NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Note: Firm phone number has changed

Coleman Urges Inspection Of Pre-1971 Solar Pak Furnaces To Reduce Potential For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

WASHINGTON D.C.--An inspection and discount replacement program announced last year for Model 8600 Solar Pak mobile home furnaces is being continued by the Coleman Company Manufactured Housing Products Division of Wichita, Kansas, in voluntary cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This program was developed in 1988 in response to reports received by Coleman and the CPSC of deaths and serious injuries caused by leaking carbon monoxide from aging furnaces which have allegedly been inadequately inspected and maintained and/or altered or modified. Coleman is continuing its 1988 program to arrange inspections of its Model 8600 Solar Pak furnaces produced for mobile homes manufactured before December 1971. Coleman is offering homeowners a free Coleman cooler to encourage participation in this safety inspection program.

Although approximately 380,000 Solar Pak furnaces were manufactured from 1964 through 1971, relatively few are still operational. The furnaces were sold exclusively for use in mobile homes either as original equipment or as replacement appliances.

Investigations of the incidents show that no single factor is solely responsible for the carbon monoxide poisoning incidents. Nearly all of the incidents involved aging furnaces and a combination of factors, including improper or inadequate maintenance, improper installation, alteration or modification to the furnace.

To participate in this inspection/replacement program, mobile homeowners should check their gas furnace for the presence of the Coleman brand name on the front of the furnace. They can then identify a Coleman Model 8600 Solar Pak by opening the furnace door and checking the rating plate. If the furnace is a Coleman Model 8600 Solar Pak or if the homeowner is uncertain, they should call (877) 874-7378, then follow the message prompt and press 2 to be directed to the consumer relations department.

Coleman is offering up to a 50 percent discount on certain replacement parts as well as up to a 50 percent on a new replacement furnace. Furnace installation charges are not included. Consumers may receive further details of the program by calling the Coleman toll-free number listed above.

Homeowners are reminded that annual maintenance and inspection of all furnaces are vital to the safety of consumers and to the proper operation of their furnace. Aging furnaces, 20 years old and older, should receive special annual care and attention to insure continued safe and efficient operation.