What was recalled
If you have a heating system installed in your home between August 2021 and August 2023, it is important to verify whether it is part of this specific recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a notice regarding residential condensing boilers, combi boilers, and packaged systems manufactured by Lochinvar. These units are not just standard water heaters; they are complex heating appliances designed to provide both space heating and domestic hot water for homes. Because these systems are critical infrastructure for your home’s comfort and safety, knowing exactly which models are affected is the first step in protecting your household.
The recall covers products sold under three primary brand names: Lochinvar, A. O. Smith, and State Industries. It is quite common for large manufacturing companies to sell equipment under multiple brand identities depending on the distributor or region, so if you are unsure of the original manufacturer, checking the nameplate on your unit is essential. The affected units were sold nationwide during a two-year window, specifically from August 2021 through August 2023. If your installation date falls outside this range, it is likely not part of this specific recall, but you should always confirm by checking the serial number rather than relying solely on the purchase date.
To determine if your unit is included, you must look for specific model numbers printed on the data plate or rating plate located on the unit’s outer jacket. The following Lochinvar brand models are recalled: NCF110L, NCF110N, NCF150L, NCF150N, NCF199L, NCF199N, NKB080L, NKB080N, NKB110L, NKB110N, NKB150L, NKB150N, NKB199L, NKB199N, NKC110L, NKC110N, NKC150L, NKC150N, NKC199L, and NKC199N. If your unit is branded A. O. Smith, the recalled models include ACB 110H-N, ACB 110H-P, ACB 110S-N, ACB 110S-P, ACB 150H-N, ACB 150H-P, ACB 150S-N, ACB 150S-P, ACB 199H-N, ACB 199H-P, ACB 199S-N, and ACB 199S-P. For State Industries branded units, the affected models are SCB 110H-N, SCB 110H-P, SCB 110S-N, SCB 110S-P, SCB 150H-N, SCB 150H-P, SCB 150S-N, SCB 150S-P, SCB 199H-N, SCB 199H-P, SCB 199S-N, and SCB 199S-P.
Crucially, the recall is limited to units with serial numbers within the range of 125325485 through 134830284. This specific numerical window defines the affected population. The CPSC has not provided an exact total count of units sold in this recall, but the scope is significant enough that homeowners should take immediate action to verify their serial number. You can do this by visiting www.waterheaterrecall.com and using the look-up feature for the flue collector recall. This step ensures you are not relying on guesswork when it comes to the safety of your home’s heating system.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is necessary, it helps to look at how a condensing boiler works and where the specific failure point lies. These units are designed to heat water efficiently by capturing heat from exhaust gases that would normally escape up a chimney. Inside the unit, there is a component called the flue collector. Its job is to gather these hot, potentially dangerous exhaust gases and direct them safely out of your home through the venting system. Think of the flue collector as a protective shield or a funnel that keeps combustion byproducts contained until they are expelled outdoors.
The problem identified in this recall centers on the structural integrity of that flue collector. According to the CPSC, the material used in these specific Lochinvar, A. O. Smith, and State Industries boilers can crack if it is exposed to a high-impact event inside the burner chamber. In normal operation, the burner creates a controlled flame. However, under certain conditions, that flame or the resulting pressure wave can become unstable enough to strike the flue collector with significant force. If this impact occurs repeatedly or with enough intensity, it can cause microscopic cracks to form in the collector. Over time, these cracks can widen, creating openings in what should be a sealed system.
Once those cracks develop, the safety barrier is compromised. The exhaust gases from the burning fuel are no longer fully contained within the proper venting path. One of the primary byproducts of this incomplete combustion process is carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas. Because it lacks any sensory warning signs, you cannot see it, smell it, or detect its presence without specialized equipment.
When the flue collector fails due to impact damage, this invisible gas can leak into the interior of the boiler unit and eventually seep out into the living space where your family lives. This is why the hazard is so serious. Carbon monoxide interferes with your body’s ability to carry oxygen in the blood. Exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or death. While Lochinvar has reported nine instances of broken flue collectors, they have not yet received reports of injuries related to this specific defect. However, the risk remains because a crack does not always result in immediate, massive leakage; sometimes it allows small amounts of gas to accumulate over time, particularly in homes with poor ventilation or when windows and doors are closed during winter months.
