CPSC, Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. Announce Recall to Repair Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners

Recalled July 27, 2004 · CPSC recall 04569 · Friedrich Air Conditioning

Recalled Friedrich Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning (PTAC) unit

Hazard

The rotary dial switch on these units can be positioned between the high and low speed fan setting. This can cause the units to overheat and possibly catch fire.

Remedy

Owners of these units should contact Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. for instructions on receiving a free repair. Until the repair is made, consumers should not use the PTACs in the heating mode.

Units

About 26,400 PTAC units, and about 1,600 replacement heater assemblies used in repairs

Incidents / injuries

Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. has received 60 reports of units overheating, including nine reports of fires resulting in property damage. One incident at a nursing home resulted in a resident suffering smoke inhalation.

Description

The recall includes all PTAC units in the P series with dates of manufacture between November 1, 2002, and December 31, 2003. The model and serial numbers are written on the nameplate, found behind the plastic front cover, directly below the control panel. Units with serial number LBLP00001 through LCMP9999 are included in the recall. Also included in the recall are "P Series" units that were serviced between June 1, 2003, and December 31, 2003, in which service included the field replacement of the heater assembly. The Friedrich "P Series" PTAC is a light beige color with the "FRIEDRICH" logo on the panel door.

What to do

Owners of these units should contact Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. for instructions on receiving a free repair. Until the repair is made, consumers should not use the PTACs in the heating mode.

Contact

To schedule a free, on-site repair, call (800) 664-5698 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. For any other PTAC recall related matters, call Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. at (866) 585-2366. Additionally, consumers can submit a "PTAC Heater Recall Information Form" on the internet at www.Friedrich.com

Product

Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning (PTAC) units

Manufacturer(s)

Friedrich Air Conditioning Co., of San Antonio, Texas

Retailers

Commercial customers, such as property owners or construction and air conditioning contractors by Friedrich or its manufacturer's representatives directly. They also were sold through local, regional and national HVAC distributors primarily to commercial customers. These PTAC units were sold throughout the U.S., between November 2002 and December 2003, for about $500 to $600.

Made in

United States

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