U.S. CPSC: Ventilators Are Fire Hazard
Posted by
Craig CherryApril 14, 2007 11:27 AMTags:
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a volutary recall of Heat Recovery Ventilators manfactured by Venmar Ventilation Inc., a Canadian company.
Heat Recovery Ventilators are designed to transfer air between the inside and outside of a home. Through the transfer process, fresh air is provided.
According the the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recall involves approximately 75,000 units that were made between 1991-2001. The recall has resulted due to motors in the units that can overheat and cause a fire. Thus far, Venmar Ventilation Inc. has stated it has received four reports of ventilator motors overheating and resulting in fires causing extensive property damage. One fire incident in Michigan resulted in approximately $1 million in damages.
The brand names involved in the recall include Venmar, Venmar AVS, Flair, Conformax, Nu Tone, Carrier/Bryant, Payne Day & Night, Heil, York, Sears Brand, Guardian by Broan and Rheem/Ruud. Only certain model numbers are within the recall, so if you have a heat recovery ventilator with one of the brand names listed above, you should write down the model number that and contact Venmar Ventilation Inc. customer service line immediately, as well as, contact the company that installed the unit in your home. You should also immediately turn off the unit and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Venmar Ventilation, Inc. has said it will provide a free safety device that will shut off the ventilator if the motor overheats. The units should not be used until the device is provided and properly installed.