Rinnai Wall Furnaces Recalled for CO Hazard

In February, Rinnai America Corp. (Peachtree City, Ga.) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled approximately 55,000 Rinnai Direct-Vent Wall Furnaces, models RHFE 431 and RHFE 556, due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning risk. The furnaces have a gasket that can fail, which can lead to CO leaking into a home.

The recall was prompted by 11 reports of CO leaking from the furnaces. No injuries have been reported.

The furnaces operate on either natural gas or propane and include Model RHFE-431 (FAIII-N, FAIII-P, WTA-N, WTA-P, WTA-72B-N, and WTA-76B-N) and Model RHFE-556 (FAIII-N, FAIII-P, WTA-N, and WTA-P). The model number is printed on the top of the rating plate located on the right side of the unit. The recall only includes units manufactured from February 2000 through December 2007. The manufacturing date code is the first four digits of the serial number, written as YY MM and is located at the bottom of the rating plate.

The furnaces, which were manufactured in Japan, were sold by wholesale distributors nationwide to contractors and dealers from February 2000 through December 2007. Consumers should stop using the furnace immediately and contact the firm to arrange for the installation of a free repair kit. For additional information, contact Rinnai toll-free at 866/746-8344 anytime, or visit the company’s website.