Heat Master furnaces

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. Hurt, care not known

   Made Jan 24, 2020 · , sent to the company Feb 14, 2020 · , published by CPSC Mar 2, 2020

   The product, in the report: Heat Master G 200 Series outside wood furnace

   We are writing because of all the concerns we have and are encountering with our Heat Master outside furnace as indicated above.

   We purchased this furnace from [REDACTED] on September 17, 2016. At the time [REDACTED] was the person representing this furnace and your company.

   First I want to explain the history that my husband [REDACTED] has had in his 74 years of life and that our son [REDACTED] has had in the last 15 years that he has lived with us since he returned from the [REDACTED]. [REDACTED] was born into a home that heated with wood only. We believe that they are both comfortable with burning wood.

   In February 2018 we started to have problems with the blower. We discovered at this time that [REDACTED] was no longer representing the furnace or your company. We contacted your company “Steel Tech. Inc.” We were directed to [REDACTED] who directed us to [REDACTED]. After the problem not being solved correctly due to an incorrect part being sent, [REDACTED] came to our home on May 10, 2018 and helped solve the present problem.

   A couple of week ago after suspecting there was again another problem, [REDACTED] checked further and discovered the damper again was malfunctioning. We called Steel Tech, Inc. directly. We did talk with [REDACTED] also. [REDACTED]gave us the name of a representative [REDACTED] with a phone number of [REDACTED]. We called that number several times with no contact or return call. Upon calling directly to Steel Tech we received a call from [REDACTED]. I explained to [REDACTED] that we had tried to contact [REDACTED] without results. [REDACTED] said that he would contact [REDACTED] and find out what the problem was. At this time no contact with [REDACTED] was made.

   Due to [REDACTED] Work schedule it is very difficult for him to talk with any one. On Monday September 9, 2019, [REDACTED] took his cell phone to work (due to us living rural [REDACTED] he had to move to various locations before he had cell service} he was finally able to make contact with [REDACTED] without much assurance or satisfaction.

   [REDACTED] felt that our problem was caused by an ash build up. Of course there are ashes in a wood burning furnace, but [REDACTED] is knowledgeable to know how to clean out ashes as our son has been taught that knowledge also [REDACTED] again felt that there was a problem with the blower.

   In Sept 2019 I left a message for [REDACTED]. [REDACTED] did return my call and we set up an appointment with [REDACTED]to come to our home In [REDACTED]. [REDACTED] had an appointment with a customer in [REDACTED]. (not far from our home). [REDACTED] never kept the appointment or even gave us a courtesy call to let us know that he would be unable to make it or to reschedule another appointment.

   To this date there has been no contact from Steel Tech Inc., [REDACTED], [REDACTED] or [REDACTED] to check and see if everything was okay.

   It was found a number of months ago when opening to furnace door to place wood in there would be large burst of pressure coming out of the door. Who went to fill the furnace quickly learned to open the door slightly and wait at least 10 seconds before opening the door completely. Both [REDACTED] after having their eye brows singed figured that procedure out. A short time ago my son [REDACTED] was taking care of the furnace and I heard a very loud boom. I was frightened and was sure what had happened. I immediately went to the back window next to the furnace. I asked if he was okay. He said yes, but was he ever cussing. His next sentence was, “someone is going to get killed”. He said that the furnace blew three (3) times and the last time was very forceful.

   [REDACTED] did figure out that when the furnace blew like that, it caused the shaft that goes into the damper out of place creating a problem. [REDACTED] can do a quick fix until it blows again.

   [REDACTED] has also noticed a spot on the door at this time the size of a quarter rusting thru. We have made it very clear that since our original problems started in September 2016 how, dissatisfied with the quality and performance of this furnace. This was not our first outside furnace the last gave us great performance for over 15 years.

   [REDACTED]did mention to [REDACTED] the possibility of selling the furnace. [REDACTED] mentioned that the additional warranty would still be in effect. Due to the loud and dangerous combustion blows we could not and would not be able to sell this furnace to anyone for fear we could be responsible for someone getting seriously injured or even possible death occurring . We certainly can’t take a complete loss financially.

   We are writing requesting an immediate solution to the continued problems and dissatisfaction of the furnace and all the unconcerned attitudes we feel that we have received from everyone that we have talked with. I do hold a great respect for [REDACTED], I believe he has tried, but we are done continuing to try to get something done to correct the all the problems. Hopefully something can be done in a timely manner. If not we will have no choice to file a complaint against your company with our Consumer Protection Agency In [REDACTED]. I prefer not of have to do that, but I can and will.

   Model

   G 200 Series outside wood furnace

   Serial number

   111769

   Where

   Irasburg, Vermont: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 74, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Unspecified

   As this report names them

   Brand Heat Master, made or sold by SteelTech Inc.

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Level of care not known

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources