CPSC, Controlled Energy Corporation Announce Recall of Water Heaters


Photos from the official notice: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission · image rights
Hazard
The heaters can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas, which can cause serious injuries and death.
Remedy
Consumers who have the recalled AquaStar unit (model number AQ38B NG), should turn off the water heater immediately and call Controlled Energy Corporation. 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.
Product description
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.
Sold on
The water heaters were sold nationwide through plumbing supply stores and plumbing contractors from March 1997 to January 2001, for about $440, plus installation.
Contact the company
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.
What should I do?
Stop using the product and follow the remedy below. Contact the company for a refund, repair or replacement — recall remedies are free.
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