Ask This Old House

Installing an Electronic Air Cleaner
Richard installed an electronic air cleaner on a forced-air furnace. He explained that the new unit will filter particles 100 times smaller than the old one-inch pleated filter. Richard also explained that the new filters can be cleaned by simply washing them in a dishwasher.

Where to Find It: Electronic air cleaner
American Standard
617-292-5834

Technical assistance was provided by:
S.G. Torrice Company
978-657-7779

Removing Ice From a Walkway
Roger shows Kevin some methods for removing stubborn ice from a walkway, including proper use of shovels, ice-chippers, de-icing salts, and sand.

Where to Find It
Prestone calcium chloride pellets, Road Runner enhanced calcium chloride blend and De-Icing Salt (sodium chloride/rock salt) manufactured by:

Scotwood Industries, Inc.
800-844-2022

Snow shovels, ice chippers and hand spreaders are available at your local garden center or home center.

Venting a Bathroom Fan
Tom repairs an improperly-vented bathroom fan by attaching it to a louvered-vent he installs on the outside of the house. He first drives a nail through the gable end of the house as a guide for cutting a hole for the vent. From the outside of the house, he drills a hole for the new vent using a four-inch hole saw. He then caulks around the vent using an acrylic-latex caulk with a silicone additive and fastens it with screws. Finally, he connects a length of flexible metal vent to both the vent and fan.

Where to Find It
Ladders supplied by Lynn Ladder Co.
800-596-6717

Vents, caulk, flexible metal duct, elbows and foil tape can all be purchased at your local home center.