The repair remedy addresses this directly by installing a steel plate at the base of the flue collector. This reinforcement acts as a shield, absorbing the impact that would otherwise damage the original material, thereby preventing cracks from forming in the first place. Until that repair is made, the structural vulnerability remains, leaving the potential for carbon monoxide to escape into your home.
Who is most at risk
The primary group affected by this recall consists of homeowners and building managers who installed residential condensing boilers, combi boilers, or packaged heating systems between August 2021 and August 2023. These units were marketed under three specific brand names: Lochinvar, A. O. Smith, and State Industries. If you purchased a heating system during this two-year window and have any of the listed model numbers on your unit’s data plate, you fall directly into the category of people who need to take immediate action. The risk is not limited to a single type of property; these systems are common in both single-family homes and multi-unit residential buildings where central heating is essential for daily comfort.
While the mechanical failure involves the boiler’s flue collector cracking due to high-impact events within the burner chamber, the true danger lies in what that crack allows to happen: the emission of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the "silent killer" because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. You cannot detect its presence without specialized equipment. Therefore, everyone living in a home with these recalled units is at risk, but certain demographics face significantly higher vulnerability due to how carbon monoxide affects the human body.
Children are particularly susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning for several physiological reasons. Their breathing rates are faster than those of adults, meaning they inhale more air—and potentially more carbon monoxide—relative to their body size in a given amount of time. Furthermore, their developing bodies and brains are more sensitive to the lack of oxygen that carbon monoxide causes. Even low levels of exposure over a prolonged period can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion, which children may not be able to articulate effectively as symptoms of poisoning. In severe cases, it can result in long-term neurological damage or death.
Elderly individuals and those with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions also face heightened risks. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood much more strongly than oxygen does, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to vital organs. For someone with heart disease, this added strain can trigger chest pain (angina) or even a heart attack. For those with chronic lung conditions like COPD, the reduced oxygen capacity can exacerbate breathing difficulties rapidly. Because symptoms of CO poisoning such as fatigue, headache, and shortness of breath often mimic common ailments like the flu or general tiredness, older adults may dismiss early warning signs, delaying crucial medical attention.
Pregnant women are another group that should be especially cautious. Carbon monoxide crosses the placenta easily, and fetal hemoglobin binds to carbon monoxide even more tightly than adult hemoglobin. This means that even if the mother experiences only mild symptoms, the fetus may be deprived of oxygen at a much higher rate, posing risks to both maternal and fetal health.
It is important to note that while Lochinvar has received nine reports of broken flue collectors from these units, there have been no reported injuries yet. This absence of injury reports is fortunate but does not eliminate the risk. The hazard exists as long as the cracked component remains in place and the boiler operates. Therefore, the vulnerability of all occupants, regardless of age or health status, warrants immediate verification and repair rather than wait-and-see approaches.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action, the most important step is to confirm exactly which unit you are dealing with. This recall does not cover every Lochinvar boiler ever made; it targets a very specific window of production and a defined set of model numbers across three different brand names. Because these units often look similar from the outside, relying on visual cues like color or size alone will not be enough. You need to find the official data plate, which serves as the unit’s identity card.
The first thing to check is the brand name printed on the front of the unit. This recall includes boilers sold under three distinct names: Lochinvar, A. O. Smith, and State Industries. If your unit does not bear one of these three logos, it is likely not part of this specific recall. However, if you see one of these brands, you must then look for the serial number and model number on the rating plate. This plate is located on the data plate of the product, which can be found either on the inside or the outside of the outer jacket of the unit. You may need to remove a panel to access it if it is tucked inside.
Once you have located the rating plate, look for the serial number. This recall applies only to units with serial numbers within the range of 125325485 through 134830284. If your serial number falls outside this range, your unit is safe from this particular defect. It is also helpful to know when the unit was sold; these residential condensing boilers, combi boilers, and packaged systems were sold between August 2021 and August 2023. If you purchased your heating system before August 2021 or after August 2023, it is not included in this recall.
