QUESTION: Years ago, we were given a very large window fan by my husband's grandparents. It is screwed onto the window frame in our attic, and in the summer, all we need to do at night is open our bedroom window, turn the fan on exhaust, and enjoy the cool night air.Is there anything we need to do in order to make sure that this fan continues to function well, such as cleaning the motor, oiling it, and other things? We are on our second motor with this fan, and would like to keep it going.ANSWER: You seem to have done fine already without my counsel, but I would make sure the blades are clean and there are no obstructions that prevent them from operating efficiently. Dust and grime weigh on the blades, causing the motor to work harder, thus reducing its life.As far as oiling the motor is concerned, it depends on the make and model.If the motor is newer than the fan, it will be easier to punch in the available information online to get the correct recommendation.One thing I would check on regularly is the condition of the plug.Sometimes rodents appear in the most secure places and like to chew things. I'd just check it to see that it and the rest of the wiring are in good order.

QUESTION: Recently, we purchased a rehabbed house where mechanicals, the roof, windows, and the like were pretty much all replaced.When we asked our real estate agent for a disclosure from the buyer, the agent said there wasn't one because it was a rehab.Looking at the Pennsylvania disclosure law, in a resale the seller should always provide a disclosure, but there's also a provision that new properties do not require one, if a warranty if offered.What is a rehab considered — a new building or a resale?ANSWER: I asked several real estate agents who confirmed that, in Pennsylvania, rehabs do not require such disclosures.That being said, not every rehab is done correctly, so perhaps full disclosure, while not required, would be wise to have.Questions? E-mail Alan J. Heavens at aheavensphillynews.com or write to him at The Inquirer, Box 8263, Philadelphia, Pa. 19101. Volume prohibits individual replies.