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Q. How can we improve the efficiency of an existing heating and cooling system without replacing the furnace or air conditioner, and without adding more insulation? - MICHAEL ANDREYKO - PENNSYLVANIA

A. The best way to make an existing air conditioning system more efficient without changing out equipment is to have it properly maintained. Equipment that is running with an improper refrigerant charge will run longer to satisfy cooling targets. Dirty condenser coils will prevent efficient heat exchange, which forces your compressor to use more electricity. Properly maintained equipment will reduce your energy bill, but with the advances in the air conditioning industry, these savings will not come close to what you would see with some of the newer, high-efficiency systems that are on the market. PHILIP GORE - AIRE SERV OWNER, ATHENS, TEXAS

Q. How do you install low-voltage walkway lights? - ANGELA COLLIER - GEORGIA

A. The typical installation involves running a low-voltage landscape lighting wire (this is rated for direct burial in earth) from a transformer along the path of your planned lights, attaching the lights, then burying the wire in accordance with local electric codes. The number of lights you wish to install will determine the wire and transformer sizes.

There are mathematical calculations involved to ensure adequate voltage, equal brightness, and to help prevent premature lamp failure. Is there an outlet within cord reach of the transformer? If not, you may need to contact a licensed electrician, as it is unsafe and against the national electric code to use an extension cord in a permanent situation. - JIM FOLTZ - MR. ELECTRIC SENIOR SERVICE PROFESSIONAL

Q. We have a 200-year-old farmhouse with wide plank hardwood floors on the first floor. What is the best way to insulate the basement to stop the cold air that makes its way through the floorboards? - AMY CONNOLLY - NEW JERSEY

A. I’m assuming that a 200-year-old farmhouse is probably on a stone foundation. These foundations are very difficult to insulate economically, but the problem may not be one of insulation. If you are feeling a draft coming up through your floor, this would indicate that the house is “negative” to the basement. Air is being exhausted somewhere on the upper level, causing the air to be “drawn” up from the basement. Cold air is heavier than warm and will usually stay put in the basement unless acted upon by some other force. You might want to do some research to see if there is a chimney open, perhaps excess attic ventilation, or maybe just too much bathroom exhaust. No matter what the cause, you should try to eliminate this condition.

Your second option may be to apply one of the new thermal boards to the bottom of the floor joists to stop the airflow. This material is available in thicknesses starting at 1/8 inch, provides great insulating qualities for its thickness, and should help eliminate the draft and cold floors. - RICHARD CIRESI – AIRE SERV OWNER, LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

Q. We are installing a home computer and were wondering if you could give us some pointers about wiring? - DR. NOBLE STREETER - CALIFORNIA

A. Be sure that you have a well-grounded electrical system. To verify this, a measurement of resistance must be taken at your main electrical panel. This will require working inside the panel with the power on, so it is highly recommended that you contact a licensed electrician to perform this task.

A good “whole home” surge arrestor is highly recommended. This type is typically installed at the main electricity source to help protect your “whole home,” and monitors your incoming utility company voltage. Any increases in voltage are shunted to the ground system. These units are usually of a higher quality than the typical plug strip surge arrestor, and some offer cable and phone line connections to protect those systems, too.

A dedicated 120-volt circuit may be required. This is a circuit with no load on it other than your computer equipment. A dedicated phone line may also be required. This is a phone line with no other phone devices on it, or it could be a separate phone number for fax/Internet service. Check the manufacturer’s information packet, or discuss with a local computer expert. - JIM FOLTZ - MR. ELECTRIC SENIOR SERVICE PROFESSIONAL

Q. We are remodeling our attic and were wondering if you had any suggestions for heating insulation? - AMANDA DUNCAN - PENNSYLVANIA

A. Fiberglass batts with a minimum of R-13 are very good in attic walls. If the ceiling is to be installed on rafters, there should be air space above the insulation. If there is only room for 3-inch insulation in a rafter space, a foam board can be installed on the rafters before the ceiling is put in. A minimum of R-19 should be installed in the ceiling. - LARRY SPEAKMAN – AIRE SERV OWNER, JACKSONVILLE, ILLINOIS

Q. Do you have some suggestions on interior lighting to highlight art? - D. LEACH - ARIZONA

A. There are several ways to accomplish this type of task lighting. Installation of track lighting allows exact placement of multiple lights for multiple locations. As the name implies, track lighting consists of a track up to 8 inches in length, mounted directly to the ceiling. An attachment is available to make the electrical connection to the track. Individual track heads are then snapped into the track to meet each lighting need. These track heads can be relocated at any time, as you add or relocate your display pieces.

Recessed lighting is also popular. This is a fixed-location type light, and since it is recessed flush with the ceiling, it is somewhat hidden from direct view. There are many finish trims available, depending on your needs.

Directional lights can be used to spotlight various things, such as a painting on a wall, a statue, or just for general area floodlighting. Consult with a licensed electrician or a lighting showroom specialist to discuss your particular needs. They will have catalogs and display pieces to help you make your choice. Whichever type of lighting you choose, it is recommended that you use halogen bulbs, as this type of light best shows off displayed pieces. - JIM FOLTZ - MR. ELECTRIC SENIOR SERVICE PROFESSIONAL

Q. How often should I have my air ducts cleaned and inspected for repairs? - JEREMY SHORT - OREGON

A. In the majority of homes, cleaning and inspection once every three years is adequate. The type of air filter you are using and the frequency of maintenance on your heating and air conditioning equipment can significantly affect the time between cleanings. A good quality air cleaner will protect your heating and air conditioning equipment, duct system, and your home, while regularly scheduled maintenance will extend the life of the equipment and increase its efficiency. - RICHARD CIRESI - AIRE SERV OWNER, LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY