Dickenson County herald. [volume] (Clintwood, Va.) 1939-195?, 1943-01-14
CHILLING OF HOUSE RESULTS
IN WASTAGE OF FUEL

IN WASHABLE OE OEA
T AM often asked to abitrate in
l. family argument. A case in point
is on the economical heating OF
house, of which the occupants are
away for eight hours each day. The
argument is on whether the thermo-
stat should be set to maintain an
even heat at all times, or whether
it should be turned down during the
day. Another question is on the adj
visibility of shutting off the heat in
the rooms that might not be in use.
Like so many arguments, the answer
depends on the conditions. Usually,
the heat can be turned down little,
but it must be remembered that the
heat lost by the house as it cools
must be made up when the house
is again occupied. II cooling goes
too far, the fuel burned in raising
it to comfortable temperature will
be more than is saved. When the
heat of closed room is turned off,
its walls and floor may become so
chilled that the adjoining rooms will
be affected. In this particular case,
the thermostat can be lowered by
five degrees for the period when the
house is empty. But more than that
would not be an economy.
Closing a House
Question: I am planning to leave
my home very soon, not returning
until April, and should like to know
the best way to leave it.
Answer: All water should be
drained out Of the plumbing and
heating systems. The job is best
done by a plumber who will blow out.
with air pressure, all water that re-
mains in pipe loops and bends. Fill
all drain traps with oil, kerosene or
one Of the non-evaporative, non
freeze compounds used in automo-
bile radiators. Get rid of all liquids,
in bottles and containers, which are
likely to freeze Have the electricity
and gas shut off, Notify the police
that your house will be unoccupied.
Scatter several pounds of moth balls
in each room and on the beds and
furniture to keep mice away; they
hate the odor. Fasten box over
the chimney top to keep out squirrels
(if any, and birds. Remember to
take it off when you return in the
spring.
Loose Rock Wool
Question:: I have purchased loose
rock wool to insulate my attic CELL
ing. 7 was advised against using
moistureproof paper under the insu-
lation. Since then I have read some
article saying that paper is neces-
sary. Can you advise me?
Answer: If there is a great deal
Of humidity in the air of the house,
a vaporproof (not moistureprooD pa
per is needed. But if the house air
is dry such precautions are not nee
essary. Heavy condensation on win
dows during cold weather would
SHOW L1ldt tAlC1C ID 111OCAA
in the air of the house.
Dirty Air Valves
Question: I believe that my radi.
ator air valves need cleaning. I in.
tended to soak them in kerosene for
"a hours, then drain and dry them
thoroughly. A steam filter tells me
he gets best results by boiling the
valves in vinegar. Which would you
advise?
Answer: The vinegar method is
used widely and gives satisfactory
results. But ! prefer soaking the
valves in clear gasoline or benzine
(being careful of fire, Of course) for
about Is minutes; then work" them
around in the liquid for minute OF
so, drain and dry.
Stained Wallpaper
Question:: How can water spots be
removed from wallpaper?
Answer: The stains will be almost