Itasco Duo Model W0330 and Home Duo Model W0320 furnaces
CPSC Recall #84-028 - May 1, 1984
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 84-028 |
| Recall Date | May 1, 1984 |
| Remedy Type | Repair, No Remedy Available |
| Units Affected | Approximately 12,000 |
Product
Itasco Duo Model W0330 and Home Duo Model W0320 furnaces
Description
Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers of a carbon monoxide hazard with certain oil/wood combination furnaces. These units were manufactured by Itasca Manufacturing, Inc. of Menahga, MN. The firm is in the process of filing for bankruptcy and is unable to undertake any corrective action for the products.The units involved were sold under the names Itasco Duo Model W0330 and Home Duo Model W0320. CPSC believes the units have demonstrated a pattern of weld failure that could allow carbon monoxide to escape and be drawn into the home. Carbon monoxide can cause Headaches, nausea, and lead to death.Over 100 complaints associated with cracks in the welds of the furnace were reported to the firm. At least one complaint involved various levels of carbon monoxide being emitted into the home. No injuries are known to have occurred.Approximately 12,000 units have been produced and sold since 1972. The model number w0330 and w0320 can be found on a metal plate attached to the unit.CPSC urges owners of these furnaces to contact a qualified professional heating equipment installer and arrange for the furnace to be inspected for cracks, particularly at the top of the heat exchanger between the creosote collectors and around the firebox doors. If cracks are found, consumers should have a certified welder repair them. Any welding repairs should be reinspected yearly.Consumers wishing to pursue a claim may contact the offices of Arntson, Hagen, Wentz and Klein, Suite 520, Gate City Bldg., 500 Second Avenue North, P.O. box 2025, Fargo ND 58107-2025.Consumers wishing to verify model numbers may call the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.
Hazard
CPSC believes the units have demonstrated a pattern of weld failure that could allow carbon monoxide to escape and be drawn into the home. Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, and lead to death.
Incidents & Injuries
Over 100 complaints associated with cracks in the welds of the furnace were reported to the firm. At least one complaint involved various levels of carbon monoxide being emitted into the home. No injuries are known to have occurred.
Remedy Instructions
The firm is in the process of filing for bankruptcy and is unable to undertake any corrective action for the products.CPSC urges owners of these furnaces to contact a qualified professional heating equipment installer and arrange for the furnace to be inspected for cracks, particularly at the top of the heat exchanger between the creosote collectors and around the firebox doors. If cracks are found, consumers should have a certified welder repair them. Any welding repairs should be reinspected yearly.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair, No Remedy Available 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 (Repair, No Remedy Available) 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.