If you have the brand name and serial number but want to double-check the specific model numbers, here is the complete list of affected models. For Lochinvar-branded units, the recalled models are NCF110L, NCF110N, NCF150L, NCF150N, NCF199L, NCF199N, NKB080L, NKB080N, NKB110L, NKB110N, NKB150L, NKB150N, NKB199L, NKB199N, NKC110L, NKC110N, NKC150L, NKC150N, NKC199L, and NKC199N. For A. O. Smith-branded units, the affected models are ACB 110H-N, ACB 110H-P, ACB 110S-N, ACB 110S-P, ACB 150H-N, ACB 150H-P, ACB 150S-N, ACB 150S-P, ACB 199H-N, ACB 199H-P, ACB 199S-N, and ACB 199S-P. Finally, for State Industries-branded units, the recalled models are SCB 110H-N, SCB 110H-P, SCB 110S-N, SCB 110S-P, SCB 150H-N, SCB 150H-P, SCB 150S-N, SCB 150S-P, SCB 199H-N, SCB 199H-P, SCB 199S-N, and SCB 199S-P.
If you prefer not to dig through panels or decipher serial numbers manually, you can use the online lookup tool. Visit www.waterheaterrecall.com and select the look-up feature for the flue collector recall. This resource will help you verify your unit’s status quickly and accurately without needing to interpret technical codes yourself.
What to do — step by step
If you believe you own one of the recalled Lochinvar condensing boilers, combi boilers, or packaged systems, please take immediate action. The safety risk involves carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations. Because this hazard is invisible and silent, relying on your senses alone to detect a problem is not possible. Therefore, you must follow these specific steps carefully to protect yourself and your household from potential poisoning. First and foremost, do not attempt to use the boiler for heating or hot water until it has been repaired. While the recall notice notes that Lochinvar has received nine reports of broken flue collectors but no reports of injury so far, the risk remains real because a crack in the flue collector can allow carbon monoxide to escape into your home. If you must keep the unit running while waiting for service, it is critical that you have working carbon monoxide alarms installed outside of every sleeping area and on each floor of your home. These alarms are your primary line of defense in case the repair is delayed. Next, you need to identify exactly who you should contact. Your point of contact depends on the brand name printed on the front of your unit. If your boiler is branded as Lochinvar, you have two options for finding help. You can visit the contractor locator at http://green.lochinvar.com/support/contractorlocator.aspx to find a qualified service technician in your area. Alternatively, you can call Lochinvar directly at 833-232-9706 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If your unit is branded as A. O. Smith or State Industries, the instructions specify that you should contact your original installer to schedule the repair. If you do not know who installed your system, or if your installer is unavailable, you can still get help directly from Lochinvar. Call the toll-free number at 833-232-9706 or email them at recallinfo@lochinvar.com. They will assist you in finding a qualified technician to perform the free repair. When you contact them, have your serial number ready. You can find this on the data plate located on the unit's rating plate, which is inside or outside the outer jacket. If you need to verify if your specific serial number is part of the recall range (125325485 through 134830284), you can use the look-up feature at www.waterheaterrecall.com. Finally, schedule the free repair as soon as possible. The remedy for this recall is not a replacement or a refund, but a specific mechanical fix. A technician will install a steel plate affixed to the base of the flue collector. This plate acts as a reinforcement to prevent future cracking and carbon monoxide leakage. Do not attempt this repair yourself; it requires specialized knowledge of gas appliances and safety codes. By following these steps and using the official resources provided, you ensure that your home remains safe and that the defect is corrected properly.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the affected Lochinvar, A. O. Smith, or State Industries condensing boilers, combi boilers, or packaged systems, the good news is that the manufacturer has established a clear and accessible remedy for this safety issue. You are not left to figure out how to fix this dangerous defect on your own, nor are you expected to bear any of the costs associated with making your heating system safe again. The core of the remedy is a free repair designed specifically to address the structural weakness in the flue collector. Lochinvar has confirmed that they will cover the cost of this service, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent you from protecting your home and family from the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
To initiate this process, your first step should be to contact either the professional installer who originally set up your unit or a qualified heating technician. This is the primary recommended path for resolving the issue. When you speak with them, inform them that your unit is part of the November 2023 recall regarding cracked flue collectors. The technician will schedule a service visit to perform the necessary reinforcement. During this appointment, they will install a steel plate that will be securely affixed to the base of the flue collector. This plate acts as a critical reinforcement, designed to prevent the collector from cracking even if it is exposed to high-impact events within the burner chamber. By adding this structural support, the potential for carbon monoxide leaks is effectively mitigated, allowing your boiler to continue operating safely while you await any further official updates.
