Honeywell Thermostat Recall: May Overheat, Melt and Burn

About 77,000 Honeywell electric baseboard and fan heater thermostats have been recalled after a number of reports suggest that they may melt or begin to smoke.  

The thermostat recall was announced on July 28 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after Honeywell International, Inc., the manufacturer, received at least 16 reports of the units melting. There have been no injuries reported in connection with the defective thermostats.

According to the CPSC, the units overheated, which caused them to melt and smoke. The CPSC has determined that the thermostats pose a burn hazard to consumers.

The recall affects five models of Honeywell thermostats and two