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Nutone Door Answering System

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If you need hands-free security and media access in a compact unit, Nutone’s drop-down monitor will fit neatly under your kitchen cabinets. The system comes with one camera. A second camera (either recessed or surface-mount) can be added to monitor the back door. Lower the color LCD panel to watch cable TV with the integrated cable tuner, enjoy your favorite music, or access the morning news on its AM/FM radio. Answer and make telephone calls from its hands-free speakerphone.

Specifcations:

  • Includes a surface mount door camera.
  • Dimensions: 11-13/16″ x 2-13/16″ x 11-5/8″
  • 7″ color LCD monitor
  • Three-note door chime
  • IR remote control.
  • Digital, local voice message recorder
  • Digital clock with alarm

Recall:Torchiere Lamps Recalled By L G Sourcing Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Portfolio Incandescent Torchiere Lamps

Units: About 90,000

Importer: L G Sourcing, Inc., of North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Manufacturer: Field Smart Lighting Co. Ltd., of China

Hazard: A short circuit in the lamps’ wiring can pose a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: L G Sourcing has received two reports of lamp fires. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled lamp has a black steel frame and a bowl-shaped light fixture. The item number 179878 is printed on the packaging and the bottom of the base of the lamp. Only lamps sold between March 2005 and October 2007 with UL listing number E246506 are included in the recall. Lamps marked “ETL listed” are not included in the recall.

Sold at: Lowe’s retail stores nationwide from March 2005 through October 2007 for about $17.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lamps and return them to any Lowe’s retail outlet to receive a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact L G Sourcing toll-free at (866) 916-7233 anytime or visit www.lowes.com

Picture of Recalled Torchiere Lamp

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Recall: A.O. Smith Exhaust Fan Electric Motors Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Whole-house Exhaust Fan Electric Motors

Units: About 6,300

Manufacturer: A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co., of Tipp City, Ohio

Hazard: The fan’s electric motor can be miswired and overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled electric motor is part of a residential whole-house exhaust fan that is typically mounted on the floor of an attic. The shutters of the fan are visible on the ceiling of the floor beneath the attic and must be opened and closed by the consumer. The motors were included with exhaust fans manufactured and distributed by Air Vent Inc. and Triangle Engineering of Arkansas Inc. “A.O. Smith,” the model number, and the service date code are printed on the rating plate of the motor. The recall includes model numbers S56A30A54 and S56A30A97, and service date codes 032076M – 334076M, 03207JY – 33407JY, and YB07 – YL07. Units that have a sticker indicating that the unit has been rewired are not subject to this recall.

Sold at: The recalled motors, included with the exhaust fans, were sold at home improvement stores nationwide or by professional installers or builders from February 2007 through November 2007 for about $3,000.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled unit immediately and contact A.O. Smith to arrange for a free inspection and repair of the motor.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact A.O. Smith toll-free at (866) 567-3878 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.aosmithmotors.com

Picture of Recalled Exhaust Fan Electric Motor

 

Recall: Intermatic Digital Timers Due to Electrical Shock Hazard

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Name of Product: Intermatic DT27 Digital Self-Adjusting Timers

Units: 8,500

Importer: Intermatic Inc., of Spring Grove, Ill.

Manufacturer: Ewig Industries Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd., of Macau, China

Hazard: The recalled timers could have been wired incorrectly, which poses an electrical shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Intermatic DT27 digital self-adjusting timer with a date code of “04B.” This product is a lamp and appliance timer and is packaged as either the “DT27C Heavy Duty Digital Timer” or the “DT27CL Time All® Digital Lamp and Appliance Self-Adjusting Timer.” The timer is white with a rounded top, and measures 3 7/8” tall by 2 3/4” wide by 1 5/8” deep. The brand name “Intermatic” is molded on the front of the timer, and the model number (“DT27”) and date code (“04B”) are printed on the back of the timer.

Sold at: Retailers nationwide, including Home Depot and Lowe’s, from February 2007 through December 2007 for between $15 and $25.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled timer immediately and unplug before checking the model number and date code. Consumers should contact Intermatic to return the timer and obtain a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, or to request a prepaid shipping label, call Intermatic at (800) 704-3595 anytime or visit the company’s Web site at www.intermatic.com

Front View of Recalled Digital Timer
Front View

Back View of Recalled Digital Timer
Back View

Close Up of Label on Recalled Digital Timer
Close Up of Label

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Draw Yourself a Relaxing, High-Tech, Bath

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Taking a bath is relaxing, checking in frequently to see if your bathtub is full or getting the water temperature right is not. The Ondine Ess Tub-Electronic Faucet, a bathtub and shower system with an electronic touch pad will prepare your bath for you.

