Two topics I've written about that received lots of comments were my rants about gutter guards and dehumidifiers. Many readers wrote to express satisfaction with the hooded gutters offered by Leafaway and Gutter Helmet, but they cost $1,500 and up ($15 to $28 per linear foot). One cheaper solution is a foam insert. Costco's GutterStuff available online only is currently on sale for $2.19 per linear foot plus tax, regularly $2.81. The product is rated 4 out of 5 stars on average by 30 reviewers, but buyers with maple trees in their yard seemed dissatisfied. Others complained about ice dams, but I have had heard that complaint with every system, including hooded gutters. To check it out, go to Costco.com and put item number 450980 in the search field. The price includes shipping. Non-members can also order online for an additional 5 percent surcharge.

Last year I complained about dehumidifiers lasting only a summer or two. My solution has been to buy them at Costco, which has an unlimited return policy. The Consumer Reports-recommended model by Danby that I purchased in the spring of 2009 has worked great. The same 60 pint model is on sale at Costo.com for $180 (delivered) plus tax through July 3. Reviewers give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. Complaints include a fan that runs continously and noise. The noise probably isn't an issue in a basement, but the continuous fan might be a problem for some. If you buy this model, be sure to clean the filter every two weeks. It can only be removed when the water reservoir is pulled out. I didn't even know the unit had a filter until I checked the owner's manual. Not cleaning the filter is a common cause of unit failure. I also received a lot of emails from readers saying they've had the same model for a decade or longer. Hold on to it if you do. Today's models don't seem to last as long.