CPSC, Controlled Energy Corporation Announce Recall of Water Heaters

Recalled February 15, 2001 · CPSC recall 01085 · Controlled Energy

Recalled AquaStar natural gas water heater

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.

Units

About 320

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.

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.

What to do

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.

Product

AquaStar natural gas water heaters

Distributed by

Controlled Energy Corporation (CEC), of Waitsfield, Vt.

Retailers

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

Made in

Portugal

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice on cpsc.gov →