CPSC Warns About Defective Furnaces in California

Originally issued September 27, 2000, Last revised July 10, 2002 Release #00-190 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 Note: Most recently updated 07/10/02 to announce settlement of private litigation.Please also note the other updates (posted 01/25/2001 and 03/06/2002) at the bottom ofthis page and the July 2001 recall announcement for certain private labeled furnaces. CPSC Warns About Defective Furnaces in California WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers in California that certain gas-fired horizontal forced-air furnaces manufactured by Consolidated Industries (formerly Premier Furnace Company) present a substantial risk of fire. There have been about 30 reports of fires and damage to homes associated with these furnaces, as well as failures of burners and heat exchangers that can lead to fires. The furnaces were installed exclusively in California.Consolidated manufactured approximately 190,000 of these furnaces from 1983 through 1994 under many different brand names. Most of the furnaces were manufactured under the Premier/Consolidated labels. All of the furnaces can be identified by the fact that they are equipped with steel control rods installed above the burners. These steel rods were required to satisfy California air quality regulations for nitrous oxide emissions.Many of these furnaces are still in use. Normally, the furnaces are installed in attics, although some may be install