What was recalled
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a significant expansion of a safety recall involving evaporator coil drain pans manufactured by Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing L.P., which previously operated under the name Goodman Manufacturing Company L.P. This recall specifically targets certain units produced between January 2019 and February 2020 that were incorrectly marked with serial numbers indicating they were made in 2018. Because of this labeling error, a limited number of evaporator coils slipped through initial quality checks and are now included in the expanded scope of the recall. In total, approximately 3,600 additional units have been added to the list of affected products.
The affected items are primarily evaporator coil drain pans located at the bottom of the evaporator coil within gas furnace systems. These units were sold under several brand names, including all prefixes ranging from 1901 through 2101, as well as certain prefixes ranging from 1811 to 1812. The products were distributed between January 2019 and November 2021. It is important to note that the recall also covers furnace systems that were previously repaired with a new evaporator coil drain pan during this same timeframe, provided they fall within the specified serial number range.
The scope of the recall varies depending on the type of furnace system involved. For condensing furnace systems, the affected configurations are up-flow models where the coil is positioned above the furnace. These units affect all brands associated with the identified prefixes. For non-condensing furnace systems, the situation is slightly more complex. The recall includes certain configurations of up-flow systems, but specifically excludes Goodman, Daikin, or Amana branded furnaces. Instead, it targets any "competitor" brand furnaces where the burners are located in a specific position. Whether a non-condensing furnace system falls within the scope depends on the location of its burners, which consumers can verify using DCT's model verification tool.
To identify if your unit is part of this recall, you will need to check the serial numbers found on the evaporator coil or the case, which sits atop the vertically installed furnace. The furnace brand and model number can be located on the "Energy Guide" label attached to the furnace. Additionally, for outdoor condenser units, the model number may be required and can be found on a label attached to the product itself. Consumers are encouraged to use the official model verification tool at www.recallrtr.com/drainpan to confirm if their specific unit is affected.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is necessary, it helps to look at what is happening inside your HVAC system when things go wrong. The core issue centers on a specific component: the evaporator coil drain pan. This is a molded plastic tray situated directly beneath the evaporator coil in your furnace or air handler unit. Its primary job is benign and mechanical—it simply catches condensation (water) that forms as warm, humid indoor air passes over the cold evaporator coils, ensuring that water drips safely into a drain line rather than pooling inside your equipment.
However, in the recalled units, this plastic pan has a dangerous physical limitation. Under certain operating conditions, the plastic can overheat. Normally, HVAC components are designed to withstand the temperatures they encounter, but these specific pans do not have sufficient heat resistance. As the system runs, the excess heat causes the plastic to soften, melt, and deform. This is not merely a cosmetic issue; it is a structural failure of the material itself.
Once the plastic begins to melt, it loses its integrity and can come into contact with hot electrical components or heating elements within the furnace assembly. Because the material is now compromised and exposed to extreme heat sources that it was never designed to touch, it can ignite. This ignition process creates a fire hazard. The danger is not just from the flame itself, but from how quickly it can spread through the melted plastic and nearby combustible materials within the tight confines of an HVAC unit.
The severity of this hazard is underscored by the incident reports gathered by Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing (DCT). They have documented 31 reports of fire involving these drain pans, including five new reports since the recall was reannounced in July 2022. These are not minor incidents; they have resulted in significant fire and smoke damage to residences. In one tragic case, the incident led to smoke inhalation for a resident. This highlights that the risk is real and immediate, affecting both property and personal safety.
In general, fires originating in HVAC systems can be particularly dangerous because these units are often located in hidden spaces like attics, basements, or closets. The combination of melted plastic, electrical shorts, and proximity to other building materials means that a small initial failure can escalate rapidly before it is noticed. This is why the physical degradation of the drain pan is such a critical safety concern—it removes a barrier between heat sources and combustible materials, turning a routine cooling component into a potential ignition source.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk consists of homeowners who possess specific Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing units, formerly known as Goodman Manufacturing Company L.P., that were installed between January 2019 and November 2021. The danger is not limited to a single type of heating system but spans two distinct configurations: condensing furnace systems and certain non-condensing furnace systems. For the condensing models, the risk applies to any unit where the evaporator coil is positioned above the furnace in an up-flow configuration. In these setups, the defective plastic drain pan sits directly beneath the coil, meaning that if it overheats and melts, it can ignite materials within the immediate vicinity of the heating unit. For non-condensing systems, the risk is more nuanced; it specifically affects units where the burners are located in a position that allows heat to transfer to the coil assembly, particularly those using "competitor" brand components rather than Goodman, Daikin, or Amana branded furnaces. If you have a gas furnace system installed during this window and cannot easily verify the burner location or serial number prefix, you may inadvertently be part of the affected population.
Within these households, certain demographics face heightened vulnerability due to the nature of the hazard. The recall data indicates that these failures result in significant fire and smoke damage, which poses a severe threat to individuals who may have reduced mobility or slower reaction times. Elderly residents, in particular, are at greater risk during such incidents. As fires develop rapidly from melted plastic components, the ability to quickly evacuate a home becomes critical. Older adults may require more time to navigate stairs or gather essential items, increasing their exposure to toxic smoke and heat. Furthermore, the reported instances of smoke inhalation highlight that the byproducts of burning plastic can be particularly dangerous for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These individuals are less tolerant of poor air quality and may experience severe health complications even if the fire itself is contained.
Children and infants also fall into a high-risk category. Their lower body weight and faster metabolic rates mean they breathe in more air relative to their size than adults do, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of smoke inhalation. Additionally, young children may not recognize the signs of danger, such as unusual odors or sounds from the furnace, until it is too late. They rely entirely on caregivers to detect the issue and execute an evacuation plan. Therefore, households with young children must prioritize verifying their equipment status immediately. The risk is compounded by the fact that these units are often located in basements, garages, or utility rooms—areas where people may spend extended periods of time working or playing, thereby increasing their duration of exposure to any potential leak of smoke or heat. It is not just about owning the device; it is about living in a home where a silent electrical or thermal failure can escalate into a life-threatening emergency without warning.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your evaporator coil drain pan is part of this specific recall requires a bit of detective work, but the process is straightforward if you know exactly where to look. The core issue involves units manufactured between January 2019 and February 2020 that were incorrectly marked with a 2018 serial number. Because of this labeling error, the scope of the recall has expanded to include approximately 3,600 additional units. To determine if your system is affected, you need to verify three key pieces of information: the furnace brand, the coil configuration, and the specific serial number prefixes on the evaporator coil.
First, locate your furnace unit, which is typically installed in a closet, basement, or utility room. The brand name will be listed on the "Energy Guide" label attached to the furnace. This recall specifically targets two main categories of systems. The first category includes condensing furnace systems with an up-flow configuration (where the coil is positioned above the furnace). These units are affected regardless of the brand prefix, provided the coil serial numbers fall within specific ranges. The second category involves non-condensing furnace systems, also in an up-flow configuration. For these units, the recall applies only if they are branded as a "competitor" brand, explicitly excluding Goodman, Daikin, or Amana branded furnaces.
Once you have identified the furnace type, you must check the serial numbers on the evaporator coil itself or on the case atop the vertically installed furnace. For both condensing and non-condensing systems, the affected units generally have prefixes ranging from 1901 through 2101. Additionally, certain prefixes ranging from 1811 to 1812 are included in this expansion. If your unit’s serial number falls within these ranges, it is likely part of the recall. It is important to note that even if you had a previous repair on a furnace system between January 2019 and November 2021 involving a new evaporator coil drain pan with these serial numbers, the unit remains included in this recall.
If you are unsure whether your non-condensing furnace system falls within the scope of the recall, particularly regarding the location of the burners, you should use Daikin’s online model verification tool. You can visit www.recallrtr.com/drainpan to enter your details and confirm eligibility. If you need to provide additional information during this process, having the model number of your outdoor condenser handy may be necessary. This model number is found on a label attached directly to the outdoor product. By carefully checking these labels and using the verification tool, you can confidently determine if your system requires the free repair service being offered.
What to do — step by step
If you suspect your heating system might be part of this recall, the most important thing you can do is remain calm but proactive. The good news is that Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing L.P. (DCT) has established a clear, streamlined process to resolve this issue at no cost to you. You do not need to panic or attempt any repairs yourself, as handling electrical components or gas lines without proper training can be dangerous. Instead, follow these specific steps to ensure your safety and secure your free remedy.
- Verify your unit’s status online first. Before making a phone call, it is often faster to check if your specific model is affected using DCT’s official model verification tool. Visit www.recallrtr.com/drainpan and enter your furnace brand, model number, and the outdoor condenser model number if applicable. You can find the furnace brand and model on the "Energy Guide" label attached to the furnace, while the outdoor unit’s model number is on a label attached to that product. This step helps confirm whether your system falls within the scope of the recall, particularly for non-condensing systems where burner location matters.
- Contact DCT directly to register and schedule service. Once you have confirmed your details, or even if you are unsure, call Daikin’s dedicated toll-free line at 888-520-0579. Their support team is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. When you call, inform them that you are inquiring about the evaporator coil drain pan recall. DCT is actively contacting registered consumers whose records indicate their gas furnace systems are subject to this recall, so be sure to register if you haven’t already. This ensures they have your correct contact information for follow-up.
- Arrange for a free repair by a qualified technician. The remedy provided in this recall is a complete repair performed by a professional. Do not attempt to replace the drain pan yourself. DCT will coordinate with a qualified HVAC technician to come to your home and install the new, safe evaporator coil drain pan. This service is entirely free of charge for affected units. If your system was already repaired between January 2019 and November 2021 but with a part that still falls within the recalled serial number range (prefixes 1901 through 2101, and certain 1811-1812 prefixes), it is also included, so mention this history during your call.
- Monitor for official correspondence. If you have previously registered your unit with Daikin or Goodman, keep an eye on your mail or email for official recall notices. DCT is proactively reaching out to all registered consumers where records indicate their system is subject to the recall. However, relying solely on this mail may be risky if your contact information has changed, which is why verifying your status online or calling directly is the safest approach.
By following these steps, you are taking control of a potential fire hazard without unnecessary stress. The process is designed to be as seamless as possible for homeowners, shifting the burden of inspection and repair onto the manufacturer and their certified professionals.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that your evaporator coil drain pan is part of this recall, the good news is that Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing L.P. (DCT) has established a clear and accessible remedy to resolve the issue. The primary solution offered for this recall is a free repair performed by a qualified technician. It is important to understand that DCT is not asking you to purchase parts or attempt a DIY fix; instead, they are taking responsibility for the safety defect by covering the cost of professional service. This approach is designed to ensure that the repair is done correctly and safely, eliminating the fire hazard without placing any financial burden on the consumer.
DCT is proactively reaching out to all registered consumers whose records indicate that their gas furnace system is subject to this recall. If your unit was one of the approximately 3,600 additional units identified in this expansion, you may already be receiving communication from the company. However, if you have not heard from them yet, or if you are unsure whether your specific model is included, you should take the initiative to contact DCT directly. They can verify your unit’s status and register you for the free repair program. This step is crucial because it ensures that your name is in their system and that a technician will be scheduled to address the problem.
To initiate this process or to get more detailed information, you have several convenient options for contacting DCT. You can call their toll-free number at 888-520-0579, which is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. This direct line allows you to speak with a representative who can guide you through the verification process and arrange for the repair. Alternatively, you can visit their dedicated recall website at www.recallrtr.com/drainpan or go to www.goodmanmfg.com and click on "PRODUCT RECALL" for more information. These online resources provide additional support and documentation to help you navigate the remedy.
When you contact DCT, be prepared to provide specific details about your unit to facilitate a smooth resolution. You will need to identify the serial numbers found on the evaporator coil or the case, which sits atop the vertically installed furnace. Additionally, having the furnace brand and model number from the "Energy Guide" label, as well as the model number of the outdoor condenser if applicable, can be very helpful. These details allow DCT to confirm that your unit falls within the scope of the recall, particularly for non-condensing furnace systems where the location of the burners determines eligibility. By using DCT’s model verification tool, you can ensure accuracy before scheduling your repair.
The remedy is focused on safety and peace of mind. By having a qualified technician perform the repair, you are ensuring that the melted or deformed drain pan is replaced with a safe, compliant component. This proactive step not only mitigates the risk of fire but also restores the proper function of your HVAC system. Do not delay in contacting DCT, as they have already reported multiple incidents involving fire and smoke damage associated with this defect. Taking action now protects your home and family from potential harm.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to act immediately on a product recall. Perhaps your HVAC system seems to be working fine right now, or maybe the thought of coordinating a technician visit feels like an unnecessary hassle during a busy week. However, with the Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing evaporator coil drain pans, delaying action is not just an inconvenience; it is a gamble with significant safety stakes. The core issue here is not merely that a plastic part is mislabeled, but that the material itself can fail under heat conditions that are difficult for homeowners to detect or control.
The hazard described by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is specific and severe: the molded plastic drain pan located at the bottom of the evaporator coil can overheat, melt, and deform. When this component fails, it does not just stop working; it becomes a source of ignition. The plastic, unable to withstand the thermal stress for which it was intended, breaks down and can catch fire. This is not a theoretical risk based on laboratory simulations alone. According to the recall facts, Daikin has received 31 reports of fire involving these drain pans. These are real-world events where the safety mechanism failed, leading to active flames within your heating system.
The consequences of ignoring this recall extend far beyond the damage to the HVAC unit itself. The reported incidents have resulted in significant fire and smoke damage to residences. This means that the fire can spread from the furnace area to surrounding structures, potentially destroying walls, ceilings, or adjacent rooms. Furthermore, the reports include one instance of smoke inhalation. Smoke from electrical or plastic fires releases toxic chemicals that can cause immediate respiratory distress and long-term health issues for anyone in the home. Ignoring the recall keeps you and your family exposed to these invisible dangers every time the heating system cycles on.
You might assume that because the units were manufactured between 2019 and 2020, they are relatively new and therefore less likely to fail. However, the recall has been expanded precisely because a limited number of coils were incorrectly marked with 2018 serial numbers, masking their true manufacturing date and potential vulnerability. This discrepancy does not change the physical reality that the plastic is susceptible to overheating. By waiting, you are allowing a known fire hazard to remain in your home unchecked. The remedy offered by Daikin is a free repair by a qualified technician, which eliminates the financial barrier to safety. Choosing to ignore this notice means choosing to live with an unmitigated risk of property loss and personal injury for no practical reason.