Q. The duct for my bathroom exhaust fan runs along the attic floor, then rises abruptly to go through a vent in the wall. I have noticed that water vapor condenses inside the duct and the water remains in the duct and freezes in winter. If I level out that duct to go through another vent in the wall, would this prevent the collection of water?
-Fed Up
A. It might, and if you insulate the duct, it will be more likely not to happen. Also, put in a metal duct that is more easily insulated. And get in the habit of keeping the fan on for half an hour after each shower, so the fan can exhaust more water vapor before it has a chance to condense.
It sounds as if your duct has an extra long run, and the longer the run the less efficient it is. Consider shortening the run and venting the duct through a soffit (eave) or even through the roof. The shorter the run, the less water vapor to condense.
Q. I installed sheet copper, nice and shiny, behind my stove as a backer to catch various greases, oils, and other cooking things that might get splashed on the back and sides behind the stove. I did not seal it, and now nothing seems to work to clean the copper. I tried various copper cleaners without success. I even tried Easy-Off oven cleaner. What can I use?
-Cook from Athol
A. Soften the spatters with water and clean the copper with Brillo or SOS pads. If you find the pads scratching the copper, switch to a finer steel wool and water. Sealing or finessing the copper will make no difference in the ability to clean it.
Q. I have a Burnham steel boiler that is 21 years old, and I wondered how to determine when to replace it. A plumber said such boilers don’t last more than 15 years. Burnham says the boiler could last plenty of years. Who can I believe? – Craig Auman, Groton
A. I’d go with Burnham, who should know more about its boilers than even an experienced plumber. A high-quality steel boiler should last longer than 21 years, so I say, sit tight. The boiler is still quite efficient despite its years, and its design is not that different from a more modern boiler.
Cast-iron boilers can last many more years than steel boilers, but what you can do is find out how long yours will last.
Q. The aluminum canopy cap over my side door collapsed, and when I looked for a replacement, I could not find one except a canvas-and-aluminum-framed canopy for $2,500. That is more than I want to pay. What else can I do? The canopy is just to keep rain from the door.
– Joe Slyns, Shrewsbury
A. Yeah, I agree that the price is not right. You can build your own little roof, with angled braces to hold up the sides, for no more than the cost of materials. Or have a carpenter do it for maybe $500.
Peter Hotton is the Handyman on Call at The Boston Globe.
