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Editor's Notepad

Staying Cool

By Matt Higgins

While summer might be coming to an end–the last day before we go to fall is September 22–we can still be subjected to some seriously hot days. Check out these articles that show how you can keep your cool even as the heat persists.

We all know that it isn’t just the heat that makes a space uncomfortable–it’s the overall air quality. Here author Bruce Harley answers Scott Gibson’s question on conquering a stuffy upstairs. Will a rooftop fan cure a stuffy upstairs?

When it does finally cool off, you should take a good look at the out-of-sight-out-of-mind air conditioner unit sitting outside. In addition to clearing away any debris such as twigs and leaves, you should protect it from more foreign objects including snow. This handy tip shows how to make a protective cover that looks and works a lot better than a piece of scrap wood placed on top. Protect Your Outside Air Conditioner

Our go-to tool for keeping cool is the air conditioner, but how much do we really know about how they work? Check out this condensed (no pun intended) version of an article from the Green Building Advisor website. Air Conditioning Basics

Here is the full version of Martin Holladay’s article on air conditioners. Air Condition Basics

Stack effect gets mentioned in one of the earlier mentioned links, but for a deeper understanding, check out this article. Knowing this science will help with cooling and heating. How It Works: The Stack Effect

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Affordable IR Camera

This camera is super useful for tracking down air leaks in buildings. The one-hand pistol grip arrangement frees your other hand for steadying yourself while maneuvering tricky job sites.
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Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.
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Handy Heat Gun

This heat gun is great for drying joint compound, primer and paint when patching drywall and plaster walls. Plus it can soften adhesive, get a very cold small engine to start, and shrink heat-shrink tubing.
Buy at Amazon

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    gud share

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  • Issue 331 - June 2025
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