The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Blinds and shades being recalled due to risks of strangulation

About 15,400 horizontal, 16,400 vertical, and 800 cellular shades by Vertical Land Inc., of Panama City Beach, Fla., are being recalled, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The hazards are:

Horizontal blinds – The blinds don’t have inner cord stop devices to prevent the accessible inner cords from being pulled out. If an inner cord is pulled out, a child can become entangled in the loop and strangle.

Vertical blinds – Strangulations can occur if a child’s neck becomes entangled on the freestanding loop formed by the bead chain or by the cord with a weighted device.

Cellular shades – Strangulations can occur if a child’s neck becomes entangled on the shade’s freestanding looped cord.

In May 2006, the commission received a report of a 4-year-old girl from Pensacola, Fla., who strangled in the loop of a vertical blind cord that wasn’t attached to the wall or floor.

The recall involves all Vertical Land custom-made vertical and cellular window coverings that don’t have a cord tensioning device and horizontal blinds that don’t have inner cord stop devices.

A sticker identification label can be found on the head rail of some of the window coverings, which lists the company’s name, address, and telephone number.

Vertical Land stores in Panama City and Pensacola, Fla., sold the blinds and shades from January 1992 through December 2006 for between $60 and $200, depending on the size of the blind.

Consumers should immediately stop using the window coverings and contact Vertical Land to receive a free retrofit kit, the commission advises.

Call Vertical Land at 800-423-8653 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday to obtain the retrofit kit or obtain other information.

Other recalls for shades and blinds are:

Roller shades by Lurton Electronics Co. Inc., of Coopersburg, Pa.

Thermal sailcloth and matchstick bamboo Roman shades sold at Target.

Roman shades distributed by Pottery Barn Kids/Williams-Sonoma, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif.

MELINA Roman blinds by IKEA Home Furnishings.

Oval roll-up blinds and Woolrich Roman shades sold at Target.

To find out about other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What were the best and worst consumer experiences you had this week?

Recently, I launched a best and worst consumer experience feature on The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide.

I think looking weekly at our best and worse experiences as consumers will help us learn from our successes and mistakes.

Each week, we have dozens of consumer happenings, some good and some bad.
Here’s one each of mine for this week:

My best consumer experience: Winning a gift certificate at a picnic

Wednesday, I went to the annual picnic for our community access television, TCTV. I’ve taken classes at TCTV, but haven’t had the time to do any production work or develop my own show.

After a potluck dinner, the bingo games began. I thought about going home because the games were taking longer than I thought. But, I stuck it out.

I won one game. I received a $10 gift certificate from Southbay Dickerson’s Slow & Low BBQ.

What a good opportunity to invite friends to dinner.

My worst consumer experience: The trials and tribulations of a defective metal roof

In September 2007, a Custom-Bilt Metals vail shingle roof was installed on my home.

It leaked on the inside of the fascia boards all around the house. Fascia boards are 2 by 4s attached to house at the edge of the eves to hang the gutters on.

Custom-Bilt Metals examined the roof and decided the roof was defective, and it would be replaced.

In January 2008, Custom-Bilt Metals had a second vail shingle roof installed. Unfortunately, the same leaking the inside of the fascia boards occurred again.

Custom-Bilt arranged for a repair, but it didn’t work.

I filed complaints with the state Attorney General’s Office, the Better Business Bureau, ConsumerAffairs.com, the Troubleshooter, and Seattle television stations.

Custom Bilt wouldn’t resolve the complaint. I’ve had to hire an attorney. It’s so frustrating to have a leaky roof in the rainy Pacific Northwest.

Being a careful consumer, I asked for estimates from seven roofers. I checked out the roofer and Custom Bilt.

The step I didn’t do was to find out more about the vail shingle metal roof that Custom Bilt makes. Apparently its design had been changed, and they didn’t have it right when my roofs were installed.

Wish me luck. Hopefully I’ll have a new roof before the rains get heavy.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Beware of offers for a free home alarm system

In the last two weeks, I’ve received two offers for a free home alarm system.

The first one came after I filled out a form to win a drawing at a community celebration. I received a call saying I’d “won” a home alarm system. I’d only need to pay $1 a day to have it hooked up to a company that would respond when the alarm went off.

I asked the caller if he would send me information about the deal in the mail so I could mull it over. He said he couldn’t do that. Instead, he kept saying I needed to set up an appointment with a representative of the company. A big red flag. I told him I wasn’t interested if I couldn’t study the proposal.

The company called later and left me a message, but I didn’t call back.

Then on the Fourth of July, I heard a knock at the door. The salesman said he’d like to offer me a “free” home alarm system if I’d put his company’s sign in my yard so my neighbors would know I was a customer.

