Heatilator gas-burning fireplaces, factory built

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. No one hurt

   Made Mar 11, 2022 · , sent to the company Apr 7, 2022 · , published by CPSC Apr 21, 2022

   The product, in the report: gas fireplace

   The respondent ([REDACTED], local svc. tech),) contacted the recall firm and spoke with a rep. (name unknown). The rep. told the respondent that they came out in 2014 and inspected the unit to see if it was impacted by the recall.

   Back in 2014, the firm’s technician indicated that based upon the inspection, nothing was wrong with the fireplace and no service was needed..

   The caller, nor the homeowner, remembers if the unit was inspected after the recall was issued.

   2022: Currently, the gas valve sticks and the igniter sparks for a long time. Therefore, the fireplace flame does not ignite and the spark doesn’t catch fire. Its estimated that the problem started in 2021. However, the caller said he did not realized that the product had been recalled.

   [REDACTED] said he checked the fireplace in 2021 and he was able to resolve the issue of the valve sticking. However, the problem returned in 2022 and he believes it may be related to CPSC Recall: #14-276. [REDACTED] did not work on the unit this year.

   He went to the firm’s website and found authorized dealers in their area. One company only works on units they installed. Another company, never returned their call.

   The firm’s rep’s created 2 different case numbers, after the consumer and [REDACTED] called them. However, the firm is unwilling to service the unit again, unless the consumer pays for one of their authorized service companies to inspect it first.

   NOTE: [REDACTED] filed the report on behalf of the consumer (homeowner), but she may add more details upon receipt of this report

   Model

   NBV36301

   Serial number

   0023795446

   Where

   Centennial, Colorado: Unspecified

   Who was involved

   Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Unspecified

   As this report names them

   Brand Heatilator, made or sold by Heatilator

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

2. No one hurt

   Made Jan 4, 2019 · , sent to the company Mar 18, 2019 · , published by CPSC Mar 7, 2019

   The product, in the report: Heatilator gas fireplace heater

   Heatilator gas heater has leak in valve. Valve is buried in concrete fireplace wall. No way to discover leak in defective valve until you smell gas. By then, it may be TOO LATE! BOOM !. Heatilator refers consumer to local dealer. Dealer (Trinity Hearth & Home) wants to charge $150 to inspect the defective part. Dealer says the defective part is not part of a recall and no parts are available. Dealer denies liability and refers us to EBAY to search for a used replacement valve. Heatilator Company will not talk to us about the situation and says contact the dealer who again denies any responsibility.....thereby creating an endless loop of denial. There is no way for a consumer to discover this defective valve unless he/she smells gas or it goes BOOM!

   Since the defect is not discoverable until the part fails, Heatilator is responsible to cure the defect even if is not part of a recall. Like a defective part on an airplane...consumer cannot discover defect until the crash. Heatilator should replace the defective valve before it causes an explosion.

   Model

   Mark 123 3042

   Serial number

   D768759

   Where

   DALLAS, Texas: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 85, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Unspecified

   As this report names them

   Brand Heatilator, made or sold by Vega Industries

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

3. No one hurt

   Made Oct 24, 2018 · , sent to the company Nov 1, 2018 · , published by CPSC Nov 16, 2018

   The product, in the report: LP Gas Valve - Produced May, 2nd 2006. By DEXEN - The replacement part number from Heatilator is: 750-501

   After several months of non-use, I walked over to the 2006 Heatilator propane fireplace in my lower level and turned on the switch that triggers the igniter. Immediately the fireplace exploded. The glass bent inward bending the frame on both sides. Surprisingly, the glass did not shatter. The access panels flew more than 10 feet into the rec room along with pieces of decorative lava rock. I contacted Amerigas, our propane provider. They came out and tested the valve. It failed the pressure test. I ordered and replaced the valve assembly with what appeared to be an exact replacement. Amerigas returned and retested the new valve. It passed the test and we have used the fireplace for a few minutes. My concern is if the new valve fails in 10 years, will it blow my family up. Not to mention could other people be at the same risk. Had the old valve leaked at a faster rate, the entire basement may have exploded. I have the old valve and would like to send it to you for testing and study. I understand it could be simply a defective part, but it could be a flaw in the design or materials used.

   Model

   Replacement number ordered was: 750-501

   Where

   Monkton, Maryland: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 45, Female

   The reporter’s relation to them

   My Spouse

   As this report names them

   Brand Heatilator, made or sold by Heatilator

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

4. First aid

   Made Jan 26, 2018 · , sent to the company Apr 13, 2018 · , published by CPSC Apr 27, 2018

   The product, in the report: Gas Fireplace unit

   I live in a new sub-division built by Pulte Homes. We have gas fireplaces made by Heatilator. According to their owners Manual the fireplace can be used with a battery back up in the event of power loss. Here in our neighborhood we have had 2 power outages in the last 45 days once of which lasted 26 hours and the other though shorter was when the outside temperature was 11 degrees. On these occasions all of us used the battery back-up....Thus far 3 neighbors including myself have had these D size batteries explode leaking battery acid. My batteries leaked on my fingers causing much discomfort and required me to call Georgia Poison Control. I contacted [REDACTED] the makers of the batteries. They send me a letter which reads in part “Don’t put batteries in very warm places. Extreme temperatures reduce battery performance and may also cause leakage.” Again, the owner’s manual from Heatilator recommends using batteries in the event of a power outage. The battery sleeve is at the base of the fire place unit. It gets very warm there.... I have contacted Heatilator with a terrible response from them that I should contact my local dealer. My local dealer was less than helpful. I have contacted Pulte Homes and have not had a response yet. I am furious

   Model

   NDV4842i

   Serial number

   0023736300

   Bought from

   Pulte Homes

   Bought

   Mar 31, 2014

   Where

   Marietta, Georgia: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 68, Female

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Heatilator, made or sold by Heatilator

   Reports CPSC links to it

   20180412-3F343-1751163

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional

5. No one hurt

   Made Jul 1, 2011 · , published by CPSC Jul 26, 2011

   The product, in the report: Natural Gas Direct Vent Fireplace with Intelligent Fire System and optional fan unit installed.

   I built a new home which included a Heatliator built in natural gas fireplace. The fireplace features include a backup battery lighting system that lights the burner and provides heat in the event of a commercial power outage. The backup system works by using two D Alkaline disposable batteries in a battery pack under the firebox. I installed two backup batteries in the fireplace. After the first use, the batteries ruptured due to the heat and the fan unit which was running pulled the fumes from the two D Alkaline batteries into the room. I removed the cover of the fireplace to find a pool of acid in and under the battery pack and firebox floor. I called the builder who sent out a repair person who just removed the two batteries and left the acid which had now spread across the floor of the fireplace and had started reacting with the metal floor of the fireplace unit. The repair person advised the batteries should only be used in a power outage due to the heat causing them rupture under normal use. I asked why there is no sticker or label stating the batteries are only for emergency use and the repair person stated there should be as this is a common issue. I have contacted the manufacturer who sent another repair company out to replace the battery box and wiring that was damaged by the acid, and spray painted over the damaged metal floor of the firebox. During that visit I was told I should only use the battery pack during an electrical outage because the heat will damage the batteries installed. I am concerned that Heatilator is not labeling their battery backup product as emergency use only and therefore exposing consumers to fumes produced by ruptured batteries in the fireplaces they manufacture.

   Model

   NDV3933I

   Serial number

   0022482740

   Bought from

   Miracle Homes LLC, Wisconsin

   Bought

   Jun 6, 2011

   Where

   Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 30, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Heatilator, made or sold by Heatilator

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources