The Recall Desk
CriticalCPSC·01085·Announced 2001-02-15

Controlled Energy Recalls AquaStar Natural Gas Water Heaters Due to Carbon Monoxide Risk

Controlled Energy Corporation is recalling AquaStar natural gas water heaters because they can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which has been linked to deaths and injuries.

What this means for you

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly reports two deaths and two injuries, which meets the rubric criterion for a Critical severity score of 5.

Plain-English summary

Controlled Energy Corporation (CEC) is recalling approximately 320 AquaStar natural gas water heaters, model number AQ38B NG. The heaters were made in Portugal and sold nationwide in the United States through plumbing supply stores and plumbing contractors from March 1997 to January 2001 for about $440, plus installation. The units are off-white with the word "AquaStar" in red on the front, and the model number is located on the rating plate on the right side of the water heater.

The recall is being issued because the heaters can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas. 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.

Consumers who have the recalled AquaStar unit should turn off the water heater immediately and call Controlled Energy Corporation. CEC is offering consumers a free on-site repair conducted by a licensed professional plumber. Consumers may call Controlled Energy Corporation toll-free at (800) 642-3111 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
AquaStar natural gas water heaters
Category
Consumer Product — Water Heaters
Hazard
Affected units
320

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · carbon monoxide

See all →