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Heating Systems Consumer Safety Alerts, Manufacturer Recalls and other Warnings are Brought to You By Ameri-Serv, Inc.

Go to http://www.cpsc.gov to find more information from their search-able database, just search for your brand name and model number to see if anything comes up. There is far too much information to post everything here so we will stick to the most recent alerts and try to hold onto those that effect homeowners most.


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CPSC and The Ducane Company Announce Recall of Upflow Horizontal Oil Furnaces

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Ducane Company of Columbia, S.C., is announced a voluntary recall program to repair approximately 2,100 oil furnaces. Heat exchangers in the furnace can crack.

The Ducane Company initiated the recall after it found a crack in one of its furnaces. No injuries have been reported.

This retrofit involves 150,000- and 200,000-Btu oil furnaces manufactured by Ducane and distributed under the following brand names and model numbers:



The model numbers are located on an identification/data plate inside the furnace's front door.

Heating and cooling contractors sold the heaters nationwide from April 1994 to August 1996 for about $1,700. Consumers who own recalled furnaces should call their dealers to arrange installation of a free recall upgrade kit. For more information, consumers can call Excell Comfort Systems (which bought the furnace portion of the Ducane Company) at (803) 284-3322.

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CPSC Warns Of Hazards from Furnaces, Space Heaters and Fireplaces

Agency Urges Annual Furnace Inspection, Installing Smoke and CO Alarms

Washington, D.C. - If projections hold true, home heating costs this winter will on average cost consumers 25.7 percent more than last year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Natural gas and heating oil customers are expected to be hit the hardest. And as Americans begin to receive their winter heating bills and begin to explore alternative ways to heat their homes, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers about alternative heat sources and reminding them to follow safety precautions while keeping their home warm this winter.

"With the cost of heating fuel high, consumers might be looking to use space heaters more as a supplemental way of heating their homes," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "By following CPSC's recommendations for all types of heating systems, and by installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, you can help keep your family safe this winter."

The two hazards of most concern to the CPSC are fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CPSC recommends consumers have a professional inspection of all fuel-burning heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents.

For the years 1999-2002, there were about 9,900 residential fires per year and about 190 deaths per year associated with portable and stationary space heaters.

In addition to the fires and deaths associated with space heaters, there were 20,600 fires and about 40 deaths per year associated with fireplaces and chimneys. For central heating, there were about 5,800 fires per year and about 20 deaths per year. In addition, an average of about 85 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by heating systems, ranges/ovens and water heaters.

Space heaters can cause fires if they are placed too close to flammable materials such as drapes, furniture or bedding. Fireplaces can cause fires if the chimney is cracked, blocked or coated with creosote, or if sparks and embers reach flammable materials. Fuel-burning appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if they are improperly installed, poorly maintained, have defective or blocked venting systems, or are misused.

Space heater tips:

• Place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding, drapes, furniture and other flammable materials. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• To prevent the risk of fire, NEVER leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or place a space heater close to any sleeping person. Turn the space heater off if you leave the area.
• Use a space heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. These heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features; older space heaters may not meet the newer safety standards. An unvented gas space heater that meets current safety standards will shut off if oxygen levels fall too low.
• Make sure your heater is correctly rated for your home. An oversized heater could deplete the available oxygen, causing excess carbon monoxide to be produced. Keep a window in the room open at least one inch and keep doors open to the rest of the house to ensure proper ventilation. This helps prevent pollutant build-up and promotes proper combustion.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to provide sufficient combustion air to prevent carbon monoxide production.
• Have gas and kerosene space heaters inspected annually to ensure proper operation.
• Do not use a kitchen range or oven to heat your house because it could overheat or generate excessive carbon monoxide.
• Be aware that manufactured homes require specially-designed heating equipment.
• Do not use unvented gas space heaters where prohibited by local codes.
• Have a smoke alarm with fresh batteries on each level of the house, inside every bedroom, and outside the bedrooms in each sleeping area. In addition, have a carbon monoxide alarm outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area.

Fireplace safety tips:

• Have flues and chimneys inspected before each heating season for leakage and blockage by creosote or debris.
• Open the fireplace damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. Never close the damper or go to bed if the ashes are still warm. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
• Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to light or relight a fire because the vapors can explode. Never keep flammable fuels or materials near a fire. Never store flammable liquids in your home.
• Never use charcoal in a fireplace because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep a screen or glass enclosure around a fireplace to prevent sparks or embers from igniting flammable materials.

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York Offering To Replace All Heatpipe Furnaces

PRODUCT: Approximately 4,000 Borg-Warner, Luxaire, Fraser- Johnson, and Moncrief "Heatpipe" furnaces manufactured and sold by York International Corporation between 1984 and 1988.

PROBLEM: Parts of the furnace and vent system may fail prematurely. Failure of vent components could allow potentially hazardous carbon monoxide (CO) gas to leak into the home.

WHAT TO DO: Owners of affected furnaces should call York at 1-800-310-3476 to obtain a free replacement furnace. York is providing a $200 allowance toward the cost of installing the replacement furnace.

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced that York International Corporation of York, PA has voluntarily offered to replace all Borg-Warner, Luxaire, Fraser-Johnson, and Moncrief "HeatPipe" furnaces. York initiated this warranty enhancement program because certain parts of the furnace and vent system may fail prematurely. Failure of certain furnace and vent components could allow potentially hazardous carbon monoxide (CO) gas to leak into the home.

York manufactured approximately 10,000 HeatPipe furnaces between 1984 and 1988 under the brand names Borg-Warner, Luxaire, Fraser-Johnson, and Moncrief. These mid-efficiency furnaces can be identified by the following model numbers: Luxaire/Frasier- Johnson/Moncrief (models PAUT-LD08N073, PAUT-LD12N073, PAUT- LD12N105, and PAUT-LD16N105); Borg-Warner/York (models P1NUD08N06301, P1NUD12N06301, P1NUD12N08901, and P1NUD16NO8901). York estimates approximately 4,000 HeatPipe furnaces remain in use.

Under York's warranty program, HeatPipe furnace owners may obtain a free replacement furnace of similar capacity and efficiency to their HeatPipe. Replacement of the HeatPipe furnaces will require professional installation and replacement of some or all of the furnaces' venting components. York will provide a $200 allowance toward the cost of installing the replacement furnace.

CPSC urges anyone with a HeatPipe furnace to participate in the HeatPipe replacement program. Consumers can call York at 1-800-310-3476 or contact an authorized York, Fraser-Johnson, or Luxaire dealer to obtain a new replacement furnace. York is sending a letter to all known HeatPipe owners explaining the warranty program.

Additionally, CPSC advises all owners of furnaces and fuel- burning appliances to have a competent service technician inspect their appliances and furnaces before the heating season begins. This inspection should include checking the furnace's vent system for corrosion or openings through which carbon monoxide could leak, as well as checking to make sure the furnace is operating properly. Only a qualified service technician should perform repairs or maintenance. CPSC recommends that consumers also purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors that meet the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 2034. These detectors warn consumers before hazardous levels of carbon monoxide are present. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious illness or death.
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Coleman Urges Inspection Of Pre-1971 Solar Pak Furnaces To Reduce Potential For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

WASHINGTON D.C.--An inspection and discount replacement program announced last year for Model 8600 Solar Pak mobile home furnaces is being continued by the Coleman Company Manufactured Housing Products Division of Wichita, Kansas, in voluntary cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This program was developed in 1988 in response to reports received by Coleman and the CPSC of deaths and serious injuries caused by leaking carbon monoxide from aging furnaces which have allegedly been inadequately inspected and maintained and/or altered or modified. Coleman is continuing its 1988 program to arrange inspections of its Model 8600 Solar Pak furnaces produced for mobile homes manufactured before December 1971. Coleman is offering homeowners a free Coleman cooler to encourage participation in this safety inspection program.

Although approximately 380,000 Solar Pak furnaces were manufactured from 1964 through 1971, relatively few are still operational. The furnaces were sold exclusively for use in mobile homes either as original equipment or as replacement appliances.

Investigations of the incidents show that no single factor is solely responsible for the carbon monoxide poisoning incidents. Nearly all of the incidents involved aging furnaces and a combination of factors, including improper or inadequate maintenance, improper installation, alteration or modification to the furnace.

To participate in this inspection/replacement program, mobile homeowners should check their gas furnace for the presence of the Coleman brand name on the front of the furnace. They can then identify a Coleman Model 8600 Solar Pak by opening the furnace door and checking the rating plate. If the furnace is a Coleman Model 8600 Solar Pak or if the homeowner is uncertain, they should call Coleman's toll-free Hotline number, 1-800-232-SOLR or 1-800-232-7657. In Kansas, call collect 1-316-832-6499. Coleman will assist in arranging an inspection with the closest service center.

Coleman is offering up to a 50 percent discount on certain replacement parts as well as up to a 50 percent on a new replacement furnace. Furnace installation charges are not included. Consumers may receive further details of the program by calling the Coleman toll-free number listed above.

Homeowners are reminded that annual maintenance and inspection of all furnaces are vital to the safety of consumers and to the proper operation of their furnace. Aging furnaces, 20 years old and older, should receive special annual care and attention to insure continued safe and efficient operation.

