Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 26, 2000 08:08am | #1

   *
   Are those outlets on an exterior wall Anthony?

   If so, it's probably air (and the dirt and dust particles in it) getting sucked outside. I suppose with the recessed lighting the air's getting sucked up (as Fred says) and the static helps dust to stick to the plastic.

   Probably dirty air and a leaky house.

   Dan

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 26, 2000 09:13am | #2

   *The oilheat guys are saying this is caused by burning cheap candles.Any of you guys switch from that NG or LP last summer?What do you think of the increase in the price of fuel oil?Just glad I don't have to explain to the customer I could have switched from oil to gas this summer why they're paying $ 2.00 a gallon today, when 6 months ago it was less than a buck a gallon. As my friend in Delaware might say........I just work out of town now. That way I can walk into Krogers and not have to hear them bitch.I expect all you oil heat guys to be showing up on my doorstep tomorrow morning with scythes and large rocks. Sorry, I won't be home. [g]Respectfully,Jeff

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 26, 2000 10:35pm | #3

   *A strange thing I noticed last year:Humidifiers (the "table-top" ones, not whole house ones) that send up the water using ultrasonic also send up all the minerals in the water too. When I used them the whole house got really dusty (lime dust from the water around here... "here" is SE Michigan).After ditching them and switching to an evaporative humidifier the problem is solved (all the minerals end up percipitating out on the "wick", which now needs to be replaced monthly but thats better than that sticky, white, powdery film all over everything).Just thought I'd see if others have had this problem too.

2. 
   Anthony_Cimino | Jan 27, 2000 06:27am | #4

   *
   Fred,

   Thanks for your quick reply. It sounds like you may be on the right track. Since finishing my basement and 1st floor with all new windows & doors, except for kitchen & main bathroom, the house seems to be fairly tight, except for the attic, which has central air conditioning ducts running through the ceiling and recessed lighting. Can you please give any suggestions or ways I can find out if this is the problem and any solutions you may have.

   P.S. What did you suggest for your client.

   Thank you all for your replies.

3. 
   Guest_ | Jan 27, 2000 10:56pm | #5

   *
   Good Point, Fred.

   I have been wondering that myself, as the attic floor and roof have always remained quite dry, even during the coldest snaps. My latest theory is that the windows let most of it out (original, single panes with aluminum framed double-track (single pane) storms) because the walls are full of cellulouse (shouldn't be much air flow there). The windows stay dry, but the inside of the storms in some rooms get frost on the panes. Oddly enough, this is not necessarily in the rooms with the humidifiers...

   Anyway, the heat bills are real low, and the house is cozy now that I fixed the thermostat (bad anticipator), but the air is real dry - even though its steam heat.

   So, this summer's project ought to be tightening up those beautiful windows I guess. and I'll keep checking the attic periodically.

4. 
   Anthony_Cimino | Jan 28, 2000 07:10am | #6

   *
   Fred Thanks again.I will definitly look through my back issues of FHB. I will also begin sealing any openings and insulating the attic since the original insulation is not up to today's standards.I look forward to reading your article in FHB. Good Luck.

   Sincerely, Anthony

5. 
   Anthony_Cimino | Jan 28, 2000 07:10am | #7

   *
   I noticed a fine dusty/dirty film on all plastic items around the home...outlets, switches, baffles on recessed lighting and about 1 foot on the walls directly above recently installed hot water Slantfin baseboard heating. I am remodeling an older home, a room at a time, for approx. 3 yrs. and this is the first winter that I noticed this residue, someone suggested that perhaps it could have something to do with too much static electricity in my home? If so, please give some remedies or can you suggest any other causes. Very frustrated since first floor is 95% complete and already needs to be repainted.