American Standard gas furnaces

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. No one hurt

   Made Aug 31, 2023 · , sent to the company Nov 8, 2023 · , published by CPSC Nov 24, 2023

   The product, in the report: furnace

   The consumer indicates that the retailer contacted him stating that they found a major problem with his furnace and would like to come out and test it. Once there, the technician found two holes on the heat exchanger and expressed his concern for a possible carbon monoxide leak in the consumer’s home so he shut the unit off. 08/30/2023 – Both the manufacturer and the retailer tested the furnace in order to get its reading. Later that same day, the retailer sent a technician again to inform the consumer that the manufacturer would replace the heat exchanger with the same model free of charge, or that he could buy another furnace out of pocket and receive a small discount. The consumer does not feel that simply replacing the heat exchanger with the same model causing the problem is safe so although he has not made a decision, he will most like opt for a new furnace. The consumer notes that, before the retailer’s communication, he had no issues with his unit. The consumer is unsure if he will keep his furnace for the next thirty days in case an investigation ensues.

   Since the initial report I have some additional information. Please see the following comments: 2) I called American Standard and spoke to a representative ([REDACTED]). I explained to her fully what had happened, what I understood to be happening to a vast number of furnaces in our area alone, and ask if they would pay to have the furnace replaced. I was told “No all that could be done is to provide a new part and have it installed.” I ask if the new part (heat exchanger) would be a new design to eliminate the potential for this problem to occur again. She told me “No it would be the same design as the one you have now.” She also provided that there would be no additional warranty once the part was replaced. She did indicate that I might try something she called “Cost Assisted Case”. She has sent us and email asking for more details on the furnace to start this process. I plan to get this information back to American Standard in the next few days. 3) At the time of the initial report, we had not decided if we would go with a replacement heat exchanger or a new furnace. The fall weather has started in our area. I felt it would be to much of a possibility of putting the health and lives of my family in jeopardy if I only had the heat exchanger replaced. There was simply to much of a chance of the problem reoccurring. So we have since opted to have a new furnace installed. I did not keep the furnace, but the technician did show me the crack in the heat exchanger. I did keep the one fin and have included photos with this update. will continue to hold this item until our matter is resolved with American Standard a. Photo #1 shows the general location of the defect and crack in the fin. b. Photo #2 is a close look at the crack from the other side. c. Finally photo #3 is a much closer look at the crack and defect from the same angle as photo #1. In this photo you can see the crack and the crimp that appears to have pulled the metal enough to cause a fracture. 4) In the initial report I indicated that there were two cracks. When the furnace was replaced, it was determined by the technician that in fact there was only one. This single crack still posed a deep concern for potential carbon monoxide leak.

   Model

   Freedom 95 ADHMB080ACV3VAB

   Serial number

   11125MKT7G

   Bought from

   Cook Heating & Air, Indiana

   Bought

   Jan 23, 2020

   Where

   Crawfordville, Indiana: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand American Standard, made or sold by Trane, American Standard and SchlageLink

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources