After receiving 140 reports of fires and sparks coming from two models of General Electric toasters, Wal-Mart has recalled 210,000 of the two-slice and four-slice units. The toasters have also tripped the circuit breaker in a number of consumers’ homes, according to the recall notice issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The recalled toasters have a chrome steel body and a black plastic base and controls. The GE logo is located on the front of the toasters just above the controls. Model numbers 169115 and 169116 are included in this recall. The model number is printed on the bottom of the toaster.
The toasters were sold at Wal-Mart stores nationwide from September 2007 through July 2008 for between $17 and $28.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toasters and return them to any Wal-Mart for a full refund or replacement toaster. For additional information, contact Wal-Mart at (800) 925-6278 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.walmartstores.com.
With 140 fires on record, we’re wondering why it took so long to recall these toasters.
At Consumer Reports, we have some ongoing concerns about the safety of toasters and toaster ovens—and we’ve written about recalls before. We’ve received reports from our readers that some toasters or toaster ovens turn on spontaneously or don’t shut off at the end of their toasting cycle. This can lead to house fires. If you’ve had experience with faulty toasters or toaster ovens let us know by posting a comment below or by clicking on “Report a product safety problem” at the top right side of this page. You should also report all safety incidents to the CPSC at www.CPSC.gov.
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To help combat mold and mildew in your home proper ventilation is important. The following are guidelines for ventilating both large and smaller bathrooms using intermittent or continuous ventilation.
Small rooms:
For bathrooms up to 100 square feet in area, HVI recommends that an exhaust fan provide 1 CFM per square foot (approximately eight air changes per hour)
to properly ventilate the bathroom.
Example:
Bathroom is 8′x5′ (with 8′ ceilings). Multiply 8 x 5 = 40ft.
Bathroom area is 40ft.
At 1 cfm per square foot the minimum recommendation is a fan rated at 40 cfm.
Larger rooms:
For bathrooms above 100 square feet in area, HVI recommends a ventilation rate based on the number and type of fixtures present, according to the following table:
|
Toilet |
50 CFM |
|
|
Shower |
50 CFM |
|
|
Bath Tub |
50 CFM |
|
|
Jetted Tub |
100 CFM |
Note: Enclosed toilet rooms must have an operable window or a fan for ventilation.
Example:
The bathroom is 20′x12′. There is a tub (without jets), a shower enclosure and an enclosed toilet.
Each fixture requires 50 cfm:
Tub 50 cfm
Shower 50 cfm
Toilet 50 cfm
Total 150 cfm
You have 2 options:
1. Install a 50cfm fan over the tub, one in the shower and in the water closet. This method is very effective and will provide ventilation where you need it, when it’s needed.
2. Another option is to install one 150 cfm fan. The air will then be pulled through the entire room and exhausted at a central location.
Location of exhaust points:
Typically the exhaust points shall be located over or near the shower or tub and in an enclosed water closet.
With windows closed, exhausted air will be replaced by makeup air from adjacent rooms or forced air system registers. HVI recommends that the exhaust points are located away from the supply, thereby pulling the supply air through the room. Bathroom doors need to be undercut to allow makeup air to enter the room.
Duration of ventilation:
HVI recommends that the fan be left on for 20 minutes after use of the bathroom. A timer is a good solution, allowing the fan to turn off automatically at the proper time.
For steam showers it is best to have a separate fan in the steam room that can be turned on after use.
Continuous ventilation:
Alternatively, ventilation may also be provided on a continuous basis at other rates. This may complement the use of fans to provide the HVI recommended rates.
Great Colors and Better Savings from GE
Update the look of your kitchen or laundry room and receive a Visa® prepaid card* valued up to $500 on select GE Profile™ and/or GE Café™ appliances.
Hurry! Offer valid for products purchased September 29 through December 31, 2008.
If you’re thinking of remodeling one of the smartest moves you can make is to consider doing it Green! Remodeling and updating your home to a more energy efficient design is easier than you think. Here are some areas and ideas that you can use to incorporate cost-saving and earth-sustaining green concepts into your remodeling project.
Your approach to Green should be an all-encompassing approach that emphasizes making your home healthy, comfortable, and efficient and should allow you the the opportunity to reduce home energy demands, lessen home maintenance costs and increase your home’s comfort level.
- Non-toxic paints and sealants
- Programmable thermostats
- Energy efficient appliances
- Natural flooring
- Local building materials
- Natural fiber rugs and fabrics
- Recycled material roof shingles and tiles
- Energy efficient lighting
- Insulated hot water pipes
- Tankless water heaters
- Quality insulation
- Native plants for landscaping
