Cold nights, hot lights, sticky iron
Q: I've read many times about the cost savings in using fluorescent bulbs vs. standard incandescent bulbs. But I have often wondered about the "waste" heat that is generated from the standard bulb. In our part of the world, where the heating season is long and corresponds to the darkest days of the year, the heat is usually not wasted, but is an offset to normal home heating costs. Has this heat "savings" been factored into the cost equation?
A: Yes, and it was found that the heat contribution from incandescent lamps really is negligible over the course of the heating season, even on individual days, said state energy specialist Phil Smith.
Even if it were a significant factor, it's not cost-effective. The electricity to light the lamp costs $23 for 1 million BTUs, whereas natural gas, even in an old clunker of a furnace, costs maybe $20 per million BTUs, factoring in inefficiency. That's expensive heat, Smith said.
Sticky sole
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Q: Suddenly, my clothes iron is sticking and snagging on clothes. I can't see anything rough on the iron's bottom. Is there something I can spray or apply to the bottom to get it sliding smoothly again?
A: It sounds as if the sole plate of your iron needs cleaning.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations found in the owner's manual. If that's not available, clean the iron's sole plate when cool with rubbing alcohol. Before using the iron again, run it over waxed paper. Another suggestion is to wipe the sole plate with a dryer fabric softener sheet.
A sticky iron sole plate occurs when fabrics melt because the iron temperature is too high. Brown or burned-on spots may be removed by rubbing the cool iron with a heated solution of white vinegar and salt. Use commercial cleaners only if recommended by the manufacturer.
(Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-9033, or e-mail fixitstartribune.com . Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies.)