More knowledgeable now, I asked if I’d have to pay $1 a day for it.

I kept saying no. He kept talking. Finally, I closed the door.

One consumer rip-off that shows no sign of abating is the annual invasion of door-to-door salespeople who use dubious and intrusive tactics to sell burglar-alarm systems to unwary homeowners, according the article “Avoid Summer-Time Burglar Alarm Scams” on the ConsumerReports.org blog.

Consumer protection officials advise consumers to be sure that they verify everything the company says and do comparison shopping with firms that don't sell door-to-door.

They warn consumers to be suspicious of any alarm salesperson who:

• Attempts to upset you by telling about an upswing of burglaries in their neighborhoods.

• Claims to represent or wear clothing with logos from major alarm manufacturers such as GE and Honeywell, firms that don’t sell directly to consumers.

• Tries to gain entrance into your home.

• Offers a free system, because "free" systems usually come with higher monthly service fees and may be cheaply made.

• Says the company is ready to install your system right away.

• Claims your current alarm company is no longer in business.

Consumers need to focus on the quality of the equipment and service, the article advises. Also, look at the length of the agreement and determine if there are any early-termination fees.

Other tips include:

• Make sure that you deal only with well-established companies.

• Check out any company you may buy an alarm system from with the Better Business Bureau.

• Find out which local or state agency has jurisdiction over alarm companies and check the records of any company you're considering using.

• Find out whether your homeowner's insurance company offers a discount for using certain alarm companies.

Good luck avoiding these summer high-pressure salesmen. I’m glad I did.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Wagner paint sprayers

About 35,000 Wagner Paint Sprayers, imported by Wagner Spray Tech Corp., of Plymouth, Minn., are being recalled, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The on-off switch can be dislodged from the casing, resulting in exposure of electrical connections, the commission reports. This can pose an electrical shock hazard to the consumer.

This recall includes the Wagner Control Spray Plus Model 0414248. The model number can be found on a white label located on the side of the motor housing. The following date codes are affected by this recall and can be found stamped on the bottom of the motor housing near the air hose connection: Y182R thru Y365R, Z001R thru Z366R, and A001R thru A021R.

Manufactured in China, the paint sprayers were sold in major chain home centers and hardware stores nationwide from August 2007 through April 2009 for about $99.

Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the sprayers, and contact Wagner for a free repair, the commission advises.

For additional information, contact Wagner toll-free at 888-925-6244 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s web site at www.wagnerspraytech.com.
 
For information on other recalls of consumer products, see www.Recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Maytag, other refrigerators

This week, the recall notices were so interesting I had a difficult time picking one to feature. I finally decided on the big one.

About 1.6 million Maytag®, Jenn-Air®, Amana®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag®, and Crosley® brand refrigerators are being recalled due to a possible fire hazard.

Manufactured by Maytag Corp., of Newton, Iowa, the refrigerators may have a defective relay, the component that turns on the refrigerator’s compressor, and an electrical failure in the relay can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Maytag has received 41 reports of refrigerator relay ignition, including 16 reports of property damage ranging from smoke damage to extensive kitchen damage.

The recall includes certain Maytag®, Jenn-Air®, Amana®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag®, and Crosley® brand side by side and top freezer refrigerators. The affected refrigerators were manufactured in black, bisque, white, and stainless steel.

They have model and serial numbers printed on a label located on the top middle or left upper side of the refrigerator liner.

Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom are not included in this recall.

Manufactured in United States, the refrigerators were sold at department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from January 2001 through January 2004 for between about $350 and $1,600.

Consumers should immediately contact Maytag to determine if their refrigerator is included in the recall and to schedule a free in-home repair. Consumers should not return the refrigerator to the retailer where it was purchased.

For more information, contact Maytag toll-free at 866-533-9817 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.repair.maytag.com.

For information on other recent recalls, see www.Recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

How to buy a dishwasher

My 30-year old GE dishwasher sprung a leak recently, so I began shopping for a new one.

First I went to a locally owned appliance store, where the contractor I work with told me to go. Then I went to Sears and Lowe’s. I talked to a salesman at each store who showed me six or eight models in four or five brands.

Despite the fact that I had information sheets printed out for each of the dishwashers that I thought I’d like, I quickly became confused.

I decided to stop shopping and consult Consumer Reports magazine to get more information on which to make a choice. It helped.

The March 2008 issue of the magazine listed as a Best Buy a Whirlpool model that’s still available. Often times, the products rated by Consumer Reports are no longer on the market by the time the ratings come out or by the time you need the product. However, the price for the Whirlpool had gone from $350 to $400.

In addition to the Whirlpool, I’m considering the Bosch SHE43M02UC. It heats the water to 160 degrees twice and has a stainless steel interior.

When I went back to the locally owned appliance store and reviewed my options with one of the co-owners, he tried to steer me to the KitchenAid KUDK031T that he said is similar to the Bosh. He said his company services KitchenAids, and I’d get an extra year’s warranty on the water pump and another part.

Advertisement

Consumer Report’s online article, “Dishwasher Buying Guide,” provides good tips for what to consider when you need to purchase a dishwasher.

Here some highlights from the article:

Getting started

• Dishwashers are available for below $500 that will do a good job of washing dishes.

• Dishwashers are using less water to meet energy standards, but it’s taking longer to get the dishes clean.

Types

• Low-priced dishwashers tend to be noisier and less convenient to load than more expensive models.

• High-priced dishwashers don’t clean dishes any better than the best low-priced dishwashers.

• Dishwasher-drawer models can be expensive and may have more repair problems.

Features

• Adjustable racks and loading aids increase flexibility and help accommodate large items.

• Dirt sensors, which adjust water use and cycle length to soil level, can improve efficiency, but not all work well.

• Most filters are self-cleaning, with a grinder that pulverizes the debris and flushes it down the drain. They’re convenient, but noisy.

• The basic three cycles – light, normal, and heavy – should be enough for most chores. A sanitizing cycle that raises water temperature above 140 degrees doesn’t necessarily clean better.

• While a stainless-steel tub is more durable than plastic, it costs much more. Light-colored plastic may discolor, making gray-speckled plastic a good choice.

The article also offers information about manufacturers so you can compare dishwashers by brand.

So armed with more information, I’m ready to go back and shop for a dishwasher again. Wish me luck.

Update: When I was talking with a friend, she told me about asking an appliance repairman how to get your older dishwasher to work better. I went home, looked at my dishwasher, and cleaned a couple of plastic spoons out of the trap. My dishwasher isn't leaking now. I won't need to buy a new dishwasher right away, but I've done the research and know what I want when the time comes to purchase a new one.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Is drywall from China making people sick?

Drywall manufactured in China and installed in Florida is the subject of a class action lawsuit.

The drywall may be emitting sulfuric odors, possibly exposing people to respiratory health problems, according to the article “Chinese Drywall a Threat to Homeowners?” on Consumer Affairs.com. The emissions can also corrode air conditioning coils and wiring, posing a potential risk of electric fire.

Nearly 100 complaints have been submitted by Florida residents to the state Department of Health about problems with drywall.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is conducting an investigation.

The suit accuses Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd., a China-based producer, of using fly ash, a waste material from Chinese power plants, in manufacturing the drywall, according to the article.

For details on the lawsuit, see Defective Chinese Drywall Lawsuit.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

100 ways baby boomers can improve their lives in 2009

It’s often difficult to remain cheerful in these turbulent economic times. News of more job layoffs. Banks and other financial institutions continuing to have problems. Businesses closing.

Although the news can be discouraging, it’s important to think through what’s positive in your life and how to get more joy and satisfaction.

Here are 50 ways to improve your life this year:

 

Health

• Read novels to reduce stress.

• Walk, walk, walk.

• Use less toxic products, especially for cleaning your home and on your body.

• Eat more vegetarian meals.

• Plant fruit trees.

• Buy organic food.

• Talk honestly to your doctor about your health needs.

• Try yoga.

Community

• Talk to your neighbors.

• Find a rewarding volunteer activity.

• Move to a walkable neighborhood.

• Contribute to your city or county government.

• Take a walk in a park once a week.

Finances

• Compare prices before you buy.

• Pay off your credit cards.

• Complain when something you buy or a service isn’t right.

• Figure out ways to simplify your life.

• Read Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan: Keeping Your Money Safe and Sound.”

 

Joy

• Read “Finding Joy: 101 Ways to Free Your Spirit and Dance With Life” by Charlotte Davis Kasl.

• Sign up for the lessons you’ve always wanted to take.

• Say “I love you” to someone you love every day.

• Have coffee or lunch with a friend you haven’t seen in a while.

• Relax by soaking in the bathtub.

• Laugh out loud.

• Sleep in once a week.

• Hold a baby.

• Remember to get as much joy as you can from the present, rather than worrying about the past or future.

• Visit a farm.

• Watch movies that are fun.

• Stop being a perfectionist.

• Visualize daily what you’d like your life to be like.

• Surround yourself with people who are positive.

• Spend a realistic amount of time using the computer.

• Don’t think about work when you leave for the day.

• Pursue your dreams.

• Enjoy the wonders of nature.

• Give up nagging.

• Figure out ways to enjoy your children more.

• Reduce the amount of television you watch.

• Take care of yourself.

• Don’t dwell on your mistakes.

• Pace yourself.

• Be open to new ideas and activities.

