">HomeOwnerNut

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) often weighs in during the year to warn us against unhealthy practices or dangerous appliances. Over the holidays, they warned us against Christmas decorations that proved unsafe used under dubious practices at home — like standing a dried-out Yule tree in front of a baseboard heater.

Now the CPSC wants you to look at the model numbers of several winter heating appliances to make sure you’re not (out of ignorance or stubbornness) using a recalled product. Consider yourself duly warned.

Life is short

Photo by CPSC

Speaking of short, that’s what has happened to some of the 13,000 Touch Point Oscillating Ceramic Heaters imported by Meijer Inc. After two home fires were reported and 6,700 recalls, retailers apparently kept selling them. Now that’s tenacity. Consumer tip: if your room fills with smoke, open up or break out a window. I know there’s a related window replacement cost, but I guarantee it will  be less expensive than rebuilding your house.

HVAC villainy

Photo by CPSC

Do you need help in understanding the finer points of home ventilation? Put simply, when your Zoneline Air Conditioner and Heater caches flame and belches fumes, open a door or window and unplug the appliance. GE and Sharp have recalled 90,600 units after manufacturers discovered an electrical component in the units may fail.

Lasko buy a new one

Photo by CPSC

The CPSC reminds consumers to stop using The Lasko Model 5540 and Air King Model 8540 portable heaters. More than 107,000 have been recalled in response to fire hazards. Consumers reported that electrical connections in the bases melt. Contact the manufacturer for a refund.

Since we apparently need  reminders from the CPSC, here are a few facts about continuing to use recalled products:

• You do so under our own peril
• You’re refusing refunds or replacements for recalled items
• While there may be good excuses for burning down your home, fire inspectors may frown upon consumer negligence.

When it comes to creating a one-of-a-kind home, some people have little regard for the emotional well-being of their neighbors. A quick 911 call after hours will handle a neighbor with a blistering stereo system. But what number can you call when your neighbor has a brutally loud paint job?

You’re lucky if you live in a residential conclave where there are homeowners’ association decorating caveats. Not everyone does, however. If you find yourself stuck next to a neighbor who believes that painting their home like a bilious gallbladder is a tasteful thing, you may be really stuck. In this market moving is not so easy.

Hello Kitty, goodbye sanity

Photo by House Logic

In 1960, Shintaro Tsuji created the now-legendary Hello, Kitty line of plastic purses. Today, there are 22,000 products lines in this motif. Let us hope that this is the only such home. I’m not recommending arson, but I’d certainly understand the impulse,

Purple rain, ugly residential pain

Photo by Country Joy Crafts

Several manufacturers make plum colored vinyl siding colors, but you’ve got to get out the buckets and  brushes to create something like this. It reminds me of the artificial color used in grape Popsicles. As I recall, the hue stayed on your tongue for the entire summer.

The sum-of-all-fears motif

Photo by Handiman Club

This theme combines all the elements of a metal roof patina, distressed shutter effects and contrasting flesh-tone paint. Unfortunately, they should never have been combined. Witness the tragic characteristics of a do-it-yourself exterior painting effort done while under the influence.

A bad idea executed to perfection

Photo by Recentering El Pueblo

I love the cottage and pueblo look you find in Arizona and California. I do not like the look that says, “Help, we’re trapped inside by creatures that eat brain cells.”  An appropriate façade for Solano Prison is not necessary an apt exterior for residential Santa Ana. If you can find a door bell, for heaven’s sake don’t ring it!