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Recall: Best Buy- Certain Insignia 26-Inch Flat-Panel LCD Televisions Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Insignia 26-inch flat-panel LCD model IS-LCDTV26 televisions

Units: About 13,300

Importer: Best Buy Co. Inc., of Richfield, Minn.

Hazard: The television’s power supply can fail, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Best Buy has received two reports of fires that included damage to the television and wall. One consumer reported minor burns to the hands.

Description: This recall involves Insignia 26-inch flat-panel LCD televisions, model number IS-LCDTV26. The model number is printed on the back of the television and the word “INSIGNIA” is printed on the bottom front. No other Insignia model televisions are involved in this recall.

Sold exclusively at: Best Buy stores nationwide, at ww.bestbuy.com, and www.bestbuyforbusiness.com from August 2005 through June 2006 for about $800.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled televisions and contact the Best Buy hotline to receive a gift card for the value of a replacement television.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Best Buy at (800) 233-0462 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT daily, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.bestbuy.com

Recall: Clothing Irons by Conair Corporation Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of product: Clothing Irons

Units: About 45,000

Distributor: Conair Corporation, of Stamford, Conn.

Hazard: The clothing iron can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Conair has received three reports of overheating, including two fires resulting in property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Conair clothing irons with model numbers DPP1500, DPP1500R and DPP3500. The model number is printed below the soleplate. No other models are included in this recall.

Sold at: Department and retail stores nationwide from October 2008 through March 2009 for about $50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the recalled clothing irons and contact Conair to receive a free comparable product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Conair at (800) 687-6916 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.Conair.com

Five Appliances That Can Help You Save Money

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 Many Americans are finding themselves looking for ways to save money. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) has come up with a list of five appliances that may already be in your home, which can help you save money.

Coffeemakers —Save on pricy coffeehouse blends by brewing your morning cup at home. Resisting a three dollar cup of coffee will save you nearly $1,000 per year!

Freezers —Stock up on frozen foods when they are on sale. In 2008, shipments of home freezers were up five percent as consumers started to realize the savings in stocking up on frozen sale items. Also, remember to shop for an ENERGY STAR freezer to save even more on energy costs.  

Water filters —Use a water filtration system in your refrigerator instead of buying bottled water. This practice will save you money, and will help the environment by reducing the number of plastic bottles that clog landfills.  

Portable electric heaters —Turn down the heat and use portable heaters in rooms that are used frequently. Keeping the thermostat down will save money while portable heaters provide direct and quick warmth.  

Electric Oven—An electric oven turned on for 1 hour on 350ºF only uses 2kWh of electricity, costing just 24 cents. The cost of dining out can add up quickly. Try cooking at home for a low-cost meal.

For more tips for saving money and energy around your home, visit www.aham.org/consumer.

 

Recall:Cordless Stick Vacuums by Electrolux Home Care Products Due to Bursting Batteries

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Name of product: Ergorapido, Pronto and Precision Vacuums
Units: About 320,000
Distributor: Electrolux Home Care Products Inc., of Bloomington, Ill.
Hazard: The vacuum’s battery can expand and burst, posing a risk of injury to the user and bystanders.
Incidents/Injuries: Electrolux has received 34 reports of incidents in the U.S. involving damage to the vacuum and surrounding property. There have been two reports of minor injuries, including swollen hands and irritation to the eyes from contact with battery powder.
Description: This recall involves 2-in-1 cordless stick vacuums with a detachable hand vacuum and free-standing charger. Units involved in the recall have 9.6-volts printed on a serial plate on the underside of the handheld unit, and the following serial numbers: 074000001 through 085100001 and 74000001 through 85100001.

EL1000A – Pronto
EL1000B – Pronto
EL1000BX – Pronto
EL1000BZ – Pronto
PE1000B – Precision
EL1005A – Ergorapido
EL1006A – Ergorapido

Sold at: Major and independent retailers nationwide from November 2007 through March 2009 for about $100.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the recalled vacuums and contact Electrolux for a free replacement of the handheld portion which contains the batteries.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Electrolux Home Care Products at (800) 932-1778 between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday and Sunday. Consumers can also visit the firm’s Web site at www.stickvacrecall.com

Dirt Devil’s KRUZ

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If you like having a cordless vacuum handy for quick clean-ups, and you have a house with hard surfaced floors, Dirt Devil’s KRUZ cordless floor vac might be your next lightweight vacuum purchase.

This five pound, bagless upright offers easy maneuverability, allowing you to twist 360 degrees to reach around furniture and into hard to reach spaces. The KRUZ hard floor cleaner comes with “Soft Touch” bumpers to keep furniture and floors safe. Other features include a replaceable filter and and charging station.
You can view a short video of the Kruz here
The lowest price we found was about $70.

Buying a Snowblower?

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I know, Spring is almost here – you don’t want to think about heavy snow and getting out of the driveway – but some local stores are trying to sell off their inventory of snowblowers.  This might be your best chance to snag a blower that will make next Winter’s snow removal a breeze.  Well, one can dream, right?

If you’ve been eyeing a deal at your local hardware store and just aren’t sure if it’s the right tool for your needs, read on for some guidelines and tips for buying a snowblower.

Single or Two Stage Blowers:

Single blowers are best for snowfalls of less than eight inches and on level walks or decks. It works by picking up snow and propelling it out of a chute.  They are less costly, but can kick up stones.

