The units may pose a fire hazard
of ConsumerAffairs
GE Appliances of Louisville, Ky., is recalling about 33,500 GE Zoneline air conditioners and heating units.
Moisture from outdoor air can accumulate near the unit’s heater when the unit is operated with the vent door continuously open. This, along with two shorted electrical components, can create an electrical ground path and arcing, posing a risk of fire.
The company has received three reports involving smoke and/or fire associated with the unit’s heater resulting in about $30,000 of property damage. No injuries have been reported.
This recall involves GE Zoneline Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) and heating units with listed serial numbers. These units are most often used in hotels, apartment buildings and commercial spaces. The GE logo is affixed to the control panel door.
Units with the following models and serial numbers are included in this recall:
Brand | Model Prefix | Serial Number (Begins with) |
GE | AZ40E09E AZ41E07E AZ41E09E AZ41E12E AZ41E15E AZ61H07E AZ61H09E AZ61H12E AZ61H15E |
AT, AV, AZ, DT, DV, DZ, FT, FV, FZ, GS, GT, GV, GZ, HT, HV, HZ, LT, LV, LZ, MT, MV, MZ, RT, RV, RZ, ST, SV, SZ, TT, TV, TZ, VS, VT, VV, VZ, ZS, ZT, ZV, ZZ
|
The model and serial numbers are printed on the rating plate that can be seen after removing the front panel.
The units, manufactured in China, were sold at GE authorized representatives and HVAC distributors nationwide from January 2010, through December 2013, for between $1,000 and $1,200.
Consumers should contact GE to schedule a free repair. Do not operate the PTAC unit with the external vent open while awaiting a free repair. Property maintenance personnel should remove the unit’s front panel and locate the vent door control lever at the left side of the Zoneline unit to ensure the lever is in the closed position.
Consumers may contact GE toll free at 866-723-2697 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday, online at www.geappliances.com/products/recall.