[trying to understand the star combo]

If a palace has the following reading 7-3-7, the base number is 3 and in period 7 isn't it a 'dead chi'? Will the 7-7 combo make this location good?
There is a stove at this location and it is impossible to move it elswhere, is there any recomendation that can control or at least limit the fire burning the metal effect?
Please advice.

[Where to take compass reading]

I'm interested in using the paid house analysis report but I do not know where to take the direction reading from.
I live in a 4 floors apartment that have a common entrance that is facing North and the entrance to my 2nd floor apartment is facing west. How should I take the reading? Please advice.
I'm new to this forum, if someone had already asked should question, please direct me to the posting.