Two stage blowers are best for big snowfalls and long, wide driveways.  It will have a stong auger to break up snow and ice which a blower sends through a chute.   These blowers can clear up to a 28″ wide area and had drive wheels to provides traction on hills. The auger does not touch the ground, so it will not throw gravel.  Two stage blowers are heavier than single stage and are bulky making them difficult to handle.  They can also be costly – sometimes moore than $2,000.

Features:

Electric starter – is easier to use than a pull-string, manual start

Horsepower – 5hp to 7hp should do the job unless you are throw wet, heavy snow or throwing snow over a fence.  For that, look for 10hp or more.

Headlights – nice for dark mornings

Snow throwing – your neighbor will appreciate the separate controls that allow you to adjust the angle of the chute and keep the snow off his driveway

Trigger drive release – allows for easier turning

Finally, you’ll need to decide on a gas or electric model.  All two stage and some single stage models are powered by gas.   Gas blowers require having a regular supply of fuel available and regular engine maintenance.  Gas blowers are also very loud.  Electric one stage blowers are quieter, but they are limited by the length of the power cord.

Fisher & Paykel Struggling – Whirlpool Not Buying, But Sears is Selling

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Appliance manufacturer Fisher & Paykel’s debt is predicted to rise to next month as a result of the depreciating New Zealand dollar and a drop in sales. Its profits were expected to drop up to fifty-four percent.

The New Zealand company told investors in February that it was in talks with a number of parties in a bid to raise capital to help with debt levels, Whirlpool was thought to be one of the contenders.

David Graham, Whirlpool general manager of marketing for Australia and New Zealand, told the New Zealand Herald his company would not be the white knight. “At this juncture we are not seeking to acquire Fisher & Paykel New Zealand,” he said.

Commentators said there was only a small chance Fisher & Paykel would find a cornerstone investor to help take on more than $500m in debt when many companies were struggling themselves.

A Government bailout was unlikely and a capital raising from shareholders was the only real option for Fisher & Paykel, they said.

At the same time, Fisher & Paykel Appliances will launch a new brand of home appliances at Sears outlet stores beginning in April. The new Elba by Fisher & Paykel brand will be manufactured in Fisher & Paykel’s North American facilities.

Commenting on the new brand launch in the U.S., Mike Goadby, North American president for Fisher & Paykel Appliances, said, “The company is adapting a strategy it employed in the New Zealand market for the past 12 months with promising results. Fisher & Paykel’s decision to extend its brand is necessary to continue to promote company growth.”

Recall: Kidde to Replace Fire Extinguishers Due to Failure to Operate

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Name of product: Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers

Units: About 167,000

Distributor: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., of Mebane, N.C.

Hazard: The pressurized cylinders in the recalled fire extinguishers could lose pressure and fail to operate. In the event of a fire, this failure could put a consumer and property at risk.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers with model numbers FX340SC, FX340H, FX340GW, XL5MR, FX210R, FX340SC-2, FX210W, XL2.5TCZ-4, E-340-3 and with manufacture dates between October 2007 and April 2008. “Kidde” and the model number can be found on the label on the front of the extinguisher. The manufacture year is on the bottom of the extinguisher. If your extinguisher is one of the listed model numbers and is marked with the year 07 or 08, contact Kidde to determine if you have a recalled extinguisher.

Sold at: Department, home, and hardware stores nationwide from October 2007 through April 2008 for about $35.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately inspect the pressure gauge. If it points to the red zone, contact Kidde to receive a free replacement extinguisher. If the gauge is not in the red zone, but you have questions about an extinguisher within the listed model numbers, please contact Kidde for additional information.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kidde at (888) 345-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.Kidde.com

Appliance Energy Standards Might get Stricter

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According to the New York Times, The Department of Energy (DOE) is reevaluating its standards for energy efficient appliances and is considering raising the standards for qualification as an energy-efficient appliance.

“I am going to be looking at those because I have become more convinced that they are not as aggressive as they could be,” Energy Secretary Steven Chu said at a conference held by the Alliance to Save Energy. “So we will look at making them more aggressive.”

According to the nonprofit Appliance Standards Awareness Project, DOE’s deadlines call for final rules this month for ranges and ovens and commercial clothes washers, with final standards for multiple types of lamps due in June.

There are also a host of proposed standards due later this year, for products such as water heaters and pool heaters.

Chu stressed the key role that energy efficiency in appliances and buildings should play in curbing greenhouse gas emissions. He also emphasized the need to ensure that consumers see efficient appliances and home materials as choices that will ultimately save them money.

Chu also suggested a change in the Energy Star labeling program run jointly by U.S. EPA and DOE.

Floating the idea of a “superstar” category of perhaps the top 5 to 10 percent best performers, Chu said this would allow manufacturers to claim that their products would ultimately save consumers the most money despite higher up-front costs.

Pioneer Leaving the TV Business

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While Pioneer will remain in the home electronics business, focusing on audio products, DJ equipment and cable TV set-top boxes, they have, as reported in Twice.com, announced their intention to quit the television market by March 2010. They plan to emphasize “‘sound’ as they take advantage of extensive audio technologies and expertise developed over the years.

Pioneer said in a statement it is exiting the TV business because “recent market conditions have changed far more than initially anticipated, and Pioneer has decided to withdraw…after concluding there are no prospects for improving profitability under current conditions.” The company said it will continue to provide after-sales services even after the withdrawal from the market.

As with other Japanese consumer electronics makers, the combination of the worldwide recession and the exchange rate between the yen and the U.S. dollar and euro drove losses deeper than expected.