If you are unsure who installed your unit or if you cannot reach them, Lochinvar has provided direct channels to help you find assistance. For those with boilers branded as Lochinvar, you can use their online contractor locator tool to find a qualified service technician in your area. If you own an A. O. Smith or State Industries-branded unit and do not know your installer’s contact information, you should reach out to Lochinvar directly. You can call their toll-free number at 833-232-9706 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or send an email to recallinfo@lochinvar.com. They will help connect you with the appropriate support or provide further instructions on how to proceed with the free repair.
It is important to note that while the remedy focuses on repair rather than a full replacement or cash refund, this approach is intended to restore your unit to a safe operating condition without disrupting your home’s heating infrastructure. The repair addresses the specific hazard identified in the nine reports of broken flue collectors, ensuring that the risk of carbon monoxide emission is eliminated. Until the steel plate is installed by a professional, you should take additional precautions by ensuring that working carbon monoxide alarms are placed outside sleeping areas and on every floor of your home. This layered approach to safety ensures that you remain protected while you coordinate the free repair service.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to feel hesitant about shutting down your heating system, especially when temperatures drop and comfort feels like a necessity rather than a luxury. The urge to wait for a convenient time to schedule a repair is human nature. However, in the case of the recalled Lochinvar condensing boilers, combi boilers, and packaged systems, delaying action transforms a manageable service call into a potentially life-threatening situation. The core issue here is not merely that your heating might be less efficient; it is that the unit itself has become a source of an invisible, odorless, and colorless killer: carbon monoxide.
When the flue collector inside these specific models cracks due to high-impact events in the burner chamber, the pathway for safe exhaust gases is compromised. Instead of being safely vented outside your home, carbon monoxide can leak into the living space. This gas does not announce its presence with a smell or a visible cloud. You cannot see it coming, and you cannot smell it. For many years, safety experts have noted that carbon monoxide poisoning is often called the "silent killer" precisely because victims may not realize they are being poisoned until it is too late. Ignoring this recall means continuing to circulate this toxic gas through your home’s air, particularly in areas where the boiler is installed and in adjacent rooms where air currents may carry the fumes.
The consequences of exposure vary depending on the level of concentration and the duration of exposure, but they range from severe physical distress to death. In the short term, symptoms can mimic common illnesses like the flu, including headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Because these symptoms are easily mistaken for everyday ailments or viral infections, individuals may not connect their malaise to their heating unit until multiple family members become ill simultaneously. This delay in recognition is dangerous because it allows the concentration of carbon monoxide to build up further.
While Lochinvar has reported nine instances of broken flue collectors to date and has received no reports of injury so far, this statistic offers little comfort when considering the severity of the hazard. The absence of reported injuries does not mean the risk is low; it means that, fortunately, no one has been severely harmed yet. However, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, and death with alarming speed in high-concentration scenarios. By ignoring the recall, you are gambling your health and the safety of your household on the hope that a crack will not grow or that ventilation will remain perfect. The repair is free and involves installing a steel plate to reinforce the base of the flue collector, but that protection is nullified if you continue to operate a unit known to be leaking toxic exhaust into your home.
Furthermore, relying solely on the boiler’s internal safety mechanisms is not a viable strategy. These units are designed for normal operation, not for functioning with a structural failure in their exhaust system. If the crack widens or shifts, the volume of carbon monoxide emitted could increase rapidly. The only way to ensure that your home remains a safe sanctuary is to treat this recall with immediate urgency. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, and do not assume that because nothing has happened yet, nothing will happen. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your heating system is certified as safe is worth far more than the inconvenience of scheduling a technician.