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DIY Home Testing: Black Mold

Home Testing: Black Mold

Virtually everyone has observed mold growing in one form or another somewhere in their home. While most molds are fairly harmless, one particular strain known as Black or Toxic mold can be extremely dangerous. Black mold can be found in ceiling tiles, wall paneling, studs, cellulose insulation, drywall, carpet backing, cardboard and other items made of natural fibers. If you suspect you have Black mold never scrape or scratch dried mold in question because the spores will become airborne and create a serious inhalation risk.

Read more on how to test for black mold...

question of the day

Q.Can there be a connection to my gas oven pilot going out due to the aluminum foil on the stovetop oven?

A.

This advice might sound strange, but the clue may be the addition of the foil. The assumption is the problem was not present prior. Therefore, the foil may have caused the problem. No foil should be used anywhere in the baking or broiling compartments. Foil causes heating distribution and air circulation problems. The foil may be restricting air flow.

Remove it all and note what happens. Be sure the foil on the outside top of the appliance does not cover nor restrict the oven's heat exhaustion vents. Doing that causes airflow restrictions or blockages. The intent here is to avoid suspecting broken oven parts until it can be determined if the foil is causing the problem. Replacing parts would not solve any problems if none existed and if the foil caused them.



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tips and tricks

Hanging a Ceiling Fan

Use only a metal junction box to support a ceiling fan - never hang the fan from a plastic box. Depending on the brand, style and size of your ceiling fan - and your electrical code - you may use a 3" or 4" octagonal junction box. (Some local codes don't permit the use of 3" boxes.) The larger box will make it easier to store the excess wiring.


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