What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a significant recall involving specific models of wall-hung condensing gas boilers manufactured by Triangle Tube. This action covers two primary product lines: the Prestige Solo and Prestige Excellence series, as well as the Aerco Esteem series. These are not small appliances or portable heaters; they are substantial heating units housed in white metal boxes, typically installed in utility rooms, basements, or mechanical closets to provide heat for homes and commercial buildings. To identify if you own a recalled unit, look for the brand name prominently displayed on the front panel. The Prestige Solo and Prestige Excellence boilers have "Prestige" printed on their white front panels, while the Aerco Esteem boilers feature "Aerco" on the front.
The scope of this recall is broad in terms of time, spanning several years of manufacturing. The affected units were produced between December 2011 and April 2019. This timeline captures a significant volume of installations across North America. The specific models included in this recall are numerous, requiring careful verification of your unit’s serial number against the official lists provided by Triangle Tube. For the Prestige Solo PA Series, models include the PA110, PA175, PA250, PA299, PA399, and PA80, with manufacturing dates ranging from December 2015 to April 2019. The Prestige Solo PT Series includes a wide array of model codes such as PT110, PT110LP, PT175, PT250, PT399, PT399HP, and PT60, manufactured between December 2011 and December 2015.
Similarly, the Prestige Excellence series is split into two sub-groups: the PTE models (including PTE110LP, PTE110, and others) and the PEA models (specifically the PEA110). The PTE models were produced from December 2011 to December 2015, while the PEA110 model was manufactured from December 2015 to April 2019. Finally, the Aerco Esteem series includes the PT399ES, AE1100, and AE1236 models, also produced between December 2011 and December 2015. Because these boilers are critical infrastructure for many households and businesses, it is vital to check your specific serial number on the Boiler Rating Label, which can be found on the white front panel, a side panel, or behind the boiler’s front door.
While the exact total number of units recalled is not explicitly stated in the initial agency report, the breadth of the model list and the multi-year production window suggest a large number of affected appliances. Consumers who purchased these units at any point during the specified manufacturing dates should assume they are part of this recall until they verify their serial number directly with Triangle Tube. The recall does not distinguish by retail location but rather by the date of manufacture, meaning these units could have been sold through various plumbing suppliers, HVAC contractors, or direct-to-consumer channels over the past decade.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a silent and potentially deadly byproduct: carbon monoxide (CO). To understand why this is so dangerous, it helps to look at how these boilers are supposed to work versus what goes wrong in the recalled units. Gas boilers like the Prestige and Aerco Esteem models are designed to burn natural gas or propane to create heat. In a perfectly functioning system, this combustion process should produce carbon dioxide and water vapor, which are vented safely outside your home. However, when ignition is delayed or critical internal components are damaged, the burning process becomes incomplete. This incomplete combustion releases carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas—into the living space instead of venting it properly.
The specific issue identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) points to two primary mechanical failures. First, "delayed ignitions" can occur when the spark that lights the gas is not timed correctly. This delay allows gas to accumulate before it finally ignites, creating a small explosion or irregular flame that generates excessive carbon monoxide. Second, "component damage" within the boiler’s internal structure can compromise its ability to contain or vent these gases. Whether due to manufacturing defects over time or wear and tear, these damaged parts allow CO to leak into your home rather than staying contained within the exhaust system.
The reason carbon monoxide is so insidious is that it interferes with your body’s ability to carry oxygen. When you breathe in CO, it binds to your red blood cells much more strongly than oxygen does. This effectively suffocates your tissues from the inside out. At low levels, exposure might cause headaches, dizziness, or nausea—symptoms that are often mistaken for the flu or food poisoning. But as levels rise, or with prolonged exposure, the effects become severe and rapid. According to the recall notice, this hazard has already resulted in two confirmed deaths. In 2015, a 47-year-old woman died from CO poisoning linked to a Prestige Solo 175 boiler. Tragically, in 2016, an 85-year-old man also lost his life after exposure associated with a Prestige SOLO TriMax 175 boiler that had undergone a repair.
Beyond these fatal incidents, Triangle Tube has received 25 additional reports of CO leaks from these specific models. The danger is not limited to just the moment of ignition failure; it is a persistent risk as long as the defective boiler remains in operation. Because you cannot see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide, you might be exposed for hours without realizing it until symptoms appear. This is why immediate action is critical. If your boiler has been running and you suspect a leak, do not wait for visible signs of trouble. The physical mechanism of the failure means that CO can build up in enclosed spaces quickly, posing an immediate threat to anyone sleeping or resting nearby. Understanding this mechanical failure underscores why the CPSC has deemed this a Category I recall, the most serious level, requiring urgent remediation.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing immediate danger in this recall consists of homeowners and commercial building managers who have installed Triangle Tube Prestige Solo, Prestige Excellence, or Aerco Esteem gas boilers within the specified manufacturing dates. Because these units are wall-hung condensing gas boilers, they are typically found in basements, utility closets, or mechanical rooms of residential homes, apartments, and small commercial buildings. If you own a property built or renovated between December 2011 and April 2019 that relies on one of these specific white metal box units for heat, you fall directly into the affected demographic. The risk is not limited to just the people living in the house; maintenance personnel, landlords, or property managers responsible for the upkeep of these systems are also part of this group, as they hold the responsibility for ensuring the equipment is inspected and repaired.
While any person exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) can suffer severe health effects, certain populations are significantly more vulnerable to its deadly impact. Carbon monoxide is often called the "silent killer" because it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, meaning victims may not realize they are being poisoned until it is too late. This makes the elderly particularly susceptible to rapid deterioration. In fact, the recall data highlights this vulnerability directly: one of the two reported fatalities was an 85-year-old man who died from CO poisoning following a repair on a Prestige SOLO TriMax 175 boiler in 2016. Older adults often have reduced respiratory function or underlying heart conditions that make it harder for their bodies to cope with even low levels of oxygen deprivation caused by CO exposure.
Children and individuals with chronic health issues also face heightened risks. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood much more strongly than oxygen does, effectively starving the body’s tissues and organs of oxygen. For children, whose metabolic rates are higher and who may spend more time lying on floors where heavier gases can sometimes settle (though CO mixes well with air), the effects can manifest as dizziness, confusion, or nausea before they can articulate their symptoms. Similarly, individuals with anemia, heart disease, or respiratory conditions like asthma are at greater risk because their bodies already struggle to deliver adequate oxygen. The second reported fatality involved a 47-year-old woman in 2015 who died from CO poisoning associated with a Prestige Solo 175 boiler. Her case underscores that this hazard does not discriminate by age but can be fatal to anyone if the delayed ignitions or component damage in these recalled boilers allow CO to accumulate undetected in living spaces.
Furthermore, people who sleep in rooms adjacent to where these boilers are installed, or on the same level as the mechanical room, are at increased risk during nighttime hours. When we sleep, our awareness of subtle symptoms like headaches or mild nausea is diminished, allowing CO levels to rise to dangerous concentrations without us knowing. This is why having working carbon monoxide alarms outside sleeping areas is not just a recommendation but a critical safety step for anyone in this specific housing setup while awaiting the free inspection and repair offered by Triangle Tube.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before taking any action, it is critical to confirm whether your specific unit is part of this recall. The affected products are wall-hung condensing gas boilers manufactured by Triangle Tube. Visually, these units are housed in a distinctive white metal box. To begin your identification process, look at the front panel of the unit. If you have a Prestige Solo or Prestige Excellence model, the word "Prestige" will be clearly printed on the white front panel. If you own an Aerco Esteem boiler, the brand name "Aerco" is printed on its front. These visual cues help narrow down the manufacturer and series, but they are not enough to confirm if your specific unit is included in this safety alert.
The definitive way to determine if your boiler is recalled is by checking its serial number. The CPSC and Triangle Tube emphasize that you must verify the serial number against the specific ranges listed in the official recall notice. You can find the Boiler Rating Label, which contains this crucial information, in one of three locations: on the white front panel of the boiler, on a panel located on the right-hand side of the unit, or directly behind the boiler’s front door. Because the serial numbers are dense and specific, manual verification against the published lists for models like the Prestige Solo PA Series, PT Series, Prestige Excellence PTE/PEA series, and Aerco Esteem is essential.
If you are unsure how to read the labels or locate the rating plate, Triangle Tube has made the process straightforward. You can visit their dedicated recall website at https://triangletube.com/products/product-recall/ for clear directions on identifying your boiler by serial number. Alternatively, navigate to www.triangletube.com and click on "PRODUCT RECALL" to access the full list of affected models and serial number ranges, which cover manufacturing dates from December 2011 through April 2019. Once you have located your serial number, compare it to the start and end ranges provided for each model variant. If your unit falls within those specific numerical boundaries, it is part of the recall, regardless of when or where it was originally purchased.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Triangle Tube Prestige or Aerco Esteem gas boilers, your immediate priority is to eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Because this hazard can develop silently and lead to severe injury or death, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Triangle Tube have issued clear instructions that must be followed without delay. Please do not wait for the boiler to show obvious signs of failure before acting; the danger lies in delayed ignitions or component damage that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Step 1: Stop Using the Boiler Immediately
The very first action you must take is to cease using the recalled unit. Do not attempt to operate it for heat, even if it appears to be functioning normally. The risk of carbon monoxide release is inherent to the defect and does not depend on how well the boiler seems to be performing at any given moment. Continuing to use the equipment while waiting for a repair exposes your household to potentially lethal levels of gas.
Step 2: Install or Verify Carbon Monoxide Alarms
While you arrange for professional service, you must ensure that you have working carbon monoxide alarms installed on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. These devices are your critical layer of defense against undetected leaks. If you do not currently have a carbon monoxide alarm, Triangle Tube offers to ship one to you free of charge. This is a vital safety measure that should be implemented before any other administrative steps.
