Triangle Tube Recalls to Repair Gas Boilers Due to Risk of Carbon Monoxide Hazard; One Death Reported; In-Home Remedy May Be Delayed Due To COVID-19 Restrictions

What was recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a significant recall involving gas boilers manufactured by Triangle Tube. This action affects specific models within the Prestige Solo and Prestige Excellence lines of condensing gas boilers. These units were designed for use in both residential homes and light commercial settings, meaning they are common fixtures in many households and small business properties that rely on natural gas for heating. The recall encompasses a total of 22 distinct models, representing a substantial number of units produced over several years. Consumers who purchased these systems between November 2011 and October 2019 need to verify if their equipment is part of this specific safety notice.

Physically, these wall-hung condensing gas boilers are housed in a white metal box. The brand name "Prestige" is clearly printed on the white front panel of the unit as well as on the outside of the cardboard packing box it originally came in. This visual identification can be helpful, but because there are so many models involved, relying solely on the appearance is not enough. You must check the specific serial number and model prefix to determine if your boiler is included in this recall.

The affected products are categorized by their model prefixes and serial number ranges, which correspond to different dates of manufacture. The first group includes Prestige Solo models with the prefix PT, specifically models PT 60, PT110, PT 110LP, PT175, PT250, PT399, and PT399HP. These units were manufactured between November 2011 and December 2015. The serial numbers for this group range from PT0000110 to PT0053776, as well as PTA002645 through PTA09800, and AE1100 through AE1239. Another set of Prestige Solo boilers, identified by the prefix PA (models PA80, PA110, PA155, PA175, PA250, PA299, and PA399), were produced from January 2016 through March 2019. These fall within the serial number range of PA044928 through PA139939.

Further affected are the Prestige Excellence models. Those with the prefix PTE or PTEA, specifically the PTE 110 model, were made between November 2011 and December 2015. Their serial numbers range from PTE0000568 through PTE 053690 and PTEA002889 through PTEA 003086. Additionally, Prestige Excellence models with the prefix PEA or PEB2, including the PEA 110 and PEB2 110, were manufactured from January 2016 through March 2019, covering serial numbers PEA 078169 through PEA143958 and PEB2157356 through PEB2159813. Finally, a recent batch of Prestige Solo boilers with the prefix PB (models PB80, PB110, PB155, PB175, PB250, PB299, and PB399) was produced from April 2019 through October 2019, with serial numbers ranging from PB2152110 to PB2163489.

To confirm whether your specific unit is affected, Triangle Tube provides a detailed "how to" document on their website at www.triangletube.com. This resource is essential for accurately identifying your model against the recall list. The recall was officially announced on July 28, 2020, and applies to all units sold during the specified timeframes regardless of where they were purchased within the United States.

The hazard, explained

To understand why this recall is so critical, it helps to look at what is happening inside your boiler when things go wrong. The Triangle Tube Prestige Solo and Prestige Excellence boilers are condensing gas units. In simple terms, these appliances burn natural gas or propane to create heat for your home. During that combustion process, dangerous exhaust gases are produced. One of the most deadly of these is carbon monoxide (CO). This gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, which makes it impossible for you to detect with your senses alone. Normally, a properly installed boiler keeps these exhaust fumes safely contained within its internal system and vents them outside through a specialized pipe called a flue.

The specific physical failure described in this recall involves the vent adapter. This component is crucial because it creates a tight seal between the boiler’s exhaust outlet and the rest of the ventilation piping that carries gases outdoors. The problem arises when the boiler undergoes maintenance or repair work. After a technician has finished working on the unit, they are supposed to securely reattach this vent adapter to ensure the seal is intact. If the adapter is not fastened tightly enough, or if it simply comes loose over time due to vibration or thermal expansion, that seal breaks.

Once that seal is compromised, the safety barrier is gone. Instead of traveling safely out of your house through the vent pipe, the flue gas escapes directly into the room where the boiler is located. Because carbon monoxide is heavier than air and accumulates in enclosed spaces, it can quickly fill the room. When you breathe this leaking gas, it binds to your red blood cells much more effectively than oxygen does, preventing your body from getting the oxygen it needs to function. This leads to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The severity of this hazard is underscored by the fact that one death has already been reported in 2016 following a repair where the adapter was not reattached correctly. The mechanism of injury is silent and rapid. Early symptoms of CO poisoning often mimic the flu, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Because people may mistake these signs for a common illness, they might not realize they are being poisoned until it is too late. In high concentrations, carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and death very quickly, which is why this physical failure in the venting system is considered an immediate and life-threatening risk.

It is important to note that this hazard does not require the boiler to be malfunctioning in terms of its heating ability. The unit may still produce heat perfectly well while simultaneously leaking deadly exhaust gases into your living space. The danger lies entirely in the breach of the ventilation path, allowing combustion byproducts to enter the home environment rather than being expelled outside.

Who is most at risk

The primary group facing immediate danger from the Triangle Tube Prestige Solo and Prestige Excellence gas boilers are homeowners and light commercial property managers who installed these specific wall-hung units between November 2011 and October 2019. Because these boilers are designed for residential use, the people at risk are typically families living in their own homes or tenants occupying rental properties where such heating systems have been provided by landlords. The hazard is particularly insidious because it does not involve a visible flame failure or an obvious mechanical breakdown that might prompt immediate investigation. Instead, the danger stems from a subtle maintenance error: if the vent adapter is not securely reattached after service work, flue gas escapes directly into the living space. This means that anyone occupying the home during this window of vulnerability is breathing in potentially lethal concentrations of carbon monoxide without necessarily knowing it.

Within these households, certain demographics face significantly higher risks of severe injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is often called the "silent killer" because it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect with human senses alone. Young children are especially vulnerable because their breathing rates are faster than those of adults, meaning they inhale toxins more quickly relative to their body size. Their developing bodies are also less able to compensate for the oxygen deprivation caused by carbon monoxide binding to hemoglobin in the blood. Elderly individuals and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions face even greater peril. For someone with cardiovascular disease, the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood can trigger heart attacks or strokes at much lower exposure levels than would affect a healthy person. The elderly may also experience confusion or drowsiness from low-level exposure, which can prevent them from recognizing the danger and evacuating the home in time.

Another critical factor is the timing of the hazard. The recall notice confirms that one death occurred in 2016 following a repair where the adapter was not reattached. This highlights that the risk is not just about owning the boiler, but about the period surrounding maintenance. If a homeowner has recently had their heating system serviced by a technician who failed to secure the vent adapter properly, every moment spent in that home becomes increasingly dangerous. The risk extends beyond just the immediate family; it includes any guests, caregivers, or overnight visitors who may be unaware of the subtle mechanical defect. Because carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms often mimic the flu—such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea—people may mistakenly believe they are simply coming down with a virus rather than recognizing they are being poisoned by their own heating system. This misidentification delays emergency response, disproportionately affecting those who are least able to advocate for themselves in a medical crisis.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Because this recall involves a significant number of units manufactured over an eight-year period, verifying whether your specific boiler is affected requires careful attention to detail. The recall covers 22 different models of Triangle Tube’s Prestige Solo and Prestige Excellence condensing gas boilers. These are not generic appliances; they are distinct products with specific identifying marks that you need to check against the official list provided by the manufacturer. If you are unsure, do not guess. Use the firm's dedicated "how to" document available at www.triangletube.com to guide your identification process.

The first thing to look for is the physical appearance of the unit. The affected boilers are housed in a white metal box. On the front panel, which is also white, you should see the word "Prestige" printed clearly. You can also verify the product line by checking the original cardboard packing box, where the name "Prestige" will be printed on the outside as well. These visual cues help narrow down the universe of potential products, but they are not enough to confirm whether your specific unit is part of this recall.

The definitive way to identify if your boiler is included is by checking the serial number located on the Boiler Rating Label. This label is typically found on the unit itself, often near the gas connections or electrical panel. You must cross-reference the prefix and the serial number range with the data below. For boilers manufactured between November 2011 and December 2015, check if you have a Prestige Solo with a PT prefix (serial numbers PT0000110 to PT0053776, or PTA002645 through PTA09800) or an AE prefix (AE1100 through AE1239). If you have a Prestige Excellence from this period, look for a PTE prefix (PTE0000568 through PTE 053690 and PTEA002889 through PTEA 003086).

For units manufactured from January 2016 through March 2019, the identification changes. Check if you have a Prestige Solo with a PA prefix (serial numbers PA044928 through PA139939). If you own a Prestige Excellence, look for a PEA or PEB2 prefix. Specifically, check for PEA serial numbers ranging from 078169 through PEA143958, and PEB2 serial numbers ranging from PEB2157356 through PEB2159813. Finally, for the most recent units manufactured between April 2019 and October 2019, look for a Prestige Solo with a PB prefix, specifically serial numbers PB2152110 through PB2163489. If your serial number falls within any of these ranges, your boiler is part of this recall.

If you cannot find the label or are still uncertain after checking these ranges, do not attempt to diagnose the safety issue yourself. Contact Triangle Tube directly for assistance. You can call their toll-free number at 877-574-5036 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit www.triangletube.com and click on “RECALL INFORMATION” to get help confirming your unit's status.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that your gas boiler is part of this recall, the most important thing to know is that Triangle Tube has established a clear and free remedy for affected owners. The company is not asking you to pay for the fix; instead, they are offering a comprehensive in-home repair service at no cost to you. This approach is designed to ensure that the safety defect—the flue gas adapter that may not be securely reattached—is properly addressed by professionals who understand the specific mechanics of the Prestige Solo and Prestige Excellence models. The goal here is to restore the integrity of your heating system so that it operates safely, preventing carbon monoxide from escaping into your home.

To initiate this process, you need to contact Triangle Tube directly. You can reach their dedicated recall support team by calling their toll-free number at 877-574-5036. When you call, please note that this line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. It is advisable to have your boiler’s serial number and model information ready before you dial, as this will help the representative quickly verify that your unit is indeed part of the affected batch and schedule the appropriate service window.

In addition to phone support, Triangle Tube has set up an online portal for your convenience. You can visit www.triangletube.com and look for the “RECALL INFORMATION” section. This digital resource likely contains further details on the repair process and may offer additional tools to help you manage your service request. Using the website is a good way to get information at your own pace, but for scheduling the actual repair, the phone line remains the primary point of contact.

It is important to acknowledge that due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, there may be delays in getting an in-home technician to your residence. The recall notice explicitly mentions that these delays are a reality of the current situation. While this wait can be frustrating, it does not mean you are without options for staying safe during the interim. Triangle Tube has taken steps to support consumers who must continue using their boilers while waiting for the free repair. If you do not already have carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas, you can contact Triangle Tube to have one shipped to you completely free of charge. This provision underscores the company’s commitment to your safety during the gap between discovery and repair.

Please understand that this remedy is specific to repairing the identified defect in the vent adapter system. The recall information does not mention a full refund or a complete replacement of the entire boiler unit as standard options, but rather focuses on correcting the safety hazard through professional inspection and reattachment. By following these steps—contacting the manufacturer, scheduling the free repair, and utilizing the provided carbon monoxide alarms if necessary—you are taking the correct actions to protect your household from the serious risks associated with this recall.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable to feel frustrated or anxious when dealing with a product recall, especially one that involves essential home heating equipment like a gas boiler. The inconvenience of scheduling repairs, waiting for technicians, and navigating potential delays is real and valid. However, the decision to continue using the affected Triangle Tube Prestige Solo and Prestige Excellence boilers while waiting for service carries risks that extend far beyond mere inconvenience. This is not a situation where "wait and see" is a safe strategy. The core issue involves carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas that can silently infiltrate your living space if the boiler’s vent adapter is not securely reattached after maintenance or repair.

Carbon monoxide is often called the "silent killer" for good reason. When flue gases escape from a improperly sealed gas boiler instead of being safely vented outside, they can accumulate in enclosed areas such as basements, utility rooms, and adjacent living spaces. Because you cannot see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide, exposure can occur without any immediate warning signs. Early symptoms of CO poisoning are often mistaken for common illnesses like the flu, food poisoning, or fatigue. These include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and weakness. As exposure continues, these symptoms can rapidly escalate to loss of consciousness, severe brain damage, and death. The severity of the harm depends on the concentration of the gas and the duration of exposure, but there is no safe level of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The gravity of this hazard is not theoretical. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Triangle Tube, one death from carbon monoxide poisoning has been directly linked to these recalled boilers. This tragic incident occurred in 2016 following a repair where the vent adapter was not properly reattached. Additionally, there have been two other reported incidents of vent tube adapter separation from the recalled models. These are not isolated anecdotes; they are evidence that the mechanism of failure—the escape of flue gas due to an unsecured adapter—can and does lead to fatal outcomes. Ignoring the recall means accepting the possibility of becoming part of a statistic.

Even if you do not experience immediate severe symptoms, prolonged low-level exposure can have lasting health effects, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. Children are especially susceptible because they breathe faster than adults and their bodies are still developing. By ignoring the recall, you are gambling with the safety of everyone in your household, relying on luck rather than prevention. The remedy is straightforward: stop using the boiler if possible, install carbon monoxide alarms immediately, and contact Triangle Tube to schedule your free repair. Do not let convenience override the fundamental right to breathe safe air in your own home.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a critical defect in certain Triangle Tube boilers, the underlying hazard—carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning—is a silent and pervasive danger in any home that burns fuel. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can accumulate to lethal levels without warning. Because your senses cannot detect it, relying on general safety habits is just as important as responding to individual product recalls. The most effective defense against CO poisoning is not just fixing a broken appliance, but maintaining a layer of protection that works even when you are unaware of a malfunction.

First and foremost, carbon monoxide alarms are your primary line of defense. It is not enough to have one alarm; you must ensure they are properly placed and maintained. Install CO alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and specifically outside each sleeping area. This ensures that if a leak occurs in any part of the house, or while you are asleep, the alarm will trigger. Treat these devices like smoke detectors: test them monthly by pressing the test button, and replace the batteries at least once a year, or immediately when the low-battery chirp sounds. Many modern alarms have sealed 10-year batteries, so check your model’s lifespan to know when the entire unit needs replacing.

Beyond alarms, regular professional maintenance is crucial for gas appliances like boilers, water heaters, and furnaces. Even if a device appears to be working correctly, internal components can degrade over time, leading to incomplete combustion or venting issues that allow CO to leak into your living space. Schedule an annual inspection with a qualified HVAC technician who can check for cracks in heat exchangers, blockages in flues, and proper ventilation. Never attempt to repair complex gas line or venting issues yourself unless you are a licensed professional; improper reassembly is a common cause of the very hazards this recall highlights.

Finally, stay vigilant about your home’s air flow and fuel-burning habits. Never use portable generators, charcoal grills, or camp stoves inside your home, garage, or basement, even with windows open. Ensure that all gas appliances are properly vented to the outside and that exhaust vents are not blocked by snow, leaves, or debris. Additionally, make it a habit to regularly check official sources for product recalls. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website is a valuable resource where you can look up specific items or sign up for alerts. By combining reliable detection technology, professional maintenance, and informed awareness, you create a robust safety net that protects your family from both known defects and unexpected hazards.