Tankless water heaters have much to offer by way of an environmentally friendly mechanism for delivering exactly as much hot water as you need – when you need it. If you are in the market for a new water heater, a tankless heater may be the way to go, and an experienced St. Cloud plumber will help you explore your options and find the water heater that fits your home or office’s needs.
A few of Navien’s tankless water heaters, however, have recently been recalled. The affected models have been outfitted with a kit converting the unit from natural gas to propone, creating a carbon monoxide risk. If you purchased a Navien water heater in the last half of 2018, pay close attention because this recall could affect you.
The Navien Recall
The only models affected by the Navien recall are condensing tankless water heaters and combination boilers that have been converted from use with natural gas to use with propane gas. The units being recalled were all manufactured within the timeframe of July 9, 2018, to October 14, 2018. The heaters’ serial numbers, which are attached via label to the side of each machine (and on each machine’s packaging) include the date of manufacture:
- The first two digits of the serial number represent the year of manufacture.
- The third digit of the serial number represents the month of manufacture (X is used for October).
- The fourth and fifth digit represent the day of manufacture.
For example, a serial number that begins with 18709 was manufactured on July 9, 2018.
Model Numbers
The recall specifically addresses the dangerous excess of carbon monoxide that the conversion process creates, and there are three Navian models affected:
- Navien Condensing Combination Boiler: Model NCB-180E; UPC Code 884954966083
- Navien Condensing Tankless Water Heater; Model NPE-180S; UPC Code 884954974194
- Navien Condensing Tankless Water Heater; Model NPE-180A; UPC Code 884954974101
The Remedy
The recall went out on December 20, 2018 (recall number 19-057), and it affects about 3,400 units in total. The remedy, as defined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is to immediately discontinue use of any of these models and to contact Navien for a free replacement of the defective component (the conversion kit). If turning off your hot water while you wait to have the unit repaired isn’t a viable option, however, you are advised to make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector outside each of the bedrooms in your home.
You can contact Navien in one of several ways:
- Navien can be reached by phone at 800-244-8202 (between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time).
- Navien can be reached by email at recall@navien.com.
- You can find out more information about the recall at https://www.navieninc.com/news.
Contact an Experienced St. Cloud Plumber
If you’re affected by this recall, it’s in your best interest to consult with a skilled St. Cloud plumber as soon as possible. A reputable plumbing and heating company will take care of the entire process for you and will ensure that your replacement conversion kit is installed safely and efficiently.
More about Tankless Water Heaters
Unlike traditional water heaters that store hot water in a large tank, tankless water heaters forego the tank and, instead, heat the water that flows through them instantly. As such, tankless heaters waste no energy heating water that you aren’t using. When you use hot water (for any purpose), your tankless water heater immediately powers on and begins heating the water that passes through it. Further, tankless water heaters are very compact and can save you money on your utility bills in the long run – though their purchase price is typically higher than traditional models.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?
Whether you’ve been affected by the Navien recall or you’re simply interested in finding out more about tankless water heaters and if one might be right for you, a professional St. Cloud plumber can help. Tankless water heaters have a lot to offer, so if you’re thinking about replacing your water heater, speak with a St. Cloud plumber today.
Consult with an Experienced St. Cloud Plumber Today about Your Water Heater Needs
The dedicated plumbing professionals at Neighborhood Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical in St. Cloud have the experience, skill, and knowledge to help you find the water heater that suits your needs. We’ve been providing quality plumbing and heating services to St. Cloud residents and businesses for more than 60 years, and we’re here for you. An inadequate (or nonexistent) supply of hot water isn’t something you can tolerate for long, and that’s why we’re available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. To schedule an appointment, please contact or call us at 800-570-4328 today.