The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and QVC has announced a recall of about 82,000 Tomato Planters. The legs on the bottom of the planter can detach when the planter is moved or becomes unbalanced. To date, 155 consumers have reported injuries including lacerations, broken toes and bruises. The recall affects the Topsy-Turvy Deluxe Tomato Planter with Stand (Item Numbers M16702 and M17499), an upright planter. The planter consists of a 16-inch X 15-inch bag that holds up to 30 pounds of soil and is attached to the top of a 6-foot tall adjustable pole. Three legs are inserted into the pole to form a 36-inch wide base. It was sold through QVC and retail stores from March 2008 through April 2008 for about $30. Consumers who have already set up the planter should immediately take it down by having two adults carefully tip it over on its side. Customers can contact QVC about obtaining a refund at (800) 367-9444.
With the rising cost of living, having an energy-efficient home is becoming more and more important. Saving energy can begin with some very simple steps. Energy Star’s Online Home Tutorial estimates that a typical family could save up to $140 annually by properly sealing leaks in the home’s duct system. Turning your water heater down to 120 degrees F and cleaning your refrigerator coils can also help. In the summer, reducing your energy bill can be as easy as closing the window curtains to reduce sun heat and opening windows on the shaded side. Following these easy steps and remembering to use water and electricity sparingly will help maximize your home’s energy efficiency. Any more ideas? Add them to the "Comments" section below.
If you live in a state with a perpetually wet basement like me, you're probably running a dehumidifier year-round. Ours sucks the moisture out of our always-wet walls and drains it into the sump pump.
If you're luckier than me, you may only use a dehumidifier for humid summer days and are dragging yours out of storage right about now. If you have an older model, you may want to consider upgrading to an Energy Star qualified one. It removes the same amount of moisture as a unit of the same size but uses 10 to 20 percent less energy, which could actually power your refrigerator for six months. Visit Energy Star's page on dehumidifiers for more information as well as a list of approved models.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Frigidaire has announced a recall of about 7,500 Kenmore Wall Ovens. Gas can build in the oven cavity during extended broiling and escape when the oven door is opened, posing a significant fire and burn hazard. Sixteen incidents involving burns to the hands, face and singed hair have been reported. This recall involves Kenmore 24-inch-wide gas and propane, wall-mounted ovens in white, black, bisque and stainless steel. The model and serial numbers can be found on the frame on the left side of the oven cavity. The recalled ovens have models numbers 790.30472400, 790.30473400, 790.30474400, 790.30479400, and the serial numbers range from NF401xxxxx through NF610xxxxx. The ovens were sold nationwide from September 2004 through October 2007. Consumers should stop using the "broil" feature on the oven immediately and contact Sears at (800) 479-6408 for a free repair.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of about 23,000 Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers. The blower’s fan can separate from the base and break apart, causing plastic pieces to be blown out of the machine and pose a laceration and impact hazard to consumers. Thirteen injuries have been reported so far, and this product was previously recalled because it posed a fire hazard. The recall involves Shindaiwa Models EB8510 and EB8510RT, all models up to serial #7014728 included. Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately and contact Shindaiwa at (800) 521-7733 for the closest dealer location to schedule a free inspection and impeller replacement.
I'll never forget the time my wife and I were dive-bombed by a bat while we were in bed at a lake house. We spent the entire night cowering under the sheets. This was several years ago so this article from Old House Journal on how to rid a home of bats is long overdue for me. Before you panic at the sight of a bat, let it be known that bats are not a threat to your personal safety—less than one percent have rabies—but bats should never be allowed to enter interior living quarters. The article documents the entire procedure of eliminating bats from a home in great detail, particularly useful for owners of older homes.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and The Home Depot has announced a recall of about 14,000 candle holders. Sunlight that passes through the glass can cause nearby flammable items to ignite. The sun-shaped candle holder is glass and metal and was sold in four colors (red, green, blue and yellow). The product's hang tag has “15.75" Candle Holder” printed on it. The candle holder was sold at The Home Depot stores in the southern and western regions of the U.S. from January 2008 through March 2008 for about $10. Consumers should stop using the candle holder immediately and return it to The Home Depot for a full refund.
