A.O. Smith recalls ultra-low NOx water heater

Image courtesy of the Consumer Product Safety Commission

A.O. Smith recalled about 616,000 of its ultra-low NOx water heaters due to a potential fire hazard.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the water heaters’ gas burner screen develop tears. The burner can then create excess radiant heat, posing a fire hazard if the water heater is installed directly on a wood or other combustible floor.

The recall includes 30-, 40- and 50-gallon natural gas or propane-fired units. They are designed to comply with regulations in certain air quality districts in California and were sold primarily in that state. The water heaters were sold under the American, A.O. Smith, Kenmore, Reliance, State, U.S. Craftsmaster and Whirlpool brand names and manufactured from April 8, 2011 through Aug. 1, 2016.

Only water heaters with the first four-digit serial numbers between 1115 and 1631 are included in the recall, the CPSC reports. The brand name, model number and serial number can be found on the data plate located next to the gas control valve/thermostat. Consumers can look up their water heater’s serial number to see if it is affected at www.waterheaterrecall.com.

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