VESTA.DS Recalls VST Brand Tankless Water Heaters Due to Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Hazard and Risk of Serious Injury and Death

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a significant safety recall involving specific models of residential water heating equipment manufactured by VESTA.DS. This action affects the VST-brand line of tankless water heaters, which are technically classified as wall-mounted gas boilers. If you have recently installed or are currently using a high-efficiency condensing water heater in your home, it is vital to verify whether your unit falls within this affected batch. The recall covers several distinct series from the manufacturer, specifically the VT, VR, and VR Plus series. These units are designed for residential use and are typically mounted on interior walls to provide hot water on demand without the need for a large storage tank.

To determine if your unit is part of this recall, you must look closely at the physical hardware. The affected boilers are metal, rectangular units that feature specific branding identifiers. On the control panel, located near the bottom, you may see "VST" printed in white letters. Alternatively, some units will have "VESTA.DS.Inc." printed in gray near the top of the same panel. However, the most definitive way to confirm if your appliance is included is to check the white label affixed to the side of the boiler. The model number on this label will be bolded and positioned near the top. You need to compare this bolded number against the specific list of affected models.

The recall encompasses a wide range of model numbers within the identified series. Affected units include those with model numbers VRS-150, VRS-199, VRP-150, and VRP-199. Additionally, the Plus variants are also included: VRS Plus-150, VRS Plus-199, VRP Plus-150, VRP Plus-199, VTS-150, VTS-199, VTP-150, and VTP-199. If your white side label displays any of these bolded model numbers, your unit is part of this recall. The announcement was issued on October 16, 2025, indicating that these units were sold in the U.S. market prior to this date. Because these are permanent fixtures in many homes, identifying them correctly is the first step toward ensuring your household’s safety.

While the recall notice does not specify the exact total number of units sold or the precise geographic regions where they were distributed, it emphasizes that the hazard is tied directly to the manufacturing defect in these specific model lines. The scope of the recall is defined by the model numbers and the brand identifiers described above. If your unit matches the physical description—metal, rectangular, wall-mounted—and bears one of the listed bolded model numbers on its side label, it is considered part of this safety action. It is important to treat this information with urgency, as the defect poses a serious risk that requires immediate professional attention.

• Brand: VST (by VESTA.DS)
• Product Type: Residential wall-mounted gas boilers (tankless water heaters)
• Series: VT, VR, and VR Plus
• Affected Model Numbers: VRS-150, VRS-199, VRP-150, VRP-199, VRS Plus-150, VRS Plus-199, VRP Plus-150, VRP Plus-199, VTS-150, VTS-199, VTP-150, and VTP-199
• Identification: Look for a white label on the side with a bolded model number near the top; check the control panel for "VST" (white) or "VESTA.DS.Inc." (gray)

The hazard, explained

At the heart of this recall is a critical failure in how VST-brand tankless water heaters manage exhaust gases. These units are designed to burn natural gas or propane to heat water, a process that naturally produces combustion byproducts, including carbon monoxide (CO). Under normal, safe operating conditions, these harmful fumes are safely routed outside your home through a dedicated exhaust duct system. However, in the recalled models, the exhaust duct itself can develop cracks over time. When this structural integrity is compromised, the sealed pathway that should vent gases outdoors is breached.

This crack creates a direct and dangerous leak point. Instead of being expelled safely into the atmosphere, exhaust fumes containing carbon monoxide escape directly into the interior of your home. Carbon monoxide is uniquely perilous because it is completely undetectable to human senses; it has no color, no smell, and no taste. You cannot see it accumulating in your air, nor can you smell its presence like you might detect a gas leak or smoke. This invisibility allows the concentration of the gas to rise silently to toxic levels while you are going about your daily life.

The danger lies in how carbon monoxide interacts with your body’s biology. When inhaled, CO binds to hemoglobin in your red blood cells much more strongly than oxygen does. This effectively blocks your blood from carrying oxygen to your vital organs, including your brain and heart. Even at lower concentrations over time, this oxygen deprivation can cause symptoms that mimic the flu or food poisoning, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Because these symptoms are common and non-specific, individuals often do not realize they are being poisoned until it is too late.

In higher concentrations or with prolonged exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to loss of consciousness, severe organ damage, and death. The CPSC reports 33 instances where this specific crack has occurred, allowing fumes to leak out. While no injuries have been reported in these specific cases so far, the potential for serious injury or fatality remains a very real and immediate threat. The risk is not just about the gas leaking; it is about the rapid, silent accumulation of a poison that your body cannot fight off without external help. This is why stopping use immediately is not just a recommendation, but a vital safety imperative.

Who is most at risk

The individuals most immediately affected by this recall are homeowners and tenants who have installed VST-brand residential wall-mounted gas boilers, specifically those within the Series VT, VR, and VR Plus lines. This hazard is not limited to a single model but spans a specific range of units identified by model numbers such as VRS-150, VRS-199, VRP-150, VRP-199, VRS Plus-150, VRS Plus-199, VRP Plus-150, VRP Plus-199, VTS-150, VTS-199, VTP-150, and VTP-199. If you live in a home where these rectangular, metal units are mounted on a wall for heating purposes, your household is directly in the scope of this safety alert. The risk stems from the physical design of the boiler’s exhaust system; specifically, the exhaust duct can develop cracks over time. When this happens, toxic combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, escape from the unit and enter the living space rather than being safely vented outside. Therefore, anyone residing in a house with these specific boilers is potentially exposed to this invisible threat.

Beyond mere ownership, certain demographics face significantly higher vulnerability to the consequences of carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is often called the "silent killer" because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible for humans to detect with their senses until symptoms appear. Children, particularly infants and toddlers, are among the most at-risk groups in this scenario. Their smaller body mass means they inhale more air relative to their size than adults do, leading to a faster accumulation of toxins in their bloodstream. Furthermore, young children may not recognize the early signs of poisoning, such as headache, dizziness, or nausea, and cannot verbally communicate that something feels wrong until they are severely ill.

Elderly residents and individuals with pre-existing health conditions also face heightened danger. Older adults often have reduced physiological reserves, meaning their bodies are less able to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the blood. Conditions such as heart disease, anemia, or chronic lung disease can be exacerbated by even low levels of carbon monoxide exposure. For these individuals, a minor leak that might cause only mild discomfort in a healthy adult could lead to serious cardiac events or respiratory distress. Additionally, because the CPSC notes 33 reports of cracked exhaust ducts with no reported injuries so far, it is crucial to understand that the absence of current incidents does not mean the risk is low. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur rapidly and without warning signs until it is too late. Therefore, the most vulnerable people in your home—those who are young, old, or medically fragile—are the primary reason this recall demands immediate attention rather than delayed action.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you own a VST-brand residential wall-mounted gas boiler, it is critical to verify whether your specific unit is part of this recall before taking any further action. The identification process relies on examining two distinct areas of the appliance: the white label affixed to the side of the unit and the control panel on the front. Because these units are rectangular metal boxes designed to be mounted on a wall, they are often installed in utility rooms, basements, or closets, meaning you may need to look closely at the physical hardware rather than relying on purchase receipts alone.

First, locate the white label on the side of the boiler. This label contains the most important identifier for this recall: the model number. The model number is printed in bold text near the top of this white label. You must compare this bolded code against the specific list of affected models. The recalled units include Series VT, VR, and VR Plus boilers with the following exact model numbers: VRS-150, VRS-199, VRP-150, VRP-199, VRS Plus-150, VRS Plus-199, VRP Plus-150, VRP Plus-199, VTS-150, VTS-199, VTP-150, and VTP-199. If your model number does not appear on this list, your unit is not part of this specific safety recall.

In addition to the model number, you can confirm the brand by looking at the control panel. The recalled units will have either "VST" printed in white on the control panel near the bottom, or "VESTA.DS.Inc." printed in gray near the top of the panel. These visual cues help distinguish VESTA.DS products from other water heaters or boilers you might have in your home. It is important to note that this recall applies strictly to these residential wall-mounted gas boilers; do not confuse them with floor-standing units or different brands of tankless water heaters.

If you are unsure about the model number or cannot locate the label, do not attempt to dismantle the unit to find it. Instead, contact VESTA.DS directly for assistance. You can reach their customer support team toll-free at 888-505-5525, available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. They can help you verify your unit’s status and guide you through the next steps for repair.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the recalled VST-brand water heaters, the good news is that the company has established a clear and straightforward path to resolve the issue without costing you anything out of pocket. VESTA.DS is offering a free repair service for all affected units. This is not a partial credit or a discount coupon; it is a complete remedy for the safety defect. The core of this solution involves having a certified technician come to your home to install the necessary fix. By handling the installation themselves, VESTA.DS ensures that the repair meets their specific safety standards, which is critical when dealing with gas appliances and carbon monoxide risks.

To get this process started, you need to reach out to VESTA.DS directly. There are several convenient ways to do this, so you can choose the method that feels most comfortable for you. You can call their toll-free number at 888-505-5525. If you prefer written communication or want to have a record of your inquiry, you can send an email to condensingwaterheater@realtimeresults.net. For those who like to manage things online, the company has dedicated recall pages where you can find more details and likely initiate the service request. You can visit www.recallrtr.com/condensingwaterheater or go to https://www.vestahws.com and click on "Recall" under the "Documents/Support" tab at the top of the page.

When you contact them, please be prepared with your model number. As noted in the recall description, this number is bolded on the white label located on the side of the boiler, near the top. Having this information ready will help the customer service team verify that your unit is indeed part of this specific recall and expedite the scheduling of your repair technician.

It is important to note that while the company provides the free repair, they have not explicitly offered a full refund or a direct replacement unit for a new one in this recall notice. The primary remedy is the certified installation of the fix. However, if you are unable to wait for the repair and must continue using the water heater, VESTA.DS advises that you ensure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home as an immediate safety precaution. This is not a substitute for the repair, but a temporary measure to keep your family safe until the certified technician arrives.

The company’s customer service hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If you call outside of these hours, you may need to leave a message or wait until the next business day. Do not attempt to fix the cracked exhaust duct yourself. Because this involves gas lines and toxic fumes, only a certified professional should handle the repair. Taking matters into your own hands could void any safety guarantees and potentially create a more dangerous situation.

In summary, your option is a free, certified repair. Contact VESTA.DS via phone, email, or their online recall portal to schedule this service. Keep your model number handy, call during business hours, and wait for the professional to complete the work. This approach ensures that the carbon monoxide hazard is eliminated properly, giving you peace of mind and restoring the safe operation of your water heater.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why a homeowner might hesitate to stop using their water heater immediately. Hot water is not a luxury; it is a daily necessity for bathing, cooking, and cleaning. The urge to keep life running normally, even in the face of a safety notice, is a very human reaction. However, ignoring this specific recall carries consequences that are far more severe than mere inconvenience. The core issue here is not just a mechanical failure; it is an invisible threat to your family’s health and safety that escalates with every passing day.

The recalled VST-brand tankless water heaters have a critical flaw: the exhaust duct can crack. In a properly functioning gas boiler, combustion gases—including carbon monoxide (CO)—are safely vented outside your home. When that duct cracks, those deadly gases no longer follow their intended path. Instead, they leak directly into the living space where you and your family breathe. Carbon monoxide is often called the "silent killer" because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. You cannot see it coming, and you cannot smell it warning you to leave. By continuing to use a unit with a cracked exhaust duct, you are essentially allowing a toxic byproduct of combustion to accumulate in your home’s air.

The risk is not theoretical. VESTA.DS has already received 33 reports of these exact cracks occurring in the wild. While it is reassuring that no injuries have been reported so far, we must look at what *could* happen if the situation worsens. Carbon monoxide poisoning affects the body’s ability to carry oxygen. In mild cases, symptoms mimic the flu—headaches, dizziness, and nausea—which can lead people to mistakenly believe they are simply sick rather than poisoned by their own home environment. As exposure continues or levels rise, the effects become rapidly fatal. Confusion, loss of consciousness, and death can occur before a victim even realizes the severity of the danger, particularly during sleep when symptoms are harder to detect.

Furthermore, relying on the current state of affairs is dangerous because these cracks do not heal themselves. They tend to worsen over time due to thermal expansion and contraction from daily heating cycles. What might be a small, barely noticeable leak today could become a significant breach tomorrow. Ignoring the recall means accepting that your home’s ventilation system is compromised. You are gambling with the safety of your household for the sake of temporary convenience. The remedy offered—a free professional repair—is designed to restore the integrity of the exhaust system and eliminate this invisible threat. Waiting only extends the window during which your family is exposed to potential carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you find yourself in a position where you absolutely must use the water heater before a technician can arrive, the recall instructions emphasize one non-negotiable safety layer: working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. These devices are your only early warning system against an invisible gas. However, they are not a substitute for fixing the root cause. Relying solely on alarms without getting the free repair is like wearing a seatbelt but ignoring the fact that your brakes have failed. The alarm might save you in one instance, but it does not fix the hazard. The only way to truly eliminate the risk of death or serious injury from this recall is to stop using the unit and have the certified technician install the free repair as soon as possible.

Staying safe: broader tips

While specific product recalls are essential for addressing immediate defects, long-term safety in your home relies on proactive habits and reliable background protection. Carbon monoxide is a particularly insidious threat because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. You cannot detect a leak with your senses alone, which makes technological safeguards not just convenient, but critical for any household that uses gas-fired appliances such as water heaters, furnaces, dryers, or fireplaces.

The most effective layer of defense against invisible gas leaks is the installation of working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. These devices should be placed on every level of your home, including inside bedrooms and near sleeping areas, so you are alerted while you rest. Treat these alarms with the same respect as smoke detectors: test them monthly by pressing the test button, and replace the batteries at least once a year or when the device chirps a low-battery warning. If your alarms have a ten-year sealed battery life, ensure they are replaced entirely after that decade expires, as sensors degrade over time even if the unit still powers on.

Maintenance is equally vital for preventing hazardous conditions before a recall notice ever arrives. Gas appliances require professional servicing at least once a year. A certified HVAC technician can check for cracks in heat exchangers, verify that exhaust vents are clear of debris or animal nests, and ensure that combustion gases are being safely expelled outside rather than leaking into your living space. If you ever notice signs of improper venting—such as a yellow instead of blue flame on your gas burner, excessive condensation on windows near the appliance, or a persistent sour smell—you should turn off the unit and call a professional immediately.

Beyond individual home maintenance, staying informed about product safety is a powerful tool in your own hands. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains an extensive database of recalls that are often overlooked by consumers. Make it a habit to check Recalls.gov periodically, especially after purchasing new major appliances or when you notice unusual behavior in your current equipment. Signing up for email alerts from the CPSC can also help you stay ahead of emerging safety issues. By combining regular professional maintenance with reliable alarm systems and proactive information monitoring, you create a robust safety net that protects your family far beyond the scope of any single product defect.