Step 3: Contact Triangle Tube for Inspection and Repair
Once your immediate safety measures are in place, contact Triangle Tube to schedule a free inspection of your boiler. You can reach their recall team toll-free at 877-574-5036 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may email them at productrecall@triangletube.com or visit their dedicated recall page at https://triangletube.com/products/product-recall/. During this contact, they will verify your serial number and arrange for the free installation of a new boiler ignition system if your unit is included in the recall. This repair is provided at no cost to you.
Step 4: Monitor Your Home Safety
Until the repair is completed, remain vigilant. If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, evacuate your home immediately and call emergency services from a safe location. Do not re-enter until professionals confirm it is safe. By following these steps promptly, you ensure that your family remains protected while Triangle Tube rectifies the manufacturing defect.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have confirmed that your Prestige or Aerco boiler is part of this recall, the good news is that Triangle Tube has established a clear and comprehensive remedy to resolve the issue at no cost to you. The company is not asking you to simply patch up the existing unit; instead, they are offering a free inspection followed by the free installation of a new boiler ignition system if it is determined that one is needed. This approach addresses the root cause of the hazard—the delayed ignitions or component damage that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks—rather than just treating the symptoms. For many homeowners, having a professional inspect their heating system and replace critical internal components with brand-new, safer parts is far more reassuring than trying to troubleshoot the problem yourself. It ensures that the boiler operates exactly as it was originally designed, restoring your peace of mind.
To get this process started, you must contact Triangle Tube directly. You have three convenient ways to reach them: you can call their toll-free number at 877-574-5036, send an email to productrecall@triangletube.com, or visit their dedicated recall page online at https://triangletube.com/products/product-recall/. When you call or write in, be prepared to provide the serial number of your boiler, which you can find on the Boiler Rating Label located on the white front panel, on a side panel, or behind the front door. This information is crucial because it allows their team to verify that your specific unit is indeed included in this recall and to schedule the appropriate service. Their customer service representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, so you can plan your call accordingly.
It is important to understand what this remedy covers and what it does not. The recall specifically provides for a free inspection and the potential free installation of a new ignition system. It does not mention a full refund or a complete replacement of the entire boiler unit unless the inspection reveals that such an action is necessary, which is not stated in the current facts. Therefore, you should expect to have technicians come to your home to assess the condition of your current equipment and install the upgraded safety components. If you are concerned about the inconvenience of having work done on your heating system during colder months, keep in mind that this free service is designed to be as seamless as possible for you. Do not attempt to perform any repairs yourself, as working with gas boilers and carbon monoxide risks requires specialized training and equipment.
While you are waiting for the scheduled inspection or repair, your safety remains the top priority. Triangle Tube explicitly advises that if you continue to use the recalled boilers before they are fixed, you must ensure that you have working carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. This is a critical layer of protection because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, meaning you cannot detect it without proper technology. If you do not currently own a carbon monoxide alarm, Triangle Tube offers to ship one to you free of charge when you contact them. This generous offer ensures that no financial barrier prevents you from having this essential safety device in your home while you await the permanent fix. By taking these steps promptly, you are actively protecting your family from serious injury or death.
What can happen if you ignore it
When you choose to keep using a recalled gas boiler without addressing the defect, you are not merely risking inconvenience or higher utility bills; you are exposing yourself and your household to an invisible, odorless, and potentially lethal threat. The core issue with these Triangle Tube Prestige and Aerco Esteem boilers is their tendency to release carbon monoxide (CO) into your living space. This gas is often called the "silent killer" because human senses cannot detect it. You will not see it, smell it, or taste it. In a well-insulated, modern home where air circulation can be limited, CO can accumulate rapidly to dangerous levels before anyone realizes there is a problem.
The consequences of ignoring this hazard are severe and have already been documented in tragic real-world scenarios. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall notice, two deaths have been directly linked to these specific units. In 2015, a 47-year-old woman lost her life due to CO poisoning associated with a Prestige Solo 175 boiler. A few years later, in 2016, an 85-year-old man also died from CO poisoning related to a Prestige SOLO TriMax 175 boiler, a death that occurred even after the unit had undergone repair. These are not abstract statistics; they represent real families who have suffered irreversible loss because of this specific mechanical failure. Beyond these fatalities, Triangle Tube has received 25 additional reports of CO leaks from these boilers, indicating that while death is the worst-case outcome, severe illness and injury are far more common risks for those who continue to operate the equipment.
If you ignore the recall, you are gambling with your health. Carbon monoxide poisoning affects every organ in the body by preventing blood from carrying oxygen effectively. Early symptoms often mimic the flu—headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion—which can lead victims to dismiss the danger until it is too late. In severe cases, exposure leads to loss of consciousness, permanent brain damage, heart complications, and death. Because the hazard stems from delayed ignitions or component damage within the boiler, the release of gas can be unpredictable. It might happen during a routine heating cycle or when the system is under heavy load. By ignoring the recall, you are allowing a known defect to remain active in your home, turning your primary heating source into a potential source of poisoning. The free inspection and ignition system installation offered by Triangle Tube are designed specifically to eliminate this risk, but they only work if you take action immediately. Continuing to use the boiler without these fixes leaves you vulnerable to an invisible threat that requires no warning sign to cause harm.