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Why is mold growing in my home? Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce using tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and…

Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers What is carbon monoxide (CO) and how is it produced? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engine-powered equipment such…

Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers. To help prevent fires: Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at…

Air-Source Heat Pumps and Central Air ConditionerKey Product Criteria Air-Source Heat Pump (ASHP): An air-source unitary heat pump model consists of one or more factory-made assemblies which normally include an indoor conditioning coil(s), compressor(s), and outdoor coil(s), including means to provide a heating function. ASHPs shall provide the function of air heating with controlled temperature,…

Proper operation of your heat pump will save energy. Do not set back the heat pump’s thermostat if it causes the backup heating to come on; backup heating systems are usually more expensive to operate. Continuous indoor fan operation can degrade heat pump performance unless a high-efficiency, the variable-speed fan motor is used. Operate the…

Winter Contest

Introduction to Molds Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on to survive. Some molds can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends several safety tips to the victims of floods. This safety alert illustrates some dangerous practices which consumers may be tempted to engage in during efforts to rebuild or while staying in temporary housing, tents, or partially damaged homes. This information is provided to prevent injuries and deaths…

Electric Space Heater Safety The Statistics CPSC estimates that from 2008 to 2010, portable electric heaters were involved in approximately 1,200 fires per year. The Problem Portable electric heaters are high-wattage appliances that have the potential to ignite nearby combustible materials like curtains, beds, sofas, paper, clothing, and flammable liquids. If ignition results from a…

Energy Smart Shopping The Energy Star® Label When you shop for a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR products usually exceed minimum federal standards by a substantial amount. The Energy Star® logo is on all qualified products that meet specific standards for energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR-qualified products exceed the federal minimum…