Quick Cleaning Will Keep Your Cool Air Flowing

There’s nothing like sitting inside, sipping a cool drink hoping to beat the heat and then feeling that little drop of sweat dribble down your back into your shorts. You turn the knob on the air conditioner another notch but that doesn’t seem to do it. Why isn’t it getting any cooler?

Before taking a shoe and banging the top of it, try a little maintenance to assure full output. You don’t have to be a mechanic; I am living proof of how easy it is.

For windowsill cooling systems, the first thing to do is unplug it. Electricity is our friend, but it won’t pay the hospital bills if you don’t respect it. Take the unit from the window and remove the front grill and filter. The filter traps dust and pollen. If it’s clogged, you’re not getting the blow you need. Wash the filter with dish soap and water. If the filter is shot, replace it (about $8).

While you have the thing apart, use a shop vac and crevice tool to remove debris from inside. Then put a plastic bag over the fan motor, control box and compressor and secure with duct tape, and wash the inside with soapy water and a paint brush. Rinse with a light spray. Make sure the unit is completely dry before plugging it back in.

If it still doesn’t work, use the shoe. If you have central air, dealerships advise having it and your furnace serviced three times a year. For all three visits the total cost is about $130. Call your installer to set up the program.

Baby on board

The best addition to a home is a new baby. Sure there are countless sleepless nights and dirty diapers, but the smile of an infant makes it all worthwhile. But as your new tax deduction grows and the ability to climb and reach for things extends, more accidents are likely to start happening.

Keep an eye on where the child stands in comparison to the inside of the crib. The top rail should never go below the shoulders. A baby is remarkably strong and can pull himself over and receive a first-hand lesson about gravity.

Also minimize pillows, blankies and bubba-bears (can you tell I have a little one?) as they can use these to climb over. And keep the ba-bas, er, bottles out of the crib. Babies can step and roll over and conk themselves on the noggin or in the case of my little one, use it as target practice on Daddy.

Swing with the big boys

I found a hammer that will save the nails, both in the tool belt and on your fingers. It’s a Stiletto Titan. Its titanium head has a magnetized groove that holds the nail while you set it. Its hickory handle is ergonomic to generate leverage, but it only weighs 14 ounces. Now if they would come up with a tool that will work without me sticking my tongue out, I would be eternally grateful. They cost $65; since they are not available on our area (they have them in Walla Walla and Wenatchee at lumberyards), you can call (800) 987-1849 to get one. Or order online at www.stilettotools.com.