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Rheem Recalls to Repair Oil-Fired Furnaces Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Rheem, Ruud and United Refrigeration Oil-Fired Furnaces

Units: About 14,000

Manufacturer: Air Conditioning Division of Rheem Manufacturing Co., of Fort Smith, Ark.

Hazard: If the furnace is not properly wired, the oil burner can continue to operate when the blower shuts off, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Rheem has received one report in which the furnace was incorrectly wired. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

Description: This recall involves oil-fired furnaces sold under the Rheem, Ruud and United Refrigeration brands. Only the models beginning with the model numbers listed in the chart below and with date codes ending in 0106 through 5206, 0107 through 5207, or 0108 through 4808 are included in this recall. The model number and date code (designated by the four digits following an “M” in the middle of the serial number) are printed on the unit’s rating plate, which is on the left wall of the furnace’s interior just above the burner. The rating plate can be found by opening the unit’s burner access door, which has slotted openings.

Sold by: Contractors nationwide to consumers from January 2006 through December 2008 as part of installed systems for between $1,500 and $10,000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact the contractor who installed the oil furnace to arrange for a free inspection and repair, if necessary.

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CPSC, York International Corp. Announce Recall of Gas Furnaces

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the manufacturer named below, today announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of product: Gas furnaces

Units: About 226,000

Manufacturer: The Unitary Products Group (UPG) of York International Corp., of York, Pa.

Hazard: These furnaces can overheat, causing heat-exchanger cracking, burn-through and, in extreme cases, furnace wrapper burn-through. This can lead to heating and possible burning of the drywall and other combustibles adjacent to the furnace, which poses a fire and smoke hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: UPG has received 27 reports of fires, some resulting in extensive property damage that could be related to these hazards. There have been no injuries reported.

Description: The recall involves Coleman, Coleman Evcon and Red T brand furnaces. The furnaces are a silver color with white access panels. The "Coleman," "Coleman Evcon" and "Red T" brand names are located on the middle of the front access panel. These model furnaces with model numbers listed below are included in the recall: The model number is written on a nameplate, found by removing both front access panels. The nameplate is found mounted on the left inside surface behind the lower panel.

Sold at: These furnaces were sold nationwide between 1995 and 2000 under the brand names of Coleman, Coleman Evcon and Red T as original equipment in manufactured homes and as replacement furnaces in manufactured homes.

Manufactured in: Wichita, Kan.

Remedy: Consumers should not use the heating function of these furnaces until it has been inspected and repaired. Consumers should contact UPG to schedule a free inspection and repair of any furnace involved in the recall.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call UPG toll-free at (888) 665-4640 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit their Web site at www.dgatprogram.com. UPG Technical Services is also conducting a comprehensive notification and communications program and working with its distributors to locate owners.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      
June 9, 1981      
Release # 81-017
Carbon Monoxide Gas Hazard Prompts Repair Program For Mobile Home Furnaces

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 9) -- A program to repair as many as 55,000 liquid propane and natural gas furnaces used in mobile homes is being conducted by the manufacturer because the furnaces may pose a risk of death or poisoning by leaking carbon monoxide gas if portions of the vent system corrode.

The repair program pertains to all model MMG "Miller"-brand gas furnaces manufactured by the HOME Division of Lear Siegler, Inc., of Holland, Michigan. The firm, in voluntary cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, has agreed to replace the flue-pipe extension within the furnaces.

Corrosion in the flue-pipe extension and vent system may permit carbon monoxide gas to be emitted into the living areas. CPSC has been informed of 19 deaths since 1969 which have been associated with carbon monoxide leakage from the MMG model furnaces.

Approximately 46,000 furnaces were manufactured from 1964 through 1971, and an additional 9,000 furnaces were converted to liquid propane or natural gas, although it is unlikely that all of the furnaces still are functional because of their age. The furnaces were sold exclusively for use in mobile homes either as original equipment or as replacement appliances.

Mobile home owners should check their gas furnaces for the presence of the "Miller" brand name on the top of the louvered door. Consumers then should identify whether they possess an MMG model by opening the door and determining whether the large vertical pipe inside is approximately five inches across (see attached drawing). If so, consumers should call the manufacturer's toll-free number at l-800-253-3874 (in Michigan, call collect at 1-616-394-4326). The firm will arrange for free installation of a new flue-pipe extension.

Consumers who are uncertain whether they own an MMG model gas furnace after inspecting the interior pipe are encouraged to contact the manufacturer's toll-free number for assistance in identifying their furnace.

CPSC also is reminding consumers that all gas furnaces require periodic inspections and maintenance by qualified personnel in order to detect such hazards as vent pipe corrosion. Consumers should contact their local heating contractor for suggestions on arranging such inspections.

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