A.I.

My bedroom windows currently consist of three separate panels separated by two solid, wooden vertical posts. We'd like to convert the windows into horizontal sliders, which means that the posts would have to be removed.

Our contractor thinks that removing the posts would weaken the structural integrity of the building, but we have other, bigger windows in the home that support the horizontal slider just fine. Is this a legit concern in your opinion?

I recently replaced the wood shake roof on my home with an asphalt one. The asphalt roof has adequate vents with ridge venting. Since, I've noticed that the inside of my home gets hotter on hot days than it was under the shake roof (better insulator I guess). What are some ways that I can bring down the temperature caused by the asphalt roof? Replace attic insulation? How about new windows?

My gas furnace sometimes comes on and sometimes does not. When it's on, it works just fine. The pilot light is sometimes on and sometimes off. When it's on, sometimes it doesn't light the main burners.

I replaced the furnace filter and the thermostat just last year. The thermostat cycles on and off as programmed and the wiring is 100% correct.

What may be causing this and are there any DIY steps I can take to remedy it?

My 2000 Toyota Camry XLE was struggling to start up and its check engine light came on. I figured it was the battery and replaced it, which resolved the start up issue and the light went off. BUT - it came back on the next day.

I recently began taking my Honda Fit Sport AT on backpacking trips in the mountains, and noticed that it struggles on the incline. Any tips on how to improve power during uphill driving? It doesn't have a "2" option like most cars.

My retirement plan writes a monthly check payable to my bank to deposit on my behalf. Is this rollover-eligible and will tax be withheld on the checks?

What are some reasons why someone would choose not to withhold income tax from their paycheck? What are the advantages/disadvantages?

My thermostat is correctly programmed and switches on and off at the desired times. The furnace however, sometimes doesn't operate when the thermostat is "on" and sometimes comes on when it's "off". It looks as though the pilot remains lit during "off" times. I have to turn the electricity off, then on to get the furnace to blow. What's going on!?

Only the photos I liked from the past week are showing - I have at least 50 that aren't. Is anyone else having this problem or know how to resolve it? I've tried to contact Instagram via Twitter, but no response.

I'm trying to shut off the water to my home to make a pipe repair. I turned the gate valve clockwise until it stopped, but the water in my house is still on. I also tried turning it the reverse way with the same results. What gives?

I've been experiencing recurring knots in my upper back which eventually spread to the neck, shoulder and chest region. At first I thought it may be due to the position in which I sleep, but I've changed that and they still occur. Although the knots are fairly new, the pain in my chest has been around for a while - a doctor once told me that my rib was the cause, irritating the chest muscles. What's causing these knots and could the rib issue be related? What's the most effective treatment?

The temperature/pressure relief valve on my home water heater started leaking after I performed a flush on the water heater. To my knowledge, it wasn't leaking beforehand. It's a drip-type leak which only happens when it's trying to heat water. What's causing this and how do I fix it?

My HDTV is connected to cable, and the channels worked fine until a couple days ago. Anyone else having this issue?

http://www.consumersearch.com/files/cs/imagecache/...

I want to use it with my digital tv converter box if possible.

Beginners like myself who are looking for solid, practical knowledge and advice? I like reading Suze Orman-type stuff if that helps any. Thanks.

I fractured my ankle a few months back and had surgery to reinforce it with a plate and a few screws. I'm now debating on whether I should have another surgery to take them out. Right now, I'm feeling a little tightness on the side of my ankle that has the implants. I don't know how shoes feel yet, since I haven't been wearing them. I guess my question goes to those that have gone through this process...What are your experiences and would you recommend taking them out?

The patches are brownish in color (I'm light-skinned). At first glance, they seem to be a build-up of dirt, but when I wash and scrub, it doesn't go away. What is it and how do I get rid of it?

I have very crusty, flakey skin on my ears and right behind my sideburns. Does anyone else have this problem? I shower everyday, and the dry skin appears almost immediately after I dry myself off. Then the next morning, it becomes crusty. How do I stop this!?