U.S. panel recalls 30,000 faulty furnaces

Only those sold under private labels are affected by offer of repair, replacement.

July 10, 2001

By TERI SFORZA
The Orange County Register

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 30,000 fire-prone furnaces in California on Monday, nearly 10 months after warning that the furnaces are extremely hazardous.

But the recall applies to only a fraction of the fire-prone units, leaving the majority of homeowners holding the bag.

Between 1983 and 1992, about 150,000 horizontal furnaces made by Consolidated Industries (formerly Premier) were sold in California under myriad brand names. To meet California's tougher air-quality standards, steel rods were installed above the burners to reduce nitrogen-oxide emissions. But these "nox rods" heat up, crack the furnace casing and let flames escape, posing a substantial fire risk.

About 50 fires have been linked to the furnaces so far.

"All the furnaces were manufactured by Consolidated, but this recall takes care of all the private labelers - the companies that bought Consolidated units and slapped their own labels on them," said commission spokesman Ken Giles.

The recall applies to the 30,000 or so furnaces sold by Amana, Bard, Carrier Corp., Goettl Air Conditioning, Goodman Manufacturing Co., Heat Controller Inc. and Trane Co.

Some 120,000 other furnaces are no less dangerous but are not part of the recall because Consolidated declared bankruptcy during lengthy negotiations with the CPSC and isn't around to provide replacements.

People with Consolidated/Premier furnaces can join a class-action lawsuit that hopes to tap Consolidated's insurer for replacement or repair. For more about the suit, call (408) 808-1410.

Consumers should check their furnaces immediately, the CPSC said. The recall offers free inspection and repair, or a new furnace free of charge, except for installation costs. Call (877) 347-6456 or visit www.furnace inspect.com.

The CPSC issued a warning about the furnaces in September. No furnace-linked fires have been reported in Orange County, but in the wake of the warning last winter, The Gas Co. shut off about 2,900 suspect furnaces -- 1,300 of them in Orange County.