Question: We are thinking of installing awnings...

Question: We are thinking of installing awnings on our home, and my husband says that it will cut down on our air conditioning bills. Is there really much savings?

Answer: I understand that homes with air conditioning save as much as 20% to 30% in electrical costs when awnings are installed. Awnings, when properly designed, can add beauty, and the new styles and new fabrics generally will not mildew and fade.

Q: We are thinking of remodeling our kitchen. A contractor has suggested that we shop around to get an idea of what we would like to have in the way of appliances.

A: Your contractor is very wise. There are two different types of appliance stores. The stores that offer volume products on a no-frills basis can often make it a little difficult to make a selection and visualize what things will look like in your future kitchen. On the other hand, they have low prices.

The second type are boutique operators, such as California Kitchens in Burbank. They will give you an idea of not only what the major brands of kitchen appliances look like, but also give you various settings for these appliances. They also stock some of the newer and more sophisticated products that are not mass marketed.

Giving your contractor a good idea of what you want will help you get satisfaction with your kitchen remodeling.

Q: We have an older home and have difficulty removing mildew and rot odors after a remodeling project. Can you suggest something that would help us?

A: Older homes can produce many different odors, from mold, mildew, rot, animal waste and other sources. The remodeling may have stirred up the aromatic content.

Usually these aromas come from mold and mildew in crawl spaces, basements, kitchens and baths where moisture is produced. The only suggestion I can make is that you wash the surfaces from which the odor comes with some of the better-known disinfectants, or you can use a solution of one cup of household bleach to one gallon of water.

After you wash the suspected areas, you should seal the area with an oil-based paint or varnish to help suppress the lingering odors. Sometimes it may be necessary to paint areas and surfaces that normally do not require painting.