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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.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released its updates on products that have been voluntarily recalled by manufacturers. I say “voluntarily” but you have to believe these exploding cigars of the appliance world were pulled off the shelves after buyers complained to the Feds. If you or your loved ones this holiday season receive appliances that  burst into flames, contact the CPSC.

Doors of perception

Photo by Consumer Product Safety Commission

Liebherr, Austrian makers of high-end refrigerators are recalling three models with doors that can come off in your hand.  (Oh, that’s an ugly scar!) Is this the quality you expect  in a fridge that sells for $3,800? It’s the perfect Yuletide gift for people who like to stand in front of the open door, surveying leftovers.

Stewed to the grills

Photo by Consumer Product Safety Commission

Unsure how to personalize your kitchen renovation?  Try burning ugly scorch marks on your cabinets. It’s easy if you own one of the 27,000 Wolfgang Puck Electric Reversible Tri-Grill/Griddles imported from China by W.P. Appliances Inc. The recalled units in question tend to overheat and, if that’s not enough, they pose an electrical shock hazard.

Get toasted for the holidays

Photo by Consumer Product Safety Commission

Hamilton Beach is recalling 14,000 of its classic chrome, 2-slice toasters after consumers reported that the heating element fires up when the toaster is plugged into the wall. No need to push down the lever! Get yourself a replacement before your toaster initiates its own cabinet refacing project.

Now look what you’ve done

Photo by Consumer Product Safety Commission

Sure, we love great designs. But if you’re bent on reflecting on your self-image in one of the PAX AURLAND wardrobe mirror doors,  buy supplemental health insurance. The CPSC has encouraged IKEA to recall the product since “the mirror glass can detach unexpectedly from the wardrobe door, fall and shatter, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.” Who’s the fairest of them all?

Feliz caveat emptor!