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.
CSPC's Recommendation
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.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.
Suggestions for improving the fire safety of all horizontal forced-air furnaces in attics are:
· Protect the wood deck or rafters on which the furnace is mounted by covering it with a non-combustible material
such as cement board that extends a minimum of 12 inches past the side of the furnace.
· Provide an air space beneath the furnace. A licensed contractor can perform this work and can offer the
homeowner several ways to accomplish this.
· Make sure the furnace is installed correctly and serviced at least annually. The inspection should include a safety
inspection of the burner assembly and heat exchanger.
· Install an ionization-type smoke detector inside the attic to provide an early warning of smoke or fire.
U.S. Inspect's 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.
Additional Information
Consolidated manufactured approximately 190,000 furnaces under different brand names. Most of the furnaces were manufactured under the Premier/Consolidated labels. Additional brand name and model numbers are: