York Diamond 80 Furnaces Recalled

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 13, 1999 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), York International Corp., of York, Pa., is recalling about 21,000 York International Corporation Diamond 80 downflow mid- efficiency furnaces with model numbers starting with P2DP, PBKD, and XED02. 

Because of inadequate gluing, the insulation surrounding the heat exchanger can separate from the cabinet wall of the furnace, and fall onto the heat exchanger. This could cause surrounding combustible material and drywall to catch on fire, which has the potential to cause burn injuries and deaths.

York began this recall in late 1997. However, only about 9,000 of the recalled furnaces have been repaired to date.

York International and CPSC are aware of 11 incidents involving this furnace, including five fires causing $74,000 in property damage. York and CPSC wish to reinforce the seriousness of the situation and continue efforts to promote increased participation. York is offering its distributors a $25 bounty for each furnace they locate.

These furnaces were sold under the brand names York, Fraser- Johnston, Luxaire and Moncrief. The furnaces were sold with the model numbers P2DP, PBKD and XEDO2, and with serial number beginning with EECM or EGEM. The model number and serial number can be found on a label inside the furnace cabinet.

York dealers sold these furnaces nationwide from May 1994 through July 1996 for about $680.

Consumers should contact their local York dealer immediately to schedule a free repair visit. For more information, consumers should call York International/UPG Technical Services toll-free at (877) 874- 7378 between 8 a.m and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday, or visit the York web site at www.york.com/upgsafe/safety.htm.