Hi, all. I've got a through-wall air conditioner. This is my first winter with it, and I'm starting to notice the draft. All I can come up with is having someone sew me - for lack of a better term - an air-conditioner cozy.

Does anyone have any thoughts? Better ideas?

Thanks!

Moira - In the past, I've solved the problem by sealing the a/c in plastic (a large garbage bag works) and sealing it to the wall with tape. In one case I was able to remove the a/c cover and put the plastic inside such that the plastic wasn't visible. If you can't do this perhaps covering the plastic with a nice piece of fabric might work.

If you search "window air conditioner cover," you will find a wide variety of choices at various (all rather modest) price points that fit around the inside of the unit. If you buy one without insullation, pick up some thin foam, cut it to size, and put inside the cover.

What happened to the countdown? Are we at '1' yet? This inquiring mind wants to know.......

I have two of the world's ugliest sconces in my bedroom (fake brass, ugly milk-glass shades) which I would like to replace... any suggestions? What I would love are the kind that look like wall-mounted task lamps, with an adjustable arm, perfect for reading in bed... but I haven't found any that are hard-wired into the wall in my price range (under $100, preferably WELL under $100). Any suggestions? Thanks!

Lightenup and Southernwayfarer - thank you both. I've taken both your suggestions - plastic & tape for now, ordering a cover for later. Much appreciated!

I just got a sample pack of synlawn in the mail. This stuff is really fun. I might have to buy some as an area rug. Has anyone else seen it in person?

Over the range microwave or vent hood only? We are currently renovating our kitchen, and have to make this decision. There really is no other place for a microwave except for one over the range. I have read pretty disappointing reviews regarding their ability to vent, however, which is pretty important for me.

So how important is the microwave to you?

screw the microwave, invest in a good fan.

I love having the microwave over the range. Very convenient to have it up and not on the counters. But, I can see that where you might value the hood. Where would you put the microwave?

I recently saw a microwave drawer model, but can not remember where.

Pixie, for our layout, it has to be one or the other. We just don't have the space for a countertop microwave.

patrick (the other one), thanks, but we don't have space for a microwave under the counter either.

Hi Ace:

I checked consumer reports, and it seems that range hoods win, hands down, especially for filtering steam and smoke (see exerpts below). I included tips about choosing a range hood, as it seems you're leaning that way. Let me know if you want the rating of any specific models.

I also have a tiny kitchen, and I've lived without a microwave for two years now. Most days I don't miss it... until I crave microwave popcorn. Perhaps you could post your kitchen plan as a "good question" on the off chance that some brilliant ATer will find a clever design solution to allow you both a range hood and microwave?

"Over the range - Hoods trump microwaves
HIGH STYLE, LOWER PRICE The Kenmore 5030 wall-chimney range hood, $525, a CR Best Buy, offers the pro-style look for hundreds less than others we tested. Convection and other added features help make over-the-range microwave ovens an enticing choice over space-stealing countertop models. But if you care about venting smoke and fumes, you’re better off with a range hood, especially with a higher-powered stove.

None of the over-the-range microwave ovens we tested could match most range hoods’ smoke-capturing ability. Two, the $750 Whirlpool Velos GH6208XR and the $870 Whirlpool Velos GH7208XR, cooked well, extend farther than most over front burners, and were better at venting. But they vented only slightly better than our least-effective hoods, and their high price kept them off our list of top picks. What’s more, heat from the stove below can keep an over-the-range oven’s fan running noisily to cool its internal parts.

Range hoods are becoming as fashionable as they are practical. Most now offer the commercial look of stainless steel. Two of our top picks, one from Broan and one from Whirlpool, have a 2-inch-tall hood that slides out of the cabinet when you need it, though it robs space within.

Decide whether the space savings and convenience of an over-the-range microwave oven are worth subpar smoke and steam removal. Then check our Ratings for top-scoring ovens and range hoods that blend performance and value.

For range hoods, get the right type. Under-cabinet hoods mount to the bottom of a wall cabinet through which ductwork can route to the outside via an adjoining wall, chase, soffit, or ceiling. Wall-chimney hoods work where there are no cabinets and mount with exposed vent stacks on the wall. Island models are mounted to and vented through ductwork in the ceiling. These lack a wall or cabinets alongside them to help funnel fumes, so consider buying one wider than the cooktop.

Avoid downdraft hoods. These try to reverse the direction of rising smoke and fumes and exhaust them through ducts running beneath the floor. Testing showed these to be among the least effective at removing smoke and steam.

A final caveat concerns manufacturers’ airflow claims, which tout the cubic feet per minute (cfm) of air exhausted. More airflow means faster ventilation but it doesn’t guarantee better smoke capture and removal in your kitchen. Indeed, many hoods we tested vented smoke and steam as well as others that delivered twice as much airflow in our testing. "

Ace,

Sirius hoods.

Even an Ikea hood.

Re-circulating of course if you cannot vent to the outside.

But DO invest in one, you will be thankful.

If you have lived without a microwave for 2 yrs. you don't need one. I lived without one for 5 yrs. and when I finally got one I rarely use it. I forget I even have it most of the time. And trust me, microwave popcorn (something I missed as well) tastes like crap after going without for so long. I threw it out because of the nasty fake taste. Forgo the microwave.

I love my microwave. We cook everything we eat from scratch, and the only time saver is to make enough for several meals. Microwave dishwasher = sanity (I totally agree with the above poster about microwave popcorn, though)

However, we're currently in an apartment with one of those cheap-o hoods that do literally nothing but get greasy and make noise. I dream about having something that actually works.

If counterspace is limited, why not get a small microwave that mounts under a cabinet other than the one over the stove? Good enough to reheat leftovers, but you still maintain good ventilation while cooking.

Take the vent hood over the microwave. I would rather my apt not stink then cook what - popcorn, hotwater?

I cannot imagine life without a microwave.

If the hood is not externally vented either way, don't forgo the microwave.

If you are doing a full renovation, and really care about the microwave, lots of companies (from high end to low end) sell combination oven/microwaves, at least of the wall oven variety. Not sure anyone has ventured to make a stove/oven/microwave.

Hey everyone, I have a quick question: I'm looking to paint my walls a bright green (key lime-ish), and I haven't decided though to go with egg-shell or flat paint? Does anyone have any advice? It looks like a lot of the apartments on here tend towards the flat-side.

thanks!

Thanks to everyone (anastasia - you rock for posting that bit from Consumer Reports) for your feedback. We will be venting to the outside either way. We will probably cave in to the over the range microwave solution. This is for our condo, so resale is always in the back of my mind. If it's really really really disappointing, then maybe we'll replace it later (or sell!).