INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) is warning consumers in California that certain horizontal gas-fired furnaces present a substantial risk of fire. The horizontal gas-fired forced-air furnaces in question are manufactured by Consolidated Industries and were installed exclusively in California.


KEY FINDINGS
Consolidated Industries manufactured approximately 190,000 of these furnaces from 1983-1994 under many different brand names. 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 can be identified by the steel control rods installed above the burners and the model makes and numbers provided in this document. The steel rods were incorporated into the furnaces to satisfy the California air quality regulations for nitrous oxide emissions.

Because Consolidated Industries is currently in bankruptcy liquidation, the availability of repair parts is at this time unresolved. However, there is on-going private litigation which could enable consumers to recover at least some of their out-of-pocket expenses for replacement or repair of the furnaces.


RECOMMENDATIONS
The Commission is warning consumers to have their gas-fired furnaces inspected by a licensed heating contractor to determine whether the furnaces are subject to this safety alert. The contractor also should determine whether the burners and/or heat exchangers of units are damaged, or whether wood under or near the furnaces shows signs of damage, such as charring or blackening. If this is the case, the furnace should be replaced immediately or repaired.


U.S. INSPECT'S PROCEDURE AND POLICY
When furnaces manufactured by Consolidated Industries are identified during a home inspection, U.S. Inspect's professional building consultant will not inspect the furnace and recommend a further evaluation by a heating contractor. The home inspection report will indicate that the furnace was not inspected and a further evaluation by a heating contractor will be recommended. Many contractors are making recommendations that furnaces subject to this warning be inspected every 60 to 90 days.

Due to the substantial risk of fire, the warning from the CSPC and the recommendations from heating contractors, U.S. Inspect recommends that furnaces subject to this warning be replaced.