Dear Glenn: I would like to know some of the top-rated gas-fired, forced-air furnaces out there so I don't end up buying a lemon. Can you help in this area?

Sandy, Centerline

Dear Sandy: Every major manufacturer makes excellent furnaces. The best furnace is the one that is installed correctly. I've said that for 23 years and am still saying it. You write a check to a contractor, not a furnace manufacturer. If the furnace breaks down in the middle of the night, you will be calling the installing contractor, not the manufacturer.

I have a number of good heating contractors listed on my Website, www.masterhandyman.com. Before you buy, ask friends, relatives and neighbors, check references and make certain that the contractor pulls a permit.

Dear Glenn: I live in a flat that was built in the 1930s or '40s. I'm renting. The bathtub is OK on the inside, but the outside has pieces of the finish missing. The landlord won't fix it, and I don't want to spend a lot of money to have it reglazed. Do you think if I sanded the areas and sprayed appliance paint just on the outside that it would stay on and look OK? Have you ever heard of anyone doing this?

Mac, Detroit

Dear Mac: Rustoleum, (800) 323-3584, www.rustoleum.com, makes a bathtub paint called Rustoleum Tub and Tile Formula. It might be perfect for your situation.

Dear Glenn: I would like to put UV film on my windows, but the windowpanes are wider than the film size. Can an installer still cover the windows with UV film?

Fran, Troy

Dear Fran : Professionals such as those at Michigan Glass Coatings, (800) 999-8468, www.mich iganglasscoatings.com, have the film and the expertise to cover any size window. They do huge bank and office windows all the time.

Dear Glenn: My wife and her friends were using hot glue guns and dripped some glue on our carpet. I used Goof Off, and it didn't break down the glue. Is there any product or idea you could suggest to help me get rid of the glue?

Wayne, Troy

Dear Wayne: Two approaches: Call the manufacturer and get their solution. Ask what solvent will dissolve the glue, then check to make sure the solvent will not damage the carpeting. In Metro Detroit, I'd call Chet's Cleaning, (800) 404-0017. The company is known for its problem-solving ability.

Dear Glenn: Is it true that leaving tube-type fluorescent bulbs on is more economical than turning them off? Also, is this true of fluorescent bulbs used in lamps and sockets where one would normally use incandescent bulbs? I am using these bulbs in the garage, closets and other places where they are turned on and off regularly.

Catherine, Grosse Pointe

Dear Catherine: The energy expert from DTE-Energy tells me that if you are going to be out of a room for more than 10 minutes, it is more economical to turn the light off. That includes fluorescent bulbs. Replacement is factored into the calculation. Also, because fluorescents are cooler than incandescent bulbs, they have less stress when turned on and off.