Consumer Question: Portable Air Filter

Hi, Joe,

I live in an apartment condo built in the 60s. It is only 625 sq. ft. and not well insulated and the neighbor's cigarette smoke/order comes through the radiator in the living room and the walls. I have my window cracked open 365 days a year 24 hours a day. If I do not do this my entire condo will smell. This does not solve the problem as I still smell smoke when I am watching TV. What type of air filter is best for this? There are so many out there. I want to purchase one that handles smoke. 

Thanks for your help,

Michelle

A: Hi, Michelle,

Thanks for your note. 

I don't know much about air filtering units but I suggest you contact a cigar bar that may use them in their establishment. I know that in the past when smoking was allowed, a typical bar had these units were portable and sat right on the bar. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Inconsistent Oven

Hi, Joe,

We have a GE spectra electric stove/oven that's about 6 years old. The oven works inconsistently, sometimes not reaching the displayed temp, sometimes getting warmish but not cooking the food, other times it seems to cook ok. It seems to work better between 400-500 degrees, but not always. What do you think might be the problem, and what part would you think would need to be replaced?


Thanks,

Henry

A: Hi, Henry,

Thanks for your note. 

You may be having a problem with the electronic controls in this oven. I suggest you turn off all voltage to this unit for at least an hour. Sometimes it takes care of the problem and the control board re-sets itself. If not, I suggest you call for service rather than try and change parts yourself.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Washing Machine Not Draining

Hi, Joe,

My washing machine fills up and will not drain...is it fixable or should I trash it?

Thanks,

Brad

A: Hi, Brad,

Thanks for your note. 

Most problems like yours have to do with a pump, a blockage, a lid switch, or something minor. I would not suggest you purchase a new machine until you get into it or have a technician look at it.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Dishwasher Won't Start

Hi, Joe,

I have a 5-year old Kenmore dishwasher that doesn't start when the door is closed, even if the lock light is on. I've turned the breaker on and off, turned the water feed on and off, and I've held the start button for 30 seconds but  nothing happens. What do you think is wrong?

Thank you,

Jeffrey

A: Hi Jeffrey,

Thanks for your note. 

I suspect you have a problem with the electronic board on this dishwasher. You may need a technician to confirm this. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Fabric Softener Sheets vs. Liquid

Hi, Joe,

My husband and I went to Bill and Rod's Appiance to buy a new washing machine. 13 years ago we bought the Maytag Neptune washer and dryer from them and are just tired of the problems we have with the washer. We are replacing it with the old agitator type washer with water levels we can set.

My question is about liquid fabric softener vs. dryer sheets. I had always read that the dryer sheets were dangerous, and always used the liquid softener. The salesman said to never use the liquid softener because it "gunks up" the washer and causes problems. He said it would be better to use the dryer sheets.

I'd like to know what you think about this.

Thank you,

Patricia

A: Hi, Patricia,

Thanks for your note. 

I've heard it as well that the sheets are dangerous but I don't believe that has ever been proven. As for the liquid, it could help to plug up dispensers etc. but my wife says she doesn't use any of the softeners. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Central Air Refrigerant

Hi, Joe,

Can a central air conditioner need refrigerant for many reasons or does it have to have a leak in the system?

Thank you,

Dave

A: Hi, Dave,

Thanks for your note. 

A central system that has been running ok for a time may develop a leak at some point along the way. The loss of refrigerant needs to be corrected at the trouble spot with a possible vacuum pulled on the system and recharged.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Portable Air Conditioner

Hi, Joe,

My husband and I listen to your show. Thanks for all your helpful advice.

We are looking to buy an air conditioner and are looking for a recommendation. We rent and do not have centeral air and our windows are all HUGE left/right sliding, so we need to buy a portable AC unit (14,000BTU for the space we need to cool). While researching, I've noticed several use evaportative cooling with a dual hose system. Is this a better way to cool? Do you have a brand recommendation? We have been looking at a Soleus LX-140 at Sears.


Thank you for any advice you are able to provide!

Thank you,

Kristen

A: Hi Kristen,

Thanks for your note. 

The portable units are becoming quite popular. I would check with the manager of a senior citizen complex and ask how they do it and are they happy.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Fixing Dehumidifiers

Q: Hi, Joe,

Do you know of anyone that fixes dehumidifiers? I have a 3 year old Frigidaire that no longer removes humidity from my basement air.

Thank you,
Steve

A: Hi Steve,

Thanks for your note. 

I'm sure my son Mark would check out your dehumidifier for you. His business is located in Livonia. You can call 734-953-6991. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Lubricate Door Seal

Q: Hi, Joe,

I bought a new Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator. Manual says to lubricate door seal with silicone grease. I have never done this before. Do you recommend? If you do, what about using Vaseline? What about the freezer door seal.

Thank you,
Thomas

A: Hi Thomas,

Thanks for your note. 

I strongly recommend you lubricate the door seal with Vaseline. Put it on both doors. Put it on the hinge side of the door only.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Repair Whirlpool Gas Stove

Q: Hi, Joe,

I have a Whirlpool Gas Stove, about 14 yrs. old.  (Model SF325PE67 & Serial RH5212867). The oven & broiler went out and we couldn't figure out how to find out what part needed repair. I went to Repair Clinic in Canton and they suggested it may be the electric board which could cost up to $300.00. (If it is that much I might as well purchase a new stove.)    I'm hoping you can recommend someone who can come in and tell me what part is needed. 

Thank you so much,
Kathy

A: Hi, Kathy,

Thanks for your note.

I would like you to call my son, Mark at 734-953-6991. Tell him you are communicating with me. He will take care of you.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - GE Washing Machine

Q: Hello, Joe,

We have a GE washing machine that is about three years old and will not start. It has a push button control panel. From listening to your shows, I suspect the safety switch in the lid is the culprit, but I cannot seem to get at it. Is there a manual or web site that I can access?
Model # WHRE5550KIWW
Serial # HS 116356 G

Thank you so much for your help and for acting as a consumer watchdog.
Mike

A: Hi Mike,
Thanks for your note.

The top may pop up by sticking a flat metal piece under the top on each side.
There are sometimes clips that hold the top down. Once raised, you can get to the lid switch.

Any problems, call my son Mark with your model number and he can look it up for you and tell you how. His number 734-953-6991.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - Dryer Exhaust

Q: Hi Joe Gagnon,

They tried to install a new dryer for me today and the installer could not get the semi-flexible exhaust hose to stay on the glass block window outlet. He recommended that I get glass block window outlet that is not recessed and has a bigger lip. He also recommended that I return the semi-flexible exhaust hose and get a more flexible one (slinky type). I'm going to contact my city tomorrow morning to see what the code is for the exhaust hose.

Do you have any other suggestions?

Thank you, 
Christina

A:  Hi Christina,

Thanks for your note.

Slinky vinyl or tinfoil is not permissible to use. Who is the installer that would recommend this to you?

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Repair Follow Up

Q: Hi Joe Gagnon,

I thought I'd update you on my dishwasher repair. As you know, Mark was able to locate the necessary part which enabled him to rebuild the pump and then reinstall it. The repair entailed three trips to my house. Trip one to confirm the problem: The pump needed a part which he managed to locate. This was remarkable since that part is no longer made. His second trip was to remove the broken pump and rebuild it with the new part (which had to be done at his shop). His third and final trip was to install the rebuilt pump.

His efforts were successful! My dishwasher again runs quietly and efficiently. The horrendous racket is gone. My dishes are clean and I am very happy.

My thanks to both you and Mark, 
Evelina

A:  Hi Evelina,

Thank you for the follow up. I'm proud of that boy.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - Frigidaire Washer

Q: Hello Joe Gagnon,

I have a Frigidaire Front load washer Model #GLTF2940FS.

It is 5 years old and is turning on and off every few minutes, and flashes a 'J' in the display. Do you have an idea of what is wrong? I e-mailed Frigidaire and the only thing they would tell me was to call for service.


Thank you,

Julie

A:  Hi Julie,

Thanks for the note.

I might suggest you contact my son Mark who owns a business in Livonia. He also travels to Jackson to do service. His number is 734-953-6991. Ask him to investigate and see what the code J means on your washer. He will tell you what is wrong and how to fix it yourself.

