HELPFUL HINTS
HELOISE: Here are DEAR some hints for staying comfy and cool this summer while saving money:
■ Maintaining the air conditioner is critical. Schedule yearly maintenance to be sure everything is working properly.
■ Consider adding window treatments to keep heat out — awnings outside, blinds and curtains inside.
■ A “smart” thermostat can maintain an appropriate temperature for your home. Some can be controlled through an app on your phone.
■ Check windows and doors for leaks, and seal any you find. Additional attic insulation also might be called for.
■ Finally, as simple as it sounds, a cool evening breeze can replace the air conditioning. So, open a window! — Barry in Missouri
READERS: If you DEAR have an issue with a company, they may offer a live chat forum on their website where you can chat (message) with a representative who can help resolve the problem or direct you to someone who can.
The best part of the chat is that you’ll have the conversation in writing, so you can save the transcript for future reference.
— Heloise HELOISE: I NEVER DEAR open my door to a stranger, even if it’s a kindly lady poised at the peephole. A team of bad men could be crouched down out of sight.
— Hilda in Alabama
READER: Sad but DEAR true. These people often work in teams, and although Southern hospitality is a wonderful thing, it’s always important to put safety first.
— Heloise HELOISE: Why do DEAR
I get blasted with air when I walk through the door at my grocery store? What’s going on?
— Ida in Texas READER: What DEAR you’re experiencing is called an air door (or air curtain), which uses a downward-facing blower fan. And while it is strong (it’ll probably undo a beehive hairdo in a hot minute), it serves important purposes.
Air doors work to keep birds and flying insects out of the store for your safety and for the safety of the creatures as well. It also helps to keep the air-conditioned air inside and the hot air outside.
Restaurants, airlines and loading docks also use air doors, and many businesses where the doors are open often. — Heloise
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email Heloise@Heloise.com