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Recall: Dehumidifiers by LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Portable Dehumidifiers

Units: About 98,000

Manufacturer: LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co., of China

Hazard: The power connector for the dehumidifier’s compressor can short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: LG has received 11 reports of property damage incidents involving arcing, heat, smoke, including four fires that spread to the building structure and involved significant smoke/water damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves 30 pint portable dehumidifiers sold under the brand names in the chart below. The dehumidifiers are white with a red shut-off button, controls for fan speed and humidity control and a front-loading water bucket. “Goldstar” or “Comfort-Aire” is printed on the front. The model and serial numbers are printed on the interior of the dehumidifiers and can be viewed after the water bucket is removed.

Brand Model No. Serial Number Range Sold at
Goldstar GHD30Y7 611TAxx00001~08400
611TAxx08401~40600
612TAxx00001~20400
612TAxx21001~30600 Home Depot
Goldstar DH305Y7 612TAxx00001~00600
701TAxx00001~16800
702TAxx00001~03000 Wal-Mart
Comfort-Aire BHD-301-C 611TAxx00001~01697
612TAxx00001~04200
701TAxx00001~00578
710TAxx00001~00599 Heat Controller Inc.

Sold at: The Home Depot, Walmart and Heat Controller Inc. nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $140 and $150.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dehumidifier, contact LG to determine if it is included in the recall and return it to an authorized LG service center for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact LG toll-free at (877) 220-0479 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT on Saturday for the location of an authorized LG service center for the repair, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.30pintdehumidifierrecall.com

dehumidifier
CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

Electrolux Front Load Washer and Dryer Giveaway

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The Holiday celebrations are winding down and the clean-up begins – tablecloths, napkins, bedding for all the extra guests. If your old washer has spun its last load, here’s your chance: Woman’s Day is giving away a Electrolux 27″ Front Load Washer and Large Capacity Dryer set.

It’s gentle on the environment and your clothes, with wash cycles that are 83 percent more energy-efficient and use 56 percent less water. Color options include Red Hot Red; Turquoise Sky; Silver Sands and Island White. Retails price is about $3,600.

There’s no purchase required to enter, but entries must be made by January 9, 2010. Click here to enter and read more.

Cook Your Holiday Turkey in the Dishwasher

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Here’s something to do while the kids are home from school and you have vacation-itis. Entertain the folks with dinner cooked in the dishwasher.

Cooking Method & Considerations

Allow one 50-minute cycle for every 2lb of weight. Hermetically seal a seasoned turkey inside several appropriate turkey-sized oven bags.

Place the turkey in the dishwasher to steam-cook.

When cooking a turkey, ensure that the temperature of the meat doesn’t rise above the recommended 145f by using a meat thermometer.

Test Run

As a trial run, a 5lb supermarket chicken was cooked in the dishwasher providing impressive results: firm, tender, moist breast meat.

Two cycles were used, and the bird was finished off in the oven to brown and crisp the skin.

Getting a whole turkey cooked this way might take all day, so Electrolux (where I found this wacky idea) suggests their Steam Combination oven as a quicker, (saner?) option.

New Jenn-Air Trifecta Dishwashers

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The new Trifecta dishwashers from Jenn-Air, part of an all-new collection of luxury appliances that includes advanced wall ovens, cooktops, refrigerators and ventilation systems, not only promise exceptional cleaning performance, quiet operation, and reduced water and energy use, but a number of added features designed with entertaining in mind.

“Like all of the appliances in our new collection, our latest dishwashers reflect the brand’s shift into the super-premium appliance category,” notes Juliet Johnson, manager of Jenn-Air brand experience. “In addition to providing a level of performance far beyond anything Jenn-Air has ever offered, they include a number of special cycles tailor made for keeping things running smoothly when entertaining.”

These new cycles include a One Hour Wash option that allows for the quick cleaning of dishes before guests arrive, and a Plate Warmer cycle that ensure hot plates to help keep food warm before guests begin dining. A China/Crystal cycle delivers a lower pressure wash spray to gently wash china and crystal, and a SteamClean option for stemware. A Top Rack Only option on select models concentrates cleaning power to the top rack by using the top spray arm, resulting in a shorter cycle that can quickly wash glasses over the course of a wine tasting or dinner party. The same cycle can also be used to clean half loads of several different types of dishes. including standard size dinner plates.

Beyond its Normal Wash and Heavy Wash cycles, the dishwashers feature a Sensor Wash option that gauges load size and food particle levels, adjusting wash cycles accordingly. While all cycles utilize a ClearScan Turbidity Sensor to determine particle levels to manage energy and water use, the Sensor Wash cycle uses both the ClearScan Turbidity Sensor and a temperature sensor to determine load size for a customized cleaning performance on every load.

Other features include a stainless steel tall tub, dual wash zones that concentrate cleaning power by alternating washing action between top and bottom racks, and a variable speed motor that adjusts to save energy and reduce noise. For more effective cleaning with less water use, the Trifecta dishwasher utilizes pressure enhancing wash arms with narrow spray jets that concentrate water flow to accelerate the water’s force. A dual wattage heating element offers the choice of high-performance fast drying when needed, and also provides the necessary power to heat water to the required temperature for a sanitize option. It operates at sound levels ranging from 48 to 42 dBA, less than half the perceived level of casual conversation.

A specially designed three-stage filtration system features a filter plate, a coarse filter cup filter and a microfine filter created to optimize water flow and minimize food particles that can be left inside the filter or redeposited on dishes. Rather than utilizing a screened bottom, the filter cup is bottomless and sealed directly to the dishwasher drain, allowing particles that are captured in the cup to be washed out of the system. The innovative filter design also makes it easier to maintain, with fewer manual cleanings required.

Designed to maximize loading flexibility, the dishwashers feature an adjustable upper rack that is easily removed to accommodate very tall items from lobster pots to long vases.

Other conveniences include cup shelves with integrated stemware holders; a lower rack with a Split & Fit silverware basket that can be split and placed to fit around the dishwasher load; light item clips for small, lightweight items; and onyx black racks with fold down tines and shelves.

Style choices for the new dishwashers include the commercial look of Pro-Style in stainless steel and the sleek, refined Euro-Style options available in Oiled Bronze, black and white Floating Glass and stainless
steel.

Truth in Appliance Energy Labeling

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Those yellow energy guide labels we all rely on to pick energy efficient appliances, have come under scrutiny from the US Department of Energy (DOE). As we wrote about in November, manufacturers covet the EnergyStar label and use the yellow sticker to entice buyers.

Those labels may not be as accurate as you think. A review of previous filings for the labels found instances of missing or incorrect information.

The DOE addressed the problem this month by giving manufacturers 30 days to provide accurate information on their products’ energy use. Also, it promised to take a tougher stance to enforce energy-efficiency standards.

The agency said makers of such products as refrigerators, dishwashers and air conditioners have until Jan. 8 to provide the information, which is primarily used to certify that the appliances meet minimum energy-efficiency standards

Sears Dishwasher Rebate Hard to Get

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On Black Friday, Sears offered free installation on select Kenmore dishwashers in the form of a rebate coupon. The coupon is pretty simple to understand as far as these things go–buy one of the listed models, and Sears will pay for the installation. According to William, however, the listed model that he wanted remained out of stock only for the duration of the coupon. When he asked Sears to honor it the next day, they agreed to–but then after he bought the dishwasher they told him he had broken a nonexistent rule and therefore had voided the coupon.

Here’s William’s story as found on consumerist.com:

“Over the Black Friday to Cyber Monday period, I attempted to purchase a dishwasher from Sears.com that had been heavily discounted and included a free installation coupon. Checking the Sears.com website I found it curious that from the time Black Friday had begun, to the sunset of the coupon, the dishwasher (Kenmore Elite #1318) seemed to be out of stock around the country (I checked multiple zip codes).
Perhaps most interesting was that when I stopped by a Sears store and inquired about the availability of the dishwasher, they too were very surprised to find that the item was out of stock around the country. Of course, as soon as the coupon expired, the item was suddenly back in stock on both Sears website, and in the store.

Armed with this rather curious information, I contacted Sears.com and asked them to explain the coincidence, or perhaps to offer to honor the now expired coupon. They came back to me and told me that they would honor the coupon and that all I would need is to send them an order number as soon as I purchased the dishwasher. Given the tough economy and the helpful service I received at the Sears store just days earlier, I decided to try and purchase the dishwasher through the store and thus give them a bit of business. Following my purchase, I obtained a “sales check number” and contacted Sears.com thinking that this would suffice to receive the rebate. Sears.com came back to me and told me that the number was not in their system, and that I should check again with the store. I contacted the store and asked them if the order had been processed… they informed me it had, so I went back to Sears.com.

During my conversation with their representative, I was informed that Sears.com could not honor their commitment as I had purchased the item in a store as opposed to the website. I informed the representative that there was no requirement in either the original coupon or in the emails that they had sent to me. They informed me that there was nothing that they could do.

Thankfully, the store that I purchased the dishwasher from has decided to waive my installation charges. However, I don’t see why they have to foot the bill when this is a Sears.com problem.”

You can view the coupon here.

Black Friday Appliance Sales Results

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Major appliances have never been a traditional holiday gift category, and as such have always taken a back seat to electronics, apparel and home fashions in the pantheon of Black Friday promotions.

All that began to change last year when Sears offered an Electrolux front-load laundry pair for $600 the morning after Thanksgiving. This year, following one of the most challenging periods in recent white-goods memory, appliance offers came fast and furious on Black Friday, rivaling consumer electronics doorbusters in sales.

Apparently the ploy was effective: According to comparison shopping service PriceGrabber.com, sales of laundry pairs, one of the most heavily discounted categories of the holiday weekend, rose 70 percent on Black Friday compared with 2008.

One of the biggest major appliance blowouts was mounted by The Home Depot, which offered deep discounts on LG and Whirlpool’s Amana- and Maytag-branded products. Holiday specials included the high-efficiency Maytag Bravos 4.7-cubic-foot top-load washer and companion dryer for $499 each, down from $799 and $699, respectively, and a 19.7-cubic-foot LG French-door refrigerator, in white, for $798, down from $1,199.

