Controlled Energy Corporation · Recalled
CPSC, Controlled Energy Corporation Announce Recall of Water Heaters
The heaters can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas, which can cause serious injuries and death.
- Units
- About 320
- Reports
- —
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 2
- Price
- $440
- Remedy
- See notice
Reports, injuries, deaths and price are read out of the notice’s wording by rules, so they can miss unusual phrasing. The official notice is the record.
Affected
The AquaStar natural gas water heaters were made in Portugal, and were distributed in the United States as model number AQ38B NG. The water heater is off-white in color, with the word "AquaStar" in red, on the front of the unit. The model number can be found on the rating plate, on the right side of the water heater.
The file
- Sold at
- The water heaters were sold nationwide through plumbing supply stores and plumbing contractors from March 1997 to January 2001, for about $440, plus installation.
- Product type
- Gas Water Heaters & Accessories
- Made in
- Portugal
- Recalled by
- Controlled Energy Corporation (CEC), of Waitsfield, Vt.
Incident log
CPSC and Controlled Energy have received reports of two deaths and two injuries in Manitoba, Canada, reportedly caused by the release of carbon monoxide from the water heater.
What the notice says to do
Consumers who have the recalled AquaStar unit (model number AQ38B NG), should turn off the water heater immediately and call Controlled Energy Corporation. CEC is offering consumers a free on-site repair conducted by a licensed professional plumber.
Consumers may call Controlled Energy Corporation toll-free at (800) 642-3111 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Recall notice published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. This site is independent: always confirm on the official notice before acting.
Notice first dated FEB 15 2001; last revised JAN 26 2026.