You can set the water level to half-full tub, full tub and a 10 seconds refill. So, there’s no more need to watch closely for an overly full tub. If you’re busy, no problem! Just press a button on the control module and walk away. When you come back, the tub will be full — or half-full, if you like — and just the temperature you prefer. The system automatically shuts off the water at the desired volume and remembers favorite temperatures for up to three household members. The unit also runs 10-second refills to supplement your soak. If the water cooled while you were roaming, no problem, just use the re-fill option. The Ondine’s Ess Tub-Electronic Faucets shower system will take care of it all. If you get one with an optional audio system, you can take care of sounds using the same touching pad.

HEPA Filters – What You Need to Know

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Do you need a HEPA filter on your new vacuum?  First, it helps to know what a HEPA filter is.  HEPA is an acronym for “High Efficiency Particulate Air”, which means that it traps smaller dust particles than an ordinary filter.  A vacuum with a HEPA filter should not blow as many dirt particles back into the air as one with a standard filter.  The catch is that not all HEPA filters are alike.

The first is a True or Absolute HEPA filter which must pass tests to be certified as True.  A True or Absolute filter will have a serial number attesting to its status.  It must be able to trap at least 99.97 percent of particles of .3 microns. These test results will be printed on the filter. True or absolute HEPA filters may be more expensive than other HEPA filters, but they must perform at a certain standard to receive the distinction of True or Absolute HEPA.

The second is a HEPA type filter which look like HEPA filters and may be made similarly, but often capture only 85 to 90 percent of particles and that percent can fall even lower for particles of 1 micron and below. HEPA type filters are less expensive than true or absolute HEPA filters.

In order to know what you are buying, look for serial numbers and test results if you want to purchase a True or Absolute HEPA filter.  Check the test results at .3 microns to make sure your filter is a True or Absolute HEPA.

Allergy sufferers might find some relief with HEPA filtration, especially in home with pets.  Before you spend the extra money on a HEPA filter, make sure your family needs one, then just just the packaging to make sure you are getting what you pay for.

Make a Solar Oven- Have Fun with a Different Take on Boxing Day

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Tis the season for too many empty boxes around the house.  Tis also the season for trying to figure out what to do with the kids home from school.  If you are feeling adventurous, here are the step-by-step instructions for using some of those boxes to create your own solar oven. 

Things You’ll Need

  • Aluminum Foil
  • Cardboard
  • Large And Small Cardboard Boxes
  • Non-toxic Glues
  • Non-toxic Invisible Tape
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Scissors
  • Newspaper
  • Pencils
  • Black Construction Paper
  • Staplers

Steps

Step One

Find two boxes. One should fit inside the other with a 2- to 3-inch space on each side. (This can vary slightly – the space will be filled with newspaper.)

Step Two

Line the bottom of the large box with crumpled newspaper.

Step Three

Place the smaller box inside the large box.

Step Four

Fill the space between the sides of the two boxes with crumpled newspaper.

Step Five

Line the sides of the inside of the smaller box with aluminum foil. You can use a non-toxic tape or fold the edges of foil over the top of the box to hold it in place.

Step Six

Line the bottom of the inside of the smaller box with black construction paper to absorb heat.

Step Seven

Lay a piece of cardboard on top of the large box and trace the shape of the box onto the cardboard.

Step Eight

Add 2 inches around the trace line and cut out to make a reflector.

Step Nine

Cover the cardboard piece with aluminum foil. Smooth out any wrinkles and secure the aluminum foil to the cardboard with non-toxic glue or tape.

Step Ten

Staple the reflector to the outside back of the large box.

Step Eleven

Situate the oven with the box opening up and the reflector facing the sun for maximum heat.

Step Twelve

Place food to be cooked in the solar oven.

Step Thirteen

Stretch clear plastic wrap across the top of the large box. Secure the plastic with tape around the entire box.

Tips & Warnings

  • Cooking time is about twice as long as in a conventional oven.
  • Preheating takes about 30 minutes.
  • Use bigger boxes for a larger oven.
  • A small pizza box oven is good for kids to make s’mores or mini-pizzas.
  • Do not use any materials that could give off toxic fumes when heated, such as duct tape or Styrofoam.
  • Do not use a solar oven for foods that must reach a high temperature or cook rapidly.

 Ehow.com has step-by-step instructions on how to use your solar oven, including recipes for s’mores and chocolate cake.

Air Cleaners – What You Need to Know

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Many people believe that an air cleaner will help their family be healthier.  Using an air cleaner or air purifier in your home supposedly helps reduce dust, pollen and other respiratory irritants.  There are three types of air cleaners,  High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, electrostatic precipitators, and ozone generators.

From the Arizona Daily Star:

1. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters: Consumer Reports says air cleaners with these filters are among the best performers. But homeowners can more easily improve their indoor air with other methods, such as banning indoor smoking, keeping pets out of bedrooms, removing carpeting and other dust-mite havens and opening windows, the magazine says.
2. Electrostatic precipitators: They apply an electrical charge to particles and deposit them onto filters. They commonly emit small amounts of ozone as a byproduct. This month, Consumer Reports withdrew its endorsement of them after 15 years of recommending some models, saying, “We now believe that air purifiers that emit even small amounts of ozone are not your best choice.”
Ozone is a common air pollutant, an indicator of smog’s presence. The Environmental Protection Agency says that relatively low ozone levels can cause respiratory problems.
3. Ozone generators: Manufacturers say that ozone will purify the air, but Consumer Reports recommends against such machines, saying its tests have found that their ozone production generally exceeded federal Food and Drug Administration limits of 50 parts per billion set for medical devices. The California Air Resources Board just approved new rules, requiring such generators to limit ozone to 50 ppb by Dec. 31, 2008.

Newer houses with better insulation, double-paned windows and weatherstripped doors save energy, but they also seal pollutants into our homes. I try to limit my impact on the environment. Air cleaners are just another electronic device to run, with uncertain results. My choice is to vacuum and wash floors and bedding regularly and to open windows daily. Those are results you can see.

Fire Safety – Prevent Kitchen Fires

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The San Mateo County Fire Department has some important safety tips for cooking during this busy holiday season.

How often has the doorbell rung or a child interrupted you while you were cooking, causing you to forget about the chicken you left sizzling on the stove – until smoke filled the house?  If this scenario or a similar one doesn’t sound familiar to you, you may want to think about it a little more because it’s likely that you, a friend, or family member has run the risk of having a dangerous fire.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The latest statistics from NFPA say that one out of every three home fires started in the kitchen and more than 100,000 fires a year were related to cooking.

Here are a few safety tips to remember:

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling food. If you must leave the the room even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (e.g. potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging).
  • Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of three feet around the stove.
  • If you have a fire in your microwave, turn it off immediately and keep the door closed. Never open the door until the fire is completely out. If in doubt, get out of the home and call 911.
  • Always keep an oven mitt and a lid nearby. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan (make sure you are wearing the oven mitt). Turn off the burner and slide the pan off the burner.
  • Never pour water on a grease fire. If the fire does not go out, get out of the home and call 911.
  • If an oven fire starts, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you or your clothing. If the fire does not go out, get out of the home and call the fire department.
  • To avoid the accumulation of grease, always clean the vent screen above your stove. You can put these in the dishwasher! If you cook frequently with oils, butter, and grease, make sure to clean it at least once a month.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and learn how to use it.

Whirlpool Aims for Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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If you are shopping for eco-friendly appliances, here’s some good news from Twice.com:

Whirlpool will increase its commitment to environmentally-sound business practices by reducing total greenhouse gas emissions 6.6 percent by 2012, the company announced last week. The world’s largest majap maker will make these global, voluntary reductions while at the same time increasing production by 17 percent, it said.

The positive output of the reduction is equivalent to approximately 4.5 million acres of trees, an area larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.

Whirlpool chairman/CEO Jeff Fettig announced the increased reductions plan in his keynote address here at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum & Exposition (EE Global). Whirlpool is the founding sponsor of EE Global, a showcase for the energy-efficiency industry attracting industry professionals, academics and policy makers from around the world to exchange the latest technical, commercial and policy information and forge partnerships and develop “best practices,” policies and strategies for global implementation.

Separately, Friedrich Air Conditioning has been awarded an Environmental Excellence Award by San Antonio Water System (SAWS) for the second consecutive year. SAWS serves over one million people in the seventh largest U.S. city, Friedrich’s home base.

Friedrich received this award in recognition of its continued efforts to reduce water consumption. In 2007, the company reduced the amount of process water requiring treatment by approximately 50 percent.