March 29, 2007
Venmar Ventilation Inc. is recalling about 75,000 home heat recovery ventilators sold under a variety of brand names. The motors in these units can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Venmar Ventilation has received four reports of ventilator motors overheating resulting in fires causing extensive property damage. One incident in Michigan reportedly resulted in about $1 million in damages.
Heat Recovery Ventilators are designed to exchange air between the inside and outside of a home in order to provide fresh air. The recall covers units made from 1991 through 2001, and have the following brand names and model numbers:
| Brand | Models |
|---|---|
| Venmar | AEXX, EARC, 1XX, 30X, 40X, 40XXX |
| Venmar AVS | 1.X, 2.X, 30XX, 55XX |
| Flair | 30, 30XX, 55, 55XX, 85115 |
| vänEE | 10, 1XX, 100X, 20, 20XX, 30XX, 90 |
| Conformax | 300, 350, 400 |
| NuTone | NUTR130 |
| Carrier Bryant | VXXXXXXXXX, ERVXXXXXXX or HRVXXXXXXX |
| Payne Day & Night | VXXXXXXXXX |
| Heil | HEILXXXXX |
| York | 5263554XXXX |
| Sears Brand | OPTIMUM |
| Guardian by Broan | 100X, 200X |
| Rheem Ruud Protech Weatherking | 84-ERV100, 84-ERV200, 84-HRV100, 84-HRV200 |
The model numbers are written on a silver or black label on the outside of panel. The ?X? digit used in the model numbers can be either a letter or a number.
The units were sold by heating, plumbing and building supply distributors nationwide from January 1991 through December 2001 for between $700 and $2,500.
Consumers should immediately turn off and unplug their ventilators, and contact Venmar to receive instructions on how to participate in the recall. Venmar will provide a free safety device that will shut off the ventilator if the motor overheats.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Venmar Ventilation toll-free at (866) 441-4645 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm?s Web site at www.venmar.ca
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
