is always required in the gas line piping serving the equipment. It's designed to prevent rust or particles from entering the gas valve which could over time prevent the valve from sealing tightly when off. The drip leg/sediment trap is a legacy from the old days of manufactured coal-gas which had a lot of impurities and moisture, but is still required and is a good idea.

The link has a picture of the drip leg/sediment trap

http://www.jwkhomeinspections.com/drip/ ... ector.html
by Carlton
Sun Sep 20, 2015 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amsoil bypass oil filter system
Replies: 7
Views: 1225

Re: Amsoil bypass oil filter system

Bypass filtration and extended oil change intervals based on oil sampling works best on engines operated steady-state and long duration driving. Think over the road truckers, railroad locomotives, stationary power generators and marine diesels. These engines are usually run for 8-10 hours (or continuously) at a stretch, fully warmed up with minimal cold-starting. Also these big diesel engines have engine lube-oil capacities from a few gallons to several hundred gallons, so oil changes are big $$. If your a high-mileage interstate driver the bypass-filtration setup might work, but if you do many short trips with frequent hot-cold cycles during the day that dilute the oil with gas, than not so much. Figure the cost of a conventional oil chang...
by Carlton
Wed Sep 16, 2015 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: LED's for recessed ceiling lights
Replies: 15
Views: 2320

Re: LED's for recessed ceiling lights

For Hi-Hats, I've used the LED retofit trims. Something like this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-E ... /205463423
by Carlton
Wed Sep 16, 2015 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: May Need New Gas Water Heater
Replies: 12
Views: 2254

Re: May Need New Gas Water Heater

Power-vented gas appliances have a air-proving switch that tells the gas valve the ventor motor is running. If this switch sticks or fails, the gas valve will not open.
by Carlton
Mon Sep 14, 2015 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sirius xm moved easy listening chan 31 to 7xx
Replies: 8
Views: 1675

Re: Sirius xm moved easy listening chan 31 to 7xx

Until SirusXM dropped the satellite broadcast of Escape, Marlin Taylor was the program director of the channel and maintained high standards of content.

Marlin has decades of instrumental-based broadcast experience starting in the early 60's. He was program director at New York's WRFM and later Bonneville music which provided automated programming tapes to many easy-listening stations across the country. Wonder if he will return if/when Escape broadcasts on satellite again.

http://www.easylisteninghq.com/download ... meline.pdf

http://www.easylisteninghq.com/html/schafer903sys.htm
by Carlton
Mon Aug 10, 2015 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best affordable compact car to buy new?
Replies: 35
Views: 5287

Re: Best affordable compact car to buy new?

Definitely check out the Mazda 3. In 5-door hatchback form, you have a very versatile car that will be fun to drive, good reliability and excellent IIHS crash scores. The Corolla was only rated "marginal" in the small overlap test.

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings
by Carlton
Sat Jul 18, 2015 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ford Explorer vs. Honda Pilot
Replies: 36
Views: 17428

Re: Ford Explorer vs. Honda Pilot

The Pilot 3.5 V6 still uses a external timing belt, so budget on replacing at around 60-100k if you drive alot or plan on keeping the vehicle. A nuisance that could be eliminated if they switched to a timing chain like the rest of the manufactures.

"Under normal conditions, replace at intervals of 105,000 miles or every 84 months. If vehicle is operated at ambient temperatures under -20°F or above 110°F, replace at 60,000 mile intervals or every 48 months."