30,000 Recalled California Furnaces Pose Fire Hazard
by J. David Rauch

On Friday, June 7, a class action lawsuit, filed in 1994 in Santa Clara County Superior Court, was settled against Consolidated Industries and retailer Addison. After the settlement is finalized, homeowners with certain fire-prone furnaces will be eligible for a $300 rebate if they have replaced their faulty furnaces or $150 off a new one. Owners will also be eligible for free inspections and may either have the flawed parts removed or receive $150 discounts on a new furnace.

Natural draft furnace - full view	Induced draft furnace - full view	Burner with NOx rods

Between 1983 and December 1992, Consolidated produced over 190,000 furnaces with home, hardware, specialty stores and independent contractors selling about 30,000 of those in California for about $2,000 each.

These furnaces pose a substantial fire hazard. The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled these furnaces after it received 50 reports of fires associated with the furnaces. The units are gas-fired horizontal furnaces equipped with steel “Nox” rods installed above the burners and are commonly called Nox rod furnaces.

The steel rods installed above the burners can identify these furnaces. They were sold under many brand names including Trane, Addison, Amana, Bard, Kenmore and others.

For a very thorough list of all the brands involved, and there are many, go to www.furnaceinspect.com to determine if your model is one of those affected by the action. You may also call (877) 347-6456 for more information. Before you call or visit the website, make sure you have the brand name, model number and serial number of your furnace for reference.

General Furnace Maintenance

Most people have not had the bad luck to have a recalled Nox furnace. However, you must still perform regular routine maintenance on your furnace – whichever type you own. At the very minimum you should be changing your furnace filter at least once per year. This is a very simple procedure. In most cases you can get the replacement filters from Home Depot, Dixieline or other hardware store. It is easiest to take your existing filter to the store with you and just match. Then, replace as needed.

Free Advice from SDG&E

Some furnaces require other maintenance so it is important to check your maintenance guidelines that came with your furnace or were provided by your builder. If you are uncertain if you have a problem with your furnace you can always call your utility company, and they will come to your home and inspect your furnace for free and provide you with maintenance guidance.

David Rauch is President of ProTec Building Services, full-service contractors with licenses in General Contracting, Electrical, Painting, Plumbing and Roofing, providing services to over 250 communities in San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties. (800) 557-2217 • www.ProTecBSI.com

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