HTPV pipe used to vent Goodman mid-efficiency gas furnaces
CPSC Recall #98-073 — February 23, 1998
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 98-073 |
| Recall Date | February 23, 1998 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 8,000 |
Product
HTPV pipe used to vent Goodman mid-efficiency gas furnaces
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Since August 1996, Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P., of Houston, Texas, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has been conducting a program to replace high-temperature plastic vent (HTPV) pipe used to vent about 8,000 Goodman mid-efficiency gas furnaces. The HTPV pipe used in these vents could be susceptible to corrosion, cracking and joint separation, which could result in the release of carbon monoxide into living areas, presenting a deadly threat to consumers. Although Goodman did not manufacture HTPV pipe, some models of Goodman furnaces were vented using HTPV material produced by other companies. Goodman voluntarily undertook its replacement program to help ensure the safety and comfort of its gas-appliance customers and has already replaced many HTPV systems. For each Goodman furnace that is horizontally vented with HTPV pipe, Goodman will continue to arrange for replacement of the vent with a new, approved vent at no charge. Alternatively at the homeowner's option, Goodman will continue to replace the entire furnace and vent with a brand new, high-efficiency Goodman furnace and suitable vent for only the manufacturer's price for the new furnace itself, with no charge for labor, associated materials or dealer markup. Owners of Goodman furnaces that are vented with HTPV pipe should contact their local heating contractor for more information or call Goodman at (800) 394-8084. A related recall has also been issued.
Hazard
The HTPV pipe used in these vents could be susceptible to corrosion, cracking and joint separation, which could result in the release of carbon monoxide into living areas, presenting a deadly threat to consumers.
Remedy Instructions
For each Goodman furnace that is horizontally vented with HTPV pipe, Goodman will continue to arrange for replacement of the vent with a new, approved vent at no charge. Alternatively at the homeowner's option, Goodman will continue to replace the entire furnace and vent with a brand new, high-efficiency Goodman furnace and suitable vent for only the manufacturer's price for the new furnace itself, with no charge for labor, associated materials or dealer markup.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
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 (Replace) 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.