April 2001
AquaStar Water Heaters May Leak Carbon
Monoxide
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Controlled Energy Corporation (CEC), of
Waitsfield, Vt., is recalling about 320 AquaStar natural gas water heaters.
The heaters can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the exhaust
gas, which can cause serious injuries and death.
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.
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,
located on the right side of the water heater.
The water heaters were sold nationwide through plumbing supply stores and
plumbing contractors from March 1997 to January 2001, for about $440, plus
installation.
Consumers who have the recalled AquaStar unit (model number AQ38B NG),
should turn off the water heater immediately and call Controlled Energy
Corporation toll-free at (800) 642-3111 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. EST
Monday through Friday. CEC is offering consumers a free on-site repair
conducted by a licensed professional plumber.
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