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AquaStar natural gas water heaters

CPSC Recall #01-085 — February 14, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number01-085
Recall DateFebruary 14, 2001
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 320

Where It Was Sold

The water heaters were sold nationwide through plumbing supply stores and plumbing contractors from March 1997 to January 2001
for about $440
plus installation.

Product

AquaStar natural gas water heaters

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - 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, 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. ET Monday through Friday. CEC is offering consumers a free on-site repair conducted by a licensed professional plumber.

Hazard

The heaters can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas, which can cause serious injuries and death.

Incidents & Injuries

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.

Remedy Instructions

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. ET Monday through Friday. CEC is offering consumers a free on-site repair conducted by a licensed professional plumber.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.

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