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CPSC, Controlled Energy Corporation Announce Recall of Water Heaters

  • Recalled AquaStar natural gas water heater
  • Recalled AquaStar natural gas water heater
Name of Product:
AquaStar natural gas water heaters
Hazard:

The heaters can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas, which can cause serious injuries and death.

Remedy:
Repair
Recall Date:
February 15, 2001
Units:

About 320

Consumer Contact

Consumers may call Controlled Energy Corporation toll-free at (800) 642-3111 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Recall Details

Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Controlled Energy Corporation (CEC), of Waitsfield, Vt., is recalling about 320 AquaStar natural gas water heaters. The heaters can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas, which can cause serious injuries and death.

CPSC and Controlled Energy have received reports of two deaths and two injuries in Manitoba, Canada, reportedly caused by the release of carbon monoxide from the water heater.

The AquaStar natural gas water heaters were made in Portugal, and were distributed in the United States as model number AQ38B NG. The water heater is off-white in color, with the word "AquaStar" in red, on the front of the unit. The model number can be found on the rating plate, on the right side of the water heater.

The water heaters were sold nationwide through plumbing supply stores and plumbing contractors from March 1997 to January 2001, for about $440, plus installation.

Consumers who have the recalled AquaStar unit (model number AQ38B NG), should turn off the water heater immediately and call Controlled Energy Corporation toll-free at (800) 642-3111 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. CEC is offering consumers a free on-site repair conducted by a licensed professional plumber.

Remedy:

Consumers who have the recalled AquaStar unit (model number AQ38B NG), should turn off the water heater immediately and call Controlled Energy Corporation toll-free at (800) 642-3111 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. CEC is offering consumers a free on-site repair conducted by a licensed professional plumber.

Incidents/Injuries:

CPSC and Controlled Energy have received reports of two deaths and two injuries in Manitoba, Canada, reportedly caused by the release of carbon monoxide from the water heater.

Sold At:
The water heaters were sold nationwide through plumbing supply stores and plumbing contractors from March 1997 to January 2001, for about $440, plus installation.
Recall number:
01-085

Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

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About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

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