Whirlpool was also front-and-center at Lowe’s on Black Friday, where $998 bought a 4-cubic-foot Duet front-load or Cabrio high-efficiency 4.7-cubic-foot top-load laundry pair, and $898 fetched a 25-cubic-foot French-door fridge in black or white (regularly $1,298).

New York metro area appliance titan P.C. Richard & Son was equally aggressive, offering $1,000 Samsung and Whirlpool front-load laundry pairs, both with 4-cubic-foot washers, and a 3.1-cubic-foot front-load Frigidaire washer and companion dryer for just $500.

But the day still belonged to Sears, which leveraged its private-label Kenmore brand to follow up last year’s Black Friday offering with a 3.5-cubic-foot front-load laundry pair for $580, a 23-cubic-foot French door fridge for $750, and a 4.7-cubic-foot high-efficiency Kenmore Elite Oasis laundry pair for $850. All were advertised as 50 percent or more off from Sears’ regular prices, but shoppers were warned that inventory was limited to only about two SKUs per model per store.
You can read this whole story at Twice.com

Recall:Goodman Company Reannounces Recall of Air Conditioner/Heat Pump Units Due to Fire Hazard

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.

Name of Product: Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner/Heat Pump (PTACs) Units

Units: About 30,000; previously recalled in August 2008

Manufacturer: Goodman Company, LP, of Houston, Texas

Hazard: The power cords on the PTACs can overheat, posing a burn or fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Goodman has received eleven reports of smoke or fire associated with the PTAC’s power cords. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall includes 5.0 kW Amana-brand, Comfort-Aire-brand and Century-brand Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner units with model numbers PTxxx3x50xx (Amana) and EKTxxx-150x (Comfort-Aire and Century) and serial numbers 0702112056 through 0804237539. The model and serial numbers are located on the control board plate found under the PTAC unit’s front cover.

Sold at: Goodman and heating and cooling equipment dealers nationwide from February 2007 through June 2008 for between $700 and $1,000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should contact Goodman to receive a free replacement power cord. Commercial and institutional owners will be contacted directly and will install the power cord.

Consumer Contact: For additional information regarding Amana-brand units, contact Goodman at (800) 366-0339 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday; for Comfort-Aire and Century-brand units call (877) 442-4482 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday; or visit www.regcen.com/ptaccord for all products.

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

Win a Hoover WindTunnel Vacuum

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Hoover in conjunction with Woman’s Day Magazine is giving away ten Hoover WindTunnel vacuums, valued at around $130.

The hi-tech Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind Bagless Upright vacuum features patented WindTunnel technology with air passages that trap dirt and channel it into the dirt cup, significantly minimizing blowback or scattering back onto the floor.

The model has an automatic 27-inch rewindable cord for quick and easy wrap-up with a convenient cord clip on the back of the unit. You can also adjust height to five different settings to ensure roll brushes are at the proper height. Other features include a lifetime HEPA filter that can be cleaned by rinsing under running water; easy belt change system and brushroll access that simplifies vacuum maintenance; convenient, reachable, fingertip controls; an 8-foot stretch hose for above-floor cleaning; a system check indicator that visually alerts the user when the filter needs to be cleaned or checked; and a no-scuff bumper.

Along with the vacuum, you’ll get several accessories, including the Turbo Tool that maximizes attachment power; a 12-inch extension wand that extends the reach of the hose; a crevice tool to help clean nooks and crannies; and an upholstery/dust brush.

Click here to enter.

Getting Dry Dishes

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One of the simplest ways to save a little money and energy is to let your dishes air dry after they are washed in the dishwasher. Simply use the wash only cycle and open the dishwasher door as soon as the cycle finishes. The dishes will be very hot and will dry quickly.

If you are still using the dry setting on your dishwasher and find that the dishes are wet when the cycle is complete, first check that you really programmed the washer for the heat dry setting, then check to see if the rinse aid dispenser needs filling, evaluate how well the dishes are loaded, and make sure a large item doesn’t block smaller items.

Here are some additional problems to check:

Did you use the proper amount of detergent? Too little or too much detergent can have an affect on how well dishes dry.

The next things to check are the filters, drain valve, drying fan, heating element, and the thermostat. Sometimes a clogged filter will prevent all the water from being able to exit the unit. Clean or replace clogged filters. A faulty drain valve that leaves too much water in the cabinet can be to blame. Is there too much standing water left in the unit after the dry cycle is complete? Check for blockages at this valve.

Some dishwashers have a fan that circulates the cabinet air to help dry the dishes. If the fan is not working properly, you need to replace it. At the bottom of the dishwasher is a heating element that warms the air in the dishwasher. The increased temperature speeds up the evaporation process and decreases the drying time. Visually inspect the element and look for any burned or broken areas on it, and if it’s burned out or if you can’t measure continuity with it removed, it will need to be replaced.

There is also a thermostat that measures the water temperature and drying temperature. If the thermostat is faulty, the cycles may not complete properly. If it’s faulty, you need to replace it. You may want to unload the dishes in the bottom rack first so that any water left pooled on dishes in the top rack won’t spill onto the bottom rack’s dishes.