White-Rodgers Recalls Home Heating and Cooling Thermostats Due to Fire Hazard
Recall 11096 · Jan 12, 2011 · White-Rodgers
180,000
units affected
180,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 11096
- Date
- Jan 12, 2011
- Company
- White-Rodgers
- Units affected
- 180,000
- Product
- Programmable thermostats
- Product type
- Thermostats
- Remedy
- Repair
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
This recall involves all White-Rodgers programmable thermostats with model numbers 1F88-XXX and 1F85RF-275 and date codes beginning with 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 and 1001 through 1039. The model number is printed on the thermostat's front pull-down panel door. The date code is located inside the removable front cover. White-Rodgers and/or the utility company's name and logo are printed on the front of the thermostat. These thermostats were able to be controlled by power companies in homes that took part in energy demand reduction programs.
What can happen
The programmable thermostats constantly charge the backup AA batteries used to power the thermostat's clock. This can cause the batteries to leak, resulting in a fire hazard.
The fix
Consumers should immediately remove the two AA batteries from the thermostat and contact White-Rodgers for a free repair kit. If battery removal causes changes in furnace operation, contact White-Rodgers.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- The firm is aware of three incidents involving minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
- Sold at
- More than 40 utility companies to consumers nationwide who took part in energy conservation programs and by various HVAC wholesalers for about $150.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled programmable thermostats?
Consumers should immediately remove the two AA batteries from the thermostat and contact White-Rodgers for a free repair kit. If battery removal causes changes in furnace operation, contact White-Rodgers.
What is the hazard?
The programmable thermostats constantly charge the backup AA batteries used to power the thermostat's clock. This can cause the batteries to leak, resulting in a fire hazard.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.