What was recalled
In December of 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving specific tankless water heaters and combination boilers manufactured by Navien. This action was taken to address a serious safety defect linked to a modification kit that converts these units from natural gas operation to propane gas. It is important to understand precisely which products are affected, as this recall does not apply to all Navien units, nor does it cover every unit sold during the manufacturing window. The recall targets only those condensing tankless water heaters and combination boilers that have been or will be converted from using natural gas to propane gas.
The specific models involved in this recall are the NPE-180A, the NPE-180S, and the NCB-180E. These units were manufactured over a relatively short period, between July 9, 2018, and October 14, 2018. The date of manufacture is critical to identifying whether your unit is part of this recall, as it is embedded directly into the serial number printed on a label affixed to the side of the unit and on the original product packaging. To decode this information, you must look at the serial number format: the first two digits represent the year, the next single digit represents the month (with 'X' standing for October), and the final two digits represent the day. For example, a serial number starting with 18709 indicates a manufacturing date of July 9, 2018.
To help you verify your specific unit, Navien has provided distinct product model UPC codes associated with each model type. For the Navien Condensing Tankless Water Heater NPE-180A, look for the UPC code 884954974101. The serial numbers for this model typically begin with 7410x and may contain date indicators such as 18709, 188xxxxxx, 189xxxxxx, or 18X14xxxx within the sequence. For the NPE-180S model, the UPC code is 884954974194, with serial numbers beginning with 7419x and similar date patterns like 18709, 188xxxxxx, 189xxxxxx, or 18X14xxxx. Finally, the Navien Condensing Combination Boiler NCB-180E carries the UPC code 884954966083, and its serial numbers begin with 6608x, following the same date identification logic of 18709, 188xxxxxx, 189xxxxxx, or 18X14xxxx.
If you have installed one of these specific models that has been converted to propane, or if you are planning to convert one, it is vital to check your serial number against the dates provided. The recall emphasizes that only units falling within this narrow manufacturing window and model specification are subject to the safety remedy. There were no reported incidents at the time of the recall announcement, but the potential for harm was deemed significant enough to warrant immediate action. Consumers are urged to verify their unit details carefully before proceeding with the remedies outlined by Navien.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall matters, we need to look at what happens inside these specific water heaters and boilers when they are modified incorrectly. The core issue stems from a conversion kit that was used to change certain Navien units from running on natural gas to running on propane. While both fuels provide heat, they have very different physical properties. Natural gas is lighter than air and flows differently than propane, which is heavier and denser. When a unit designed for one fuel is switched to the other without the correct internal adjustments, the delicate balance of the combustion process is disrupted.
In these affected Navien condensing tankless water heaters and combination boilers, the improper conversion kit causes the unit to produce excessive amounts of carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of burning gas. When a furnace or water heater operates correctly, it burns fuel efficiently, venting most exhaust safely outside your home. However, when the fuel-to-air ratio is wrong due to an incorrect conversion, the combustion becomes incomplete. This inefficiency allows carbon monoxide to be generated in much higher quantities than normal. Because this gas is produced during the heating process, it can potentially leak into the living space if the ventilation system is overwhelmed or compromised.
The danger of carbon monoxide lies largely in its stealthy nature. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, meaning you cannot see, smell, or detect it with your senses. This makes it particularly insidious because victims often do not realize they are being exposed until symptoms appear. When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood more effectively than oxygen does, preventing your body from getting the oxygen it needs. This can lead to a range of health issues, from mild headaches and dizziness to severe poisoning, loss of consciousness, and even death, depending on the level of exposure and duration.
In the context of this recall, the risk is not theoretical. The CPSC has identified that units with the specific conversion kit installed pose a genuine threat because they are actively producing unsafe levels of this gas. Even though no incidents or injuries have been reported to date for this specific batch, the potential for harm is significant enough to warrant an immediate stop in usage. The hazard is not about the unit breaking down mechanically, but rather about the chemical output becoming toxic due to the fuel conversion error. This is why the remedy focuses on replacing the kit: it restores the proper fuel-air mixture, ensuring that combustion is complete and safe exhaust levels are maintained.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at immediate risk consists of homeowners and tenants who have installed or are currently operating Navien condensing tankless water heaters and combination boilers that have been converted from natural gas to propane gas. Specifically, this hazard targets individuals who utilized a conversion kit on models NPE-180A, NPE-180S, and NCB-180E manufactured between July 9, 2018, and October 14, 2018. If you fall into this demographic, the risk is not theoretical; it is a direct consequence of the faulty conversion kit causing the unit to produce excessive carbon monoxide. Because these units are often installed in basements, utility closets, or garages—spaces that may be less ventilated than living areas—the potential for gas accumulation increases if the appliance malfunctions.
Within any household, certain demographics are physiologically more vulnerable to the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that displaces oxygen in the bloodstream, leading to tissue hypoxia. Children, particularly infants and toddlers, are at heightened risk because they breathe faster than adults, meaning they inhale a larger volume of air relative to their body weight. Their developing bodies are also less efficient at clearing toxins, and they cannot verbally communicate early symptoms like dizziness or headache as effectively as older children or adults. Consequently, a child sleeping in a nearby room could be exposed to dangerous levels before any behavioral cues are noticed by caregivers.
Elderly individuals and those with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions face another layer of vulnerability. For people with heart disease, anemia, or chronic lung conditions like COPD, the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity caused by carbon monoxide can trigger severe medical emergencies, including chest pain, arrhythmias, or respiratory failure, even at lower exposure levels that might only cause mild discomfort in a healthy adult. Furthermore, older adults may experience cognitive impairment or slower reaction times, making it harder for them to recognize the subtle signs of poisoning, such as confusion, nausea, or extreme fatigue, until the situation becomes critical.
Additionally, anyone sleeping in close proximity to the installed unit is at greater risk during nighttime hours. Since carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms often mimic the flu—headaches, drowsiness, and weakness—individuals may fall asleep or remain unaware of the danger until they lose consciousness. This is particularly dangerous because the gas does not wake people up; it lulls them into a state where escape becomes impossible. Therefore, the combination of the specific hardware defect in these Navien models and the physiological fragility of children, the elderly, and those with health conditions creates a high-stakes environment that requires immediate attention and remediation.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your water heater or boiler is part of this specific recall requires a bit of detective work, but the process is straightforward once you know where to look. The recall does not cover every Navien product; it is narrowly focused on specific condensing tankless water heaters and combination boilers that have been or will be converted from natural gas to propane gas using a particular kit. Therefore, the first step is to confirm your model number. You need to locate the label affixed to the side of your unit. This label contains critical information, including the product model number and the serial number. For this recall, you are only at risk if your device matches one of the following three model numbers: NPE-180A, NPE-180S, or NCB-180E. If your unit has a different model number, it is not included in this specific safety notice.
Once you have confirmed the model number, you must determine if your unit falls within the affected manufacturing window. The recall applies to units manufactured between July 9, 2018, and October 14, 2018. You can find this date encoded in the serial number on the same side label. The serial number format is designed to reveal the production date: the first two digits indicate the year, the next single digit indicates the month, and the final two digits indicate the day. For example, a serial number beginning with 18709 tells you the unit was made on July 9, 2018. In this system, the letter X represents the month of October. Therefore, any serial number containing 18X14 refers to October 14, 2018.
To help you verify your status quickly, here are the specific UPC codes and serial number patterns associated with the recalled inventory for each model:
- Navien Condensing Tankless Water Heater (Model NPE-180A): Look for UPC 884954974101. Affected serial numbers start with 7410x18709xxxx, 7410x188xxxxxx, 7410x189xxxxxx, or 7410x18X14xxxx.
- Navien Condensing Tankless Water Heater (Model NPE-180S): Look for UPC 884954974194. Affected serial numbers start with 7419x18709xxxx, 7419x188xxxxxx, 7419x189xxxxxx, or 7419x18X14xxxx.
- Navien Condensing Combination Boiler (Model NCB-180E): Look for UPC 884954966083. Affected serial numbers start with 6608x18709xxxx, 6608x188xxxxxx, 6608x189xxxxxx, or 6608x18X14xxxx.
If you have recently converted your system from natural gas to propane using a Navien kit, please check these details immediately. The recall specifically targets units that have undergone this conversion process. If your unit is still running on natural gas and has not been converted, it is not part of this particular recall action. However, if your model and serial number match the lists above, you are using a recalled product.
What to do — step by step
If you own a Navien condensing tankless water heater or combination boiler that has been converted from natural gas to propane, your immediate safety is the top priority. The recall centers on a specific conversion kit that can cause these units to produce excessive amounts of carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that poses a serious risk of poisoning. Because you cannot see, smell, or taste this danger, taking prompt action is essential to protecting your household. Please follow these steps carefully to ensure your safety and resolve the issue with your unit.
- Stop using the unit immediately. If your water heater or boiler is currently running on propane gas, turn it off right away. Do not attempt to use it for hot water or heating until the problem is fixed. This is not a situation where you can wait for a convenient time; the risk of carbon monoxide buildup is active and present as long as the faulty conversion kit remains installed.
- Install a working carbon monoxide alarm if you continue to use other gas appliances. If you have other gas-burning appliances in your home or must remain in the house while waiting for repairs, ensure you have a functioning carbon monoxide detector installed outside of sleeping areas. These alarms are your primary early warning system against silent poisoning. Test them regularly to make sure batteries are fresh and sensors are working. This step does not fix the heater, but it provides a critical layer of defense for your family.
- Contact Navien to request a free replacement conversion kit. Reach out to Navien directly to arrange for the remedy. You can call their recall hotline at 800-244-8202 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, or send an email to recall@navien.com. They will provide instructions on how to receive a free replacement kit that corrects the issue. You may also visit https://www.navieninc.com/news for additional information and updates on the recall process.
- Have the kit installed by a qualified professional. Once you receive the free replacement kit, do not attempt to install it yourself unless you are a licensed HVAC technician. Proper installation is crucial to ensure the unit operates safely and efficiently. Contact a certified plumber or heating specialist to swap out the old kit for the new one, verify the unit is venting correctly, and confirm that carbon monoxide levels are within safe limits.