Let me know what you find out.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - Purchasing a New Washing Machine

Q: Hello Joe Gagnon,

My real issue is the need to buy a new clothes washing machine on an incredibly tight budget. Most of the kids are gone but, we do have one attending high school still living with us. So, on most occasions there are three living at the residence. Although we have a small home, space is not an issue, but stack-ability, if not at a premium, is of interest. Our real concerns are those of durability, performance and quality at a value or good price. Price range $400-$800.

Thanks,

Scott

A:  Hi Scott,

Thanks for the note.

I might suggest a Speed Queen washer available at Busen's Appliance, Downriver.

Let me know what you decide please.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - GE Washer Leaking

Q: Hello Joe Gagnon,

My GE washer is leaking oily water from the bottom during the rinse cycle.  It's about 12 years old. Is it worth fixing or should I replace it?

Thank you for your input,

Fran

A:  Hi Fran,

Thanks for the note.

Your washer has a seal in the transmission that is defective. Cost of repairs is too much for that washer. Time to kiss it good-bye.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - Dishwasher

Q: Hello Joe Gagnon,

How do I check why my dishwasher is not spraying water? I can hear the dishwasher but no water comes out.

Thanks,

Harry

 

A:  Hi Harry,

Thanks for the note.

Make sure the dishwasher is filling with water. Turn it on and let it run for 6 minutes. Open the door - it should be full of water in the bottom. Check the spray arms to see if the little holes are plugged with food particles. The arms come off - usually a plastic nut holds them on. 

Using soap packages with a plastic sheet, which are supposed to dissolve, is sometimes a cause for the holes plugging up.

Please let me know what you find.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - Sears Kenmore Refrigerator

Q: Hello, Joe,

I have a Sears Kenmore Refrigerator 

Model#: 795.76209.901

Serial#: 010MRQK08548

It is a Full Load AMP 3.5A.

When the door is closed the refrigerator makes a loud noise (like a motor.) When the door gets opened it stops. You can also open the door but push in the little lever on the side that makes it seem like the door is closed and it will then make the same loud motor noise. It makes this sound constantly. Sometimes it is a little quieter than other times, but as soon as you open the door for something and then close it, it starts getting louder all over again. Could you help with this problem?
 

Thanks so much,
Delora

A: Hi Delora,

Thanks for the note.

The noise you hear is the fan motor inside the freezer section. It may have a bad bearing that needs to be repaired. The freezer comes apart and the motor is not hard to change out. Contact a parts store in your area and they can give you a price and a breakdown of how you take out the wall in the freezer section. Let me know how this works out please.

Regards,
Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - Dishwasher Cleaning

Q: Hi, Joe,

We bought a home that has a high efficiency Sears Elite dishwasher. After cleaning there are food particles on the glasses in the upper racks.
 

Is there anything we can do?
 

Thanks,

Loretta

A: Hi Loretta,

Thanks for your note. Check out the spray arms to make sure they are not plugged with food particles. The removal of phosphates in detergent is causing a nationwide problem. Kroger & Meijer carry a product called Lemi Shine which takes care of the phosphate problem. We use it in our dishwasher and it resolves the problem.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - Gas Furnace

Hi, Joe,

I have a 1995 Comfortmaker gas furnace and I have a problem with it not running properly. I have a programmable thermostat that I just replaced to no avail. The problem seems to be that when the furnace needs to switch from night program to day program it will not. For example, I have night temp set at 64 and day temp to 68. Sometimes the furnace will kick on and run for a couple of minutes, then the blower continues to blow but no flame. If I turn the thermostat on and off it seems to then kick on and work fine. I have had a technician come out; he cleaned the sensor and confirmed that the furnace is in good shape. Unfortunately the problem continues.

Any suggestions you may have are much appreciated.
 

Thank you!
Frank
 

A: Hi Frank,

Thanks for your note.

You must have paid to have service rendered and they didn't fix the problem. I would call them back for service at no charge. Apparently they missed something.

If you get no satisfaction, I suggest you call Kelley Brothers at 734.462.6266. I know they can fix it.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon