What was recalled
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a significant expansion of a safety recall involving evaporator coil drain pans manufactured by Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing, L.P., which was formerly known as Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P. This action addresses a critical issue with specific HVAC components that are essential to the operation of residential heating and cooling systems. The recalled items are not standalone products but rather integral parts installed within larger furnace and air conditioning units. Specifically, the recall targets molded plastic drain pans located at the bottom of evaporator coils. These components were originally subject to a recall in November 2021, but the scope has now been broadened to include units installed with non-condensing gas furnaces, in addition to the previously covered condensing gas furnaces.
The affected products are identified by precise manufacturing details and sales periods. The recall encompasses evaporator coil drain pans with serial number prefixes ranging from 1901 through 2101. These units were sold between January 2019 and November 2021. It is important to note that the brand labeling on your system can be confusing due to industry relationships. While the recall was initially associated with Goodman, Daikin, and Amana brands, the expanded scope now explicitly includes certain configurations of competitor-branded non-condensing residential gas furnaces. This means that even if your furnace is not branded under one of those three names, it may still be included in the recall depending on its specific configuration.
The technical criteria for inclusion are detailed and depend heavily on the type of furnace system and the coil configuration. For condensing furnace systems, the affected units are those with an up-flow coil configuration, where the coil is positioned above the furnace. This category applies to all prefixes from 1901 through 2101 sold during the specified timeframe. The expanded portion of the recall affects non-condensing furnace systems that also utilize an up-flow (coil above furnace) configuration. These units involve any "competitor" brand, excluding Goodman, Daikin, or Amana branded furnaces, provided they have serial numbers within the 1901 to 2101 range and were sold between January 2019 and November 2021. Furthermore, if your furnace system was repaired with a new evaporator coil drain pan during this same period using parts with these serial numbers, it is also included in the recall.
Determining whether your specific unit is affected requires careful verification of several data points. You will need to locate the serial number on the evaporator coil or the case that sits atop the vertically installed furnace. Additionally, you must identify whether your system is a condensing or non-condensing furnace and verify the location of the burners for non-condensing systems, as this determines if the unit falls within the expanded scope. Daikin has provided an online model verification tool to assist consumers in navigating these technical details. Consumers are strongly encouraged to use this resource to confirm their status before taking further action.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so critical, it helps to look at what is happening inside your HVAC system when things go wrong. The core of the issue lies in a specific component: the evaporator coil drain pan. This part is typically made of molded plastic and sits directly beneath the evaporator coil within your air handler or furnace assembly. Its primary job is innocent enough—to catch condensation that forms on the coil as it cools the air, preventing water from dripping into your home.
However, under certain conditions, this plastic component can overheat. The recalled units involve drain pans installed with specific configurations of gas furnaces, particularly non-condensing models where the coil is positioned above the furnace (an "up-flow" configuration). In these setups, heat from the furnace below can radiate upward toward the evaporator coil and its pan. While these components are designed to withstand normal operational temperatures, the specific plastic material used in the affected units appears to be vulnerable to excessive heat buildup. When the temperature rises beyond what the material can safely handle, the plastic begins to soften, deform, and eventually melt.
This is not just a minor mechanical failure; it is a direct fire hazard. Once the drain pan melts, it can lose its structural integrity and may come into contact with other combustible materials within the unit or allow hot debris to fall. The CPSC report notes that this overheating has already led to actual fires in homes. Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing (DCT) has documented 26 reports of fire involving these specific evaporator coil drain pans. It is important to note that three of these fire incidents were reported even after the initial recall was announced in November 2021, which underscores how persistent and dangerous this defect can be if left unaddressed.
The consequences of such a failure go beyond the immediate flame. Several of the reported incidents resulted in significant fire and smoke damage to residences. While no injuries have been reported so far, the potential for harm is real. A fire starting inside a wall or ceiling cavity can spread rapidly before it is detected, threatening the safety of everyone in the home. The risk is particularly insidious because the heat source is hidden within the HVAC system, potentially allowing the situation to escalate before homeowners notice smoke or smell burning plastic.
It is also worth noting that this hazard applies not only to new installations but also to units that were previously repaired. If your system received a repair between January 2019 and November 2021 that involved replacing the evaporator coil drain pan with one from the affected serial number range (prefixes 1901 through 2101), it is still subject to this fire risk. The defect is inherent to the specific batch of parts used, regardless of how recently they were installed or replaced.
Understanding this mechanism highlights why the recall cannot be ignored. It is not a matter of efficiency or performance; it is about preventing a potential house fire caused by a component that fails under normal thermal stress. By recognizing that plastic can melt and ignite when exposed to excessive heat from nearby furnace burners, you can appreciate the urgency of having your system checked and repaired by a qualified technician.
Who is most at risk
Understanding who is most vulnerable to this specific hazard requires looking at both the mechanical nature of the product and the demographics of typical homeowners. The primary group at risk consists of residents in homes equipped with central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems manufactured or distributed by Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing, L.P., specifically those using evaporator coils from Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P. This includes units bearing Goodman, Daikin, or Amana branding, as well as certain competitor-branded non-condensing gas furnaces installed in a vertical, or "up-flow," configuration. If your home’s heating system falls within the identified serial number ranges (1901 through 2101) and was sold between January 2019 and November 2021, you are part of the affected population.
While any occupant of these homes faces a potential fire threat, certain groups may be disproportionately vulnerable due to factors like mobility, sensory perception, and time available for evacuation. Elderly residents or individuals with physical disabilities often face greater challenges in escaping a rapidly developing fire. In the event that the molded plastic drain pan overheats, melts, and deforms as described in the recall, the resulting flames can spread quickly through the HVAC ductwork into living spaces. For those who rely on walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids, the seconds gained by immediate awareness of a fire are critical. If smoke detectors fail to alert them promptly due to the location of the coil—often situated in attics, crawl spaces, or mechanical rooms where sound may be dampened—their ability to self-evacuate is severely compromised.
Children and non-mobile family members also represent a high-risk category. Young children may not recognize the early signs of an electrical or mechanical fire, such as unusual odors from melting plastic or the initial glow of embers before heavy smoke is produced. Furthermore, infants and toddlers are more susceptible to the toxic effects of smoke inhalation than adults, meaning that even a small amount of smoke damage can lead to serious health complications. If the fire occurs at night, when everyone is asleep, the window for safe evacuation shrinks dramatically. The recall notes that several incidents have already resulted in significant fire and smoke damage to residences, underscoring that this is not a theoretical risk but one that has actively impacted homes.
Additionally, homeowners who live alone or in multi-generational households where caregivers are responsible for others face amplified stress and risk. A single adult managing the safety of children, elderly parents, or pets must act as both detector and responder. The psychological burden of knowing a hidden fire hazard exists within the walls or ceiling of their home can be significant. It is important to note that while no injuries have been reported in the 26 incidents documented by Daikin, the potential for injury increases with time. The longer a homeowner waits to verify their unit’s status or schedule a repair, the longer they remain exposed to this latent danger. Therefore, the most at-risk individuals are not just those with the faulty equipment, but those who delay action due to uncertainty about whether their specific model is included.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Determining whether your specific heating and cooling system is part of this expanded recall requires a bit of detective work, but the process is straightforward if you know exactly where to look. The core of the issue lies in the evaporator coil drain pan—the molded plastic tray located at the bottom of the evaporator coil. Because this component can overheat, melt, and deform, creating a fire hazard, it is critical to verify your unit’s details against the specific criteria outlined by Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing, L.P. (DCT). The recall affects units sold between January 2019 and November 2021, but simply knowing the purchase date is not enough; you must confirm the configuration and branding of your system.
First, you need to identify whether your furnace is a condensing or non-condensing model. The expanded recall specifically targets certain configurations of competitor-branded non-condensing residential gas furnaces in a vertical, or "up-flow," coil configuration. This means the evaporator coil is positioned above the furnace. If your system involves Goodman, Daikin, or Amana branded furnaces, it falls under a different set of rules, but if you have a "competitor" brand (any brand other than those three) installed in this vertical setup, it may be included. To verify this, you must locate the serial numbers on the evaporator coil or the case that sits atop the vertically installed furnace. The affected serial numbers begin with prefixes ranging from 1901 through 2101.
If you are unsure about the location of the burners in your non-condensing furnace system, which determines if it falls within the scope of this expanded recall, DCT provides a dedicated model verification tool. You can visit www.recallrtr.com/drainpan to check your specific unit. For this process, you will need the furnace brand and model number, which are found on the "Energy Guide" label attached to the furnace. Additionally, you may be asked to provide the model number of the outdoor condenser, which can be found on a label attached to that product. This tool is the most reliable way to confirm eligibility, as it accounts for the complex variations in furnace configurations that manual inspection might miss.
It is also important to note that even if your unit was previously repaired between January 2019 and November 2021 with a new evaporator coil drain pan using the specified serial number prefixes, it is still included in this recall. Do not assume that a past repair exempts you from this safety notice. If you cannot locate your labels or are unsure how to interpret the serial numbers, the safest course of action is to contact DCT directly. They can assist you in verifying whether your specific installation meets the criteria for the free repair program.
What to do — step by step
If you suspect your HVAC system contains the recalled evaporator coil drain pan, the most important thing you can do right now is stay calm and take systematic action. This process is designed to be straightforward, but it requires patience because Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing, L.P. (DCT) handles these cases individually to ensure safety. Please follow these steps carefully to protect your home and secure your free repair.
Step 1: Locate Your Equipment Details
Before you make any calls or visit the website, gather the specific identification numbers for your system. You will need to find the serial number on the evaporator coil itself or on the case that sits atop the vertically installed furnace. Additionally, look for the furnace brand and model number on the "Energy Guide" label attached to the unit. If your system includes an outdoor condenser, locate its model number on the label attached to that product as well. Having these numbers ready will significantly speed up the verification process.
Step 2: Verify Eligibility Online
DCT has provided a dedicated model verification tool to help you determine if your specific unit is subject to this expanded recall. Visit https://www.recallrtr.com/drainpan and enter the serial numbers and model information you gathered in Step 1. This tool is particularly critical for owners of non-condensing gas furnaces, as eligibility depends on the location of the burners. If you are unsure about your burner configuration, this online tool is the definitive way to confirm whether your unit is included in the recall scope.
Step 3: Contact DCT for Registration and Repair
If your unit is confirmed to be affected, do not attempt to fix the drain pan yourself. The remedy provided by DCT is a free repair performed by a qualified technician. You must contact DCT directly to register for this service. You can reach them toll-free at 888-520-0579. Their customer service representatives are available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. When you call, inform them that your unit is part of the expanded recall for evaporator coil drain pans due to fire hazard. They will guide you through the next steps, which may include scheduling an appointment with a certified technician.
Step 4: Await Confirmation or Schedule Service
DCT states that they are actively contacting all registered consumers whose records indicate their gas furnace system is subject to this expanded recall. However, it is vital that you proactively register if you have not yet done so. If you are unsure whether DCT has already reached out to you, calling the toll-free number or checking the online portal will provide clarity. Once registered, a qualified technician will be arranged to replace or repair the defective drain pan at no cost to you.
Step 5: Monitor for Updates
Because this is an expanded recall that includes competitor-branded non-condensing furnaces in addition to Goodman, Daikin, and Amana units, the scope is complex. Keep an eye on the DCT website at www.goodmanmfg.com under the "PRODUCT RECALL" section for any further instructions or updates regarding your specific repair timeline.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the affected evaporator coil drain pans, your primary remedy is a free repair performed by a qualified technician. Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing, L.P. (DCT), the company behind this recall, has structured the resolution process to ensure that homeowners do not bear the financial burden of correcting the safety defect. Because the issue involves potential fire hazards stemming from the plastic drain pan overheating and deforming, the remedy is strictly technical rather than a simple monetary refund or product replacement. DCT is taking the proactive step of contacting all registered consumers directly when their records indicate that their gas furnace system falls under the expanded scope of this recall. This means that if you are already in their database, you may receive communication from them without needing to initiate the process yourself.
However, if you have not yet been contacted or are unsure whether your unit is included, you must take the initiative to verify your eligibility and register for the repair. The first step is to contact DCT directly to determine whether your specific unit is part of this expanded recall. You can reach them by calling their toll-free number at 888-520-0579. These phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. During this call, a representative will help you confirm if your evaporator coil drain pan is affected and guide you through the registration process for the free repair service.
In addition to calling, you can verify your eligibility online using DCT’s dedicated model verification tool. This digital resource is designed to help you determine whether your non-condensing furnace system falls within the scope of the recall, particularly because the inclusion depends on specific details like the location of the burners. You can access this tool at https://www.recallrtr.com/drainpan. Alternatively, you may visit the main Daikin website at https://www.goodmanmfg.com and navigate to the "PRODUCT RECALL" section for further information. When using these verification tools or speaking with a representative, you will likely need to provide the serial number of the evaporator coil or the case (which sits atop the vertically installed furnace), as well as the furnace brand and model number found on the "Energy Guide" label. In some cases, the model number of the outdoor condenser may also be required to fully assess your system.
Once you have confirmed that your unit is part of the recall and registered for the remedy, DCT will arrange for a qualified technician to perform the free repair. It is important to understand that this process is designed to address the root cause of the fire hazard—the overheating and melting of the plastic drain pan—by ensuring it is replaced or corrected by professionals who know the specific configuration of your heating system. Do not attempt to fix this issue yourself, as improper handling could exacerbate the safety risk. By following these steps and utilizing the provided contact methods, you ensure that the necessary repairs are completed safely and at no cost to you.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a recall is issued for a component as critical and hidden as an evaporator coil drain pan, the temptation to delay action is understandable. It is easy to think, "It's just a plastic tray at the bottom of my HVAC system; what could possibly go wrong?" However, ignoring this specific recall carries serious, tangible risks that extend far beyond a simple equipment malfunction. The core issue is not merely that the pan might fail, but that its failure initiates a chain reaction involving heat, fuel, and structural materials within your home.
The hazard described by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is specific: the molded plastic drain pan can overheat, melt, and deform. This is not a slow, gradual wear-and-tear process that gives you ample warning signs like strange noises or minor leaks. Instead, the plastic can reach temperatures high enough to become combustible. Once the pan melts, it no longer just loses its function of catching condensation; it becomes fuel. If this melting occurs in close proximity to the burners of a gas furnace—particularly in the non-condensing configurations now included in this expanded recall—the risk of ignition increases dramatically. The plastic does not need to be directly on fire to cause a disaster; it simply needs to generate enough heat to ignite nearby combustible materials, such as insulation, ductwork, or wooden framing within your attic or crawl space.
We are not speaking here in hypotheticals. Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing has already documented 26 reports of fires involving these specific drain pans. Most concerning is the recent trend: three of those fire incidents have occurred since the initial recall was announced in November 2021. This indicates that the hazard remains active and that consumers who waited for further proof of danger are now experiencing it firsthand. Several of these reported incidents have resulted in significant fire and smoke damage to residences. While no injuries have been reported to date, this is a narrow margin of safety that should not be relied upon. A fire starting inside an HVAC unit often begins unseen, spreading behind walls or above ceilings before smoke detectors even sound the alarm.
Beyond the immediate threat of structural fire, ignoring the recall leaves you vulnerable to secondary damages. If the plastic deforms enough to contact electrical components or gas lines, it can cause short circuits or gas leaks, compounding the danger. Furthermore, if a fire does occur, your homeowner’s insurance may scrutinize whether you ignored a known manufacturer safety alert, potentially complicating claims for damage that could have been prevented by a free repair. The cost of ignoring this recall is not just the potential loss of property, but the profound stress and displacement that follows a residential fire. You are trading a few minutes of phone time with Daikin today for the possibility of losing your home tomorrow.
Please do not wait for smoke in your air vents or a smell of burning plastic to take action. The window for easy, free prevention is open now. Once the plastic begins to degrade significantly, the risk shifts from manageable to catastrophic in an instant. Treat this recall with the same urgency you would treat a known faulty brake line on your car: because the stakes are equally high.