The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·96191·Announced 1996-09-25

American Water Heater Recalls LP Polaris Comfort Systems for Explosion Risk

American Water Heater Group is voluntarily repairing approximately 6,500 LP Polaris Comfort Systems combination water heaters and home heating systems due to a risk of explosive fuel gas ignition.

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 risk of explosive fuel gas ignition that has resulted in reported property damage, meeting the rubric criteria for 'Severe' (significant property-damage reports).

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Water Heater Group, doing business as Mor-Flo Industries Inc., have announced a voluntary recall program to repair approximately 6,500 LP Polaris Comfort Systems combination water heaters and home heating systems. The affected units were sold nationwide by heating and cooling contractors from 1985 to July 1996 for approximately $2,200.

The recall is being issued because, under certain circumstances, fuel gas may ignite explosively, which could cause property damage or injury. The American Water Heater Group is aware of 104 incidents of heater damage and three incidents where property damage extended beyond the heater. No injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately contact the American Water Heater Group at (800) 456-9805 or write to the Product Services and Support Group at P.O. Box 1597, Johnson City, Tenn. 37605 to arrange for the installation of a free safety upgrade kit. The specific model numbers affected are listed on the identification/data plate located on the front center of the exterior of the heater, about three feet above the floor.

The recalled product

Product
LP Polaris Comfort Systems Recall/Repair by American Water Heater

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.