Remember, this recall involves no reported incidents to date, but the potential for harm is real due to the nature of carbon monoxide exposure. By following these steps, you are not only complying with safety regulations but also taking proactive control over your home’s environment. If you have any questions about whether your specific model is affected, refer back to the model numbers and serial dates listed in the recall description before contacting Navien.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have confirmed that your Navien tankless water heater or combination boiler falls within the scope of this recall, you are entitled to a specific and straightforward remedy designed to resolve the safety issue without costing you a penny. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has worked with Navien to ensure that affected consumers receive a free replacement conversion kit. This is not a partial discount, a store credit, or a vague promise of future service; it is a complete, no-cost provision of the necessary hardware to correct the defect. Understanding what this entails and how to access it is the most important step in protecting your household from the risks associated with excessive carbon monoxide production.
The core of the remedy is the replacement conversion kit itself. The hazard identified in this recall stems from a specific kit that was installed to convert these units from natural gas to propane. That original kit malfunctioned, leading to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Navien’s solution is to provide you with a new, corrected conversion kit that does not carry the same risk. This means you do not need to purchase any new parts, nor do you need to pay for labor if you choose to have a professional installer handle the swap (though the recall notice specifically highlights the provision of the free kit). Your primary action is to request this kit directly from Navien.
To initiate this process, you must contact Navien through one of their designated official channels. You can call them at 800-244-8202. It is helpful to note that their support team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, so keep this window in mind when planning your call. Alternatively, you may reach out via email at recall@navien.com. If you prefer to handle the logistics online, you can visit https://www.navieninc.com/news for more information and likely to find a portal or additional instructions for submitting your claim. When you contact them, have your model number and serial number ready, as these are critical for verifying that your specific unit is covered.
While you await the arrival of your free replacement kit, it is crucial to understand what you should do with the equipment in the meantime. The remedy includes a safety instruction: you should immediately stop using the recalled water heaters and boilers if they are currently using propane gas. Do not attempt to use them until the new kit has been installed and verified by a professional. If you continue to use the unit while waiting for the repair, you must ensure that a working carbon monoxide alarm is installed outside of sleeping areas in your home. This is a vital interim safety measure, but it does not replace the need for the actual remedy.
There are no reported incidents or injuries associated with this recall as of the recall date of December 20, 2018, which is reassuring. However, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is severe and silent, so treating this recall with urgency is essential. The process is designed to be simple: you identify your model, you contact Navien, you receive a free kit, and you have it installed. There are no hidden fees or complex warranty claims to navigate beyond contacting their support team directly. By taking these steps, you are ensuring that your home remains safe and that your heating system operates without the risk of producing harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a recall involves carbon monoxide, the stakes are fundamentally different from a defective toaster or a wobbly chair. Carbon monoxide is often called the "silent killer" for good reason: it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. You cannot see it, smell it, or detect it with your senses without specialized equipment. If you continue to use a Navien tankless water heater or boiler that has been improperly converted from natural gas to propane, you are essentially inviting an invisible threat into your home environment. The specific hazard identified by the CPSC is that the conversion kit in question causes the unit to produce excessive amounts of carbon monoxide. Ignoring this warning means ignoring a steady, potentially lethal leak of gas.
The primary consequence of ignoring this recall is acute carbon monoxide poisoning. In its early stages, symptoms can be mild and easily mistaken for common illnesses like the flu, food poisoning, or fatigue. These may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Because these symptoms are non-specific, many people do not realize they are being poisoned until it is too late. As exposure continues or the concentration of gas increases, the effects worsen rapidly. Victims may experience loss of consciousness, seizures, and permanent damage to the brain and heart. In severe cases, or in confined spaces where ventilation is poor, exposure can lead to death before the individual even realizes something is wrong.
Vulnerable members of your household are at particular risk during this window of neglect. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions are less able to tolerate even low levels of carbon monoxide. For these groups, the threshold for severe symptoms is lower, meaning that a level of gas that might only cause a headache in a healthy adult could lead to hospitalization or worse for a child or senior citizen. Since water heaters and boilers are often located in basements, garages, or utility closets adjacent to living spaces, the gas can migrate into areas where people sleep or spend significant time, increasing the duration of exposure.
While the recall notice states that there have been no reported incidents or injuries at this time, that statistic reflects past events and does not guarantee future safety. The absence of current reports does not mean the risk is absent; it simply means a tragedy has not yet occurred in the documented cases. By delaying your remedy, you are gambling with the health and lives of everyone in your home. The only way to ensure that "nothing happens" is to act immediately. Continuing to use the unit while waiting for a replacement kit is dangerous, which is why the CPSC and Navien emphasize installing working carbon monoxide alarms outside sleeping areas as an interim safety measure. However, relying solely on an alarm is not a substitute for removing the source of the danger. If you ignore this recall, you are leaving a potential source of death running in your home, hoping that luck will outpace chemistry—a gamble no family should take.