• Let go of disappointments and negative people from the past.

Home

• Turn on your favorite music when you clean house.

• Organize one spot or cupboard in your house weekly.

• Use lights and plants to make your home more enjoyable.

• Remodel a room.

• Buy a pretty new bedspread.

• Organize your photos.

• Recycle.

Here are additional suggestions from the article “50 Ways to Improve Your Life in 2009” in U.S. News and Reports:

Money

• Recycle old gadgets for cash.

• Choose “Obama” stocks.

• Advance your career online.

• Put your cash in safe accounts.

• Start your own nonprofit.

• Drink screw-topped wines.

• Lose the ‘microwave’ mentality.

• Make friends at work.

• Watch television free online.

• Try that home before buying.

Health

• Bike to work.

• Use glass to store food.

• Take an afternoon nap.

• Get paid for good health.

• Walk the cravings away.

• Get a new toothbrush.

• Move to Vermont.

• Get your eyes checked.

• Add obstacles to your jog.

• Get fit as you get older.

The brain

• Read Edgar Allan Poe

• Publish your book yourself.
  

• Go back to school for new skills.

• Study philosophy.

• Save that November 5 newspaper.

• Silence noise pollution.

• Finish a crossword puzzle.

• Start using Twitter.

• Learn Russian

• Keep a “clothes hanger” journal.

The world around you

• Learn about Abraham Lincoln.

• Plant a square-foot garden.

• Hypermile when you drive.

• Help those hit by the recession.

• Switch to a push mower.

• Air dry your laundry.

• Practice spreading tolerance.

• Ditch the phone while driving.

• Get your news online.

• Buy laptops for kids.

 

Play

• Learn to play bridge.

•  Visit Alaska.

• Celebrate the life of Miles Davis.

• Take a “staycation.”

• “Geotag” your digital photos.

• Watch the Beatles “Let It Be.”

• Teach your kids to cook.

• Play a fake musical instrument.

• Read the book before you see the movie.

• Try your hand at pottery.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Cut rising heating costs with home winterizing

For most households, the cost of heating will be going up this winter.

Home heating costs are expected to rise by 23 percent for heating oil, 18 percent for natural gas, and 10-11 percent for propane and electricity, according to the Energy Information Administration.

In these tough economic times, winterizing a home can increase energy efficiency and reduce overall heating costs after a small up-front investment, the Better Business Bureau says in the article "BBB Checklist for Winterizing Your Home."

Among the items the bureau includes in its checklist are:

• Make sure your furnace filter is clean, the thermostat is working properly, and the pilot light is functioning.

• Arrange to have your heating ducts cleaned every two years.

• Hire a chimney sweep annually to clean your chimney if you use a fireplace or wood stove.
  

• Clean your gutters to prevent clogs that would cause rainwater to backup and freeze.

• Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Inspect caulking around windows and doors for cracking and recaulk, as needed.

• Drain water from garden hoses and air conditioner pipes and drain gas from the lawnmower.

• Locate show shovels and plows and make sure they're in good repair.

• Check or create an emergency kit, which should include flashlights, candles, matches, a first aid kit, bottled water, nonperishable food, and a battery-powered radio.

For details, see the bureau's checklist.

Copyright 2008, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Need to buy or sell a 'green' home?

If you're a baby boomer looking for a green home to buy or if your home has green features and you want to sell it, some realtors are now receiving training in how to promote energy-efficient and green features in homes and buildings. They're called ecobrokers.

A story on National Public Radio's Marketplace, "Greening Up Homes for Sale," described Monique Carraba's efforts to sell an 1,800- square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath home for $999,000. The home is an eco-friendly renovation in Culver City, a small town surrounded by Los Angeles.

Carraba, a certified ecobroker, received training through a Colorado-based company called EcoBroker International. To earn the certificate, Carraba paid $395 for three days of course work and testing. She learned about items such as asbestos, solar panels, and so-called "green mortgages."

The National Association of Realtors also offers a green certification for ecobrokers.

Among the features of the Culver City home, which had a $300,000 green upgrade, are:

• An on-demand water heater.

•  A 50-year recycled rubber roof made out of recycled tires.

• Energy-efficient air, heat, windows, and appliances.

• Insulated water pipes.

• Compact flourescent lighting.

• Formaldehyde-free cabinets.

If you decide to work with en ecobroker, be sure to realize that they're realtors with some information about green housing. They're not trained environmental scientists. Ecobrokers don't have indepth knowledge about green products nor are they able to certify houses as green.

Jim Nicolow, an architect and a blogger for Marketplace's "Greenwash Brigade," said in the story that the ecobroker program is a step forward for environmentalism, but a definition is needed on what an "eco-friendly" home is.

Copyright 2008, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist