Quiet Window AC Unit?


Can anyone recommend a small window unit AC (5000-10,000 BTU) that is really quiet? In particular, I’m looking for something that is quiet from the outside as well, as we can hear this AC running from our bedroom window and also from our back porch. I’ve read that Panasonics and Sharps are pretty quiet — does anyone have any experience with a specific model that is quiet from the outside? Thanks in advance!

Categories: A/C
By westminster | 05/04/2011 12:56 PM | Comment

Wood Window Restoration?


Can anyone recommend someone to restore an old 4-light wood window? I need someone to strip the paint, repair some water-damaged areas with consolidant and epoxy, and reglaze using traditional putty and the original wavy glass. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Categories: Windows
By westminster | 04/29/2010 1:44 PM | Comment

Where to find salvaged subfloor?


Hi. We just ripped up our existing kitchen floor and are looking to use the subfloor as our finish floor. However, we need to replace quite a few boards. Does anyone know where we would be able to find salvaged tongue and groove subfloor to try and match the existing? We will try Build It Green and the local salvage stores (OGT and Demolition Depot), but are there any other options? Or if anyone is looking to get rid of some, please let me know.

Categories: Floors
By westminster | 01/25/2010 12:59 PM | Comment

boiler misinstalled?


Hi. We just had a new 210 BTU Burnham steam boiler installed in our home. Our plumber installed one 2.5″ riser coming out of the top of the boiler, which is the way our old boiler was set up. Seems to be working okay. However, I was looking through the instruction manual and noticed that the manufacturer actually specifies two risers, each at least 2″ (the second riser is optional only for models smaller than ours). Now I’m getting worried. Can anyone tell me whether this is a big deal, or just standard practice? Are there implications in terms of safety, efficiency, etc.? Would you call the plumber back and demand to have the second riser added? Thanks in advance!

Categories: Heating
By westminster | 11/03/2008 11:58 AM | Comment

stripping resin moldings


We’re trying to strip many years of paint off of some wall moldings to reveal the floral details before repainting. We had assumed the moldings were plaster, but after stripping a test patch with Soy Gel, they actually appear to be resin molds applied to wood strips. The problem is that the second application of Soy Gel began to dissolve the resin details. Does anyone have any experience or suggestions for stripping the paint without destroying the resin? We’ve been using Citristrip on our window moldings, but we’re concerned that the neutralization process might be too harsh. We’ll probably give Peel-Away a shot, but any other ideas?

Categories: Stripping
By westminster | 07/28/2008 11:35 AM | Comment