CPSC Warns About Fire Risk in Consolidated Industries Gas Furnaces

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers in California that certain gas-fired horizontal forced-air furnaces manufactured by Consolidated Industries (formerly Premier Furnace Company) present a substantial risk of fire. Approximately 190,000 of these furnaces were manufactured from 1983 through 1994 under various brand names, most commonly Premier or Consolidated. The units are identifiable by steel control rods installed above the burners, which were required to satisfy California air quality regulations.

There have been about 30 reports of fires and damage to homes associated with these furnaces, as well as failures of burners and heat exchangers that can lead to fires. The furnaces were installed exclusively in California, typically in attics, though some may be in crawl spaces. Because Consolidated is in bankruptcy liquidation, the availability of repair parts is currently unresolved, though private litigation may allow consumers to recover some expenses for replacement or repair.

Consumers should have their gas-fired furnaces inspected by a licensed heating contractor to determine if they are subject to this safety alert. The contractor should check for damaged burners or heat exchangers and signs of damage, such as charring or blackening, on wood under or near the furnace. If damage is found, the furnace should be replaced immediately or repaired. Consumers can also improve fire safety by covering the wood deck with non-combustible material, providing air space beneath the furnace, ensuring correct installation and annual servicing, and installing an ionization-type smoke detector in the attic.

The recalled product

Product

Consolidated Industries furnaces

Manufacturer

Consolidated Industries

Category

Consumer Product — Home Heating

Hazard

• fire
• burn-injury

Distribution

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