Example of a unit involved in the Walmart heater recall. (Photo Credit: Public Domain/CPSC.gov)
Cold winter winds have sent many people scrambling indoors for the holidays, where the warmth of humming electric heaters make Jack Frost a distant memory. Unfortunately, electric space heaters are not infallible, as more than 2 million Walmart customers have discovered. According to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission press release, a Walmart heater recall is currently in effect for approximately 2.2 million units. Danger of burns and even fires have been reported.
Walmart heater recall includes four brands
The electric space heater brands included in the Walmart heater recall are Flow Pro, Airtech, Aloha Breeze and Comfort Essentials 1,500-watt heaters. The Chinese-manufactured heaters are gray and have a metal handle on top. On the front of the units are vents and gray control knobs. The model number, 1013 (which applies to all units, according to the CPSC), is located on a label in the lower left-hand corner of the back panel of the heating unit.
Walmart stores nationwide sold the electric heating units from December 2001 through October 2009. They cost approximately $18 each.
The danger in the machine
In cooperation with the CPSC, Walmart has enacted this voluntary recall because the heaters in question can malfunction internally. A wiring and/or design problem can result in the electric heaters overheating, smoking, burning, melting and even catching fire. Clearly, the risk of potential damage to individuals, homes and property is too great for the problem to be ignored. By CPSC proclamation, it is now illegal to sell or resell anything included in the Walmart heater recall.
Property damage and injuries noted
According to Walmart, there have been 21 complaints filed that led to the CPSC-induced Walmart heater recall. Of the reports, 11 involved instances of property damage, while four resulted in personal injury. Three of those required medical assistance to treat cases of burns and smoke inhalation. Other reports involved such things as minor smoke irritation and sparking.
What heater owners should do immediately
If you own a unit named in the Walmart heater recall, don’t use it again. Return it to any Walmart store and you will be entitled to a full refund of the $18 price. Additional information regarding the the electric heaters is available under the recall area on Walmart’s website, as well as via the toll-free customer service hotline. Call 800-925-6278 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday.
They are not correct when they say the cost is around $18.00 for these heaters. I paid $28.97 plus tax 3 yrs. ago. They also are not correct when they say they will give consimers a "full" refund. I was only offered $13.97. The cashier told me that was todays price. I asked her if Walmart had a comparable heater for 13.97, she said "no". What is fair about this? The product is recalled, but one doesn't get back enough money to purchase another heater.
I have a similar heater but the maker and model number are not listed in the recall. I have one produced by the Lakewood Eng. & MFG co Cicago Illinois (but made in China). It does not have grey nobs. It has a hi low switch at the top and a Black dial at the bottom…serial number 792/JR