The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers in California that certain gas-fired horizontal forced-air furnaces manufactured by Consolidated Industries (formerly Premier Furnace) present a substantial risk of fire. There have been about 30 reports of fires. The furnaces were installed exclusively in California. Consolidated built approximately 190,000 of these furnaces from 1983-94 under different brand names. Most were manufactured under the Premier/Consolidated labels. Normally, the furnaces are installed in attics; some may be in crawl spaces. CPSC is warning consumers to have their gas-fired furnaces inspected by a heating contractor to determine if they are subject to this safety alert. The contractor also should determine whether the burners and/or heat exchangers are damaged, and whether wood under or near the furnaces shows signs of charring/blackening. If so, the furnace should be replaced immediately or repaired. Because Consolidated is currently in bankruptcy liquidation, the availability of repair parts is unresolved.

Publication date: 10/02/2000