About 13,000 tankless water heaters have been recalled for carbon monoxide risk, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced.
The recalled Navien Instantaneous or Tankless Water Heaters were manufactured in North Korea by Kyung Dong Navien Co. Ltd., South Korea; imported by Navien America Inc., of Irvine, California; and sold by wholesale distributors to in-home installers, nationwide, from February 2008 through March 2009. The defective Navien Instantaneous and Tankless Water Heaters retailed for between $1,500 and $2,100.
An unstable connection can cause the water heater’s vent collar to separate or detach if pressure is applied. A detached vent collar poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer.
Although no incidents or injuries have been reported, the CPSC notes that, regardless of the type of water heater used, every home should have CO alarms situated outside all sleeping areas and consumers should ensure that their CO alarms are always fitted with working batteries.
The Navien Tankless Hot Water Heaters, which were manufactured in 2008, are white with the words “T-Creator” and “NAVIEN” on the front. Recalled model numbers are CR-180(A), CR-210(A), CR-240(A), CC-180(A), CC-210(A), and CC-240(A). A label on the side of the water heater lists the model number along with the manufacturing year in YYYY format.
The firm advises consumers to immediately stop using the recalled appliance and check the model and manufacture year information on their Navien Water Heater.
Consumers in possession of a recalled water heater should immediately contact Navien to schedule a free repair. Navien will replace all Nylon 66 vent collars with PVC collars. Consumers who continue use of the water heaters while awaiting repair, should have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed outside of all sleeping areas in the home.
Navien can be reached, toll-free, at 1.800.244.8202 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time (PT), Monday through Friday, or at the firm’s website at www.navienamerica.com.
