Gas Furnaces Recalled for the Second Time
The Feb. 3 recall notice for about 223,600 Coleman, Coleman Evcon, and Red T gas furnaces stems from an overheating problem that can cause a fire.
About 223,600 gas furnaces are being recalled for the second time because they can overheat, causing the heat exchanger to crack and possibly cause a fire. While the same products were recalled in November 2004, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s new recall notice for Coleman, Coleman Evcon, and Red T gas furnaces intended for manufactured homes states that 366 of 393 incident reports received by the manufacturer came after that prior recall.
The furnaces were made in the United States and sold between 1995 and 2000 nationwide as original equipment and replacement products for manufactured homes. Health Canada also has posted a recall notice of these products.
The manufacturer is the Unitary Products Group division of York International Corp. (York, Pa.), and the notice says some of the reports involved extensive property damage, but no injuries have been reported.
The furnaces are silver with white access panels. "Coleman," "Coleman Evcon," and "Red T" brand names are located on the middle of the front access panel. The model number is written on a faceplate, found by removing both front access panels. The faceplate is mounted on the left inside surface behind the lower panel. A dozen model numbers are included in the recall and are listed in the notice.
Consumers should stop using the furnace until it has been inspected and repaired, and they should contact UPG to schedule a free inspection and repair of any furnace involved in the recall. For more information, including information about installation issues that may lead to the hazard, contact UPG at 888-665-4640 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST weekdays or visit www.dgatprogram.com. UPG Technical Services is working with its distributors to locate owners.