Do It Yourself

Q. We need to replace our water heater and are thinking of getting a tankless, gas-fueled heater. Are the energy savings of tankless heaters worth the extra up-front cost?

-- A. Cillo-Mandel

A. Typical gas-fired, tankless water heaters use about 20 percent less energy than typical tank-type water heaters using gas for fuel. Another advantage is that you won't have a large tank full of water sitting somewhere in your house.

But the good news more or less ends there. Tankless water heaters cost considerably more than tank-type heaters, and they cost more to install. According to some estimates I have seen, it takes about 20 years to pay off the equipment and installation costs through fuel savings, assuming there are no additional costs for service or repairs. And after 20 years, the tankless heater will probably need replacement or a major overhaul.

Anyone considering a tankless water heater should read the October 2008 issue of Consumer Reports magazine. This report has some specific figures on costs and savings and some important information on performance.

Q. I am replacing the carpet in our basement. The old carpet is laid over asbestos tiles. Is there anything I can put over the tiles to seal in the asbestos and provide a moisture barrier? -- G. Rice

A. If the floor has a moisture problem, it should be resolved before new carpet is installed. Remove the old carpet and tape several pieces of aluminum foil about a foot square to various areas of the tiles. It is best to do this test during or after a hard rain. Pull up the foil after a week or so and check the bottom -- if there is moisture, the floor has seepage. Moisture on the top side of the foil is condensation.

Seepage in a basement floor can be caused by overflowing rain gutters, poor drainage around the house or a high water table.

If the tiles are in good condition, there is no need to worry about sealing in the asbestos -- it is already sealed in by the cement in the tiles. Asbestos is only a hazard if the tiles are broken or crumbling, when particles might get into the air and be breathed.

If the floor proves to be dry, you can spread a layer of plastic sheeting over it before laying the carpet. I personally favor area rugs in basements. If a flood threatens, the rugs can be rolled up and placed out of harm's way.

Q. How can I remove the odor of cat urine from my hardwood floor?

-- M. Dykes

A. There are a number of products for removing pet odors from surfaces, including floors and carpets. Some of the products will also remove other organic stains and odors, such as vomit and blood.

One of the best-known products is Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Remover. It is sold at some pet stores and online. For more information, visit http://www.naturemakesitwork.com; this site also includes a dealer finder. Pet stores also sell other brands. Check the directions to make sure the product is suitable for hardwood floors. I recommend testing any product in an inconspicuous place on the floor before using it in highly visible areas.

Questions and comments should be sent to Gene Austin, 1730 Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, Pa. 19422. Send e-mail to doit861@aol.com. Questions cannot be answered personally.