The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·88006·Announced 1988-02-17

Arkla and Preway High Efficiency Gas Furnaces Recall for Corrosion

Arkla and Preway are correcting 60,000 high efficiency gas furnaces nationwide due to internal corrosion that may release carbon monoxide.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect (internal corrosion) in gas furnaces that poses a risk of carbon monoxide release, a hazard capable of causing serious injury or death, and includes reported symptoms of nausea.

Plain-English summary

Arkla, Inc. and Preway Industries are implementing a corrective action program for 60,000 high efficiency gas furnaces sold nationwide. The program addresses internal corrosion in the furnaces, which can deteriorate metal components and create holes that allow dangerous carbon monoxide to pass into living areas. The corrective action was developed in response to 387 complaints from owners regarding internal corrosion, including eight complaints of nausea.

Testing showed that affected furnaces are susceptible to corrosion when exposed to chlorine- or fluorine-containing compounds, such as salt for melting ice, paint stripper, bleach, and adhesives. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, toxic gas that can cause illness or death in large amounts, with symptoms including headache, nausea, stomach upset, and drowsiness.

As part of the program, Preway and Arkla will inspect the furnaces at no charge. Based on the inspection, they will retrofit furnaces with an upgrade kit at no charge or replace them on a pro rata basis if corrosion is very severe. Consumers should not store or use chlorine- or fluorine-containing products near these furnaces. Consumers can call Preway toll-free at 800-237-5207 or the CPSC hotline at 800-638-CPSC for more information.

The recalled product

Product
Arcoaire high efficiency gas furnaces
Manufacturer
Arkla Industries
Category
Consumer Product — Home Heating
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · carbon monoxide

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