An unstable connection can cause the water heater’s vent collar to separate or detach if pressure is applied, which poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Navien America, recently announced a voluntary recall of about 13,000 Navien instantaneous or tankless water heaters manufactured by Kyung Dong Navien Co. of South Korea. An unstable connection can cause the water heater’s vent collar to separate or detach if pressure is applied. Although no injuries have been reported, a detached vent collar poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer.

Navien tankless water heaters are white with “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) manufactured in 2008. A label on the side of the water heater lists the model number along with the manufacturing year in YYYY format.

These models were sold by wholesale distributors to in-home installers nationwide from February 2008 through March 2009 for between $1,500 and $2,100.

Consumers should immediately stop using and check the model and manufacture year information on their Navien water heater. Consumers with recalled water heaters should immediately contact Navien to schedule a free repair. Navien will replace all Nylon 66 vent collar with PVC collars. Consumers who continue use of the water heaters while awaiting repair should have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed outside of sleeping areas in the home.

Regardless of the type of water heater that is used, every home should have a CO alarm outside all sleeping areas and consumers should ensure that their CO alarms have working batteries.

For additional information, contact Navien at 800/244-8202 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.navienamerica.com. Note: It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

To see a picture of the recalled product, go to www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12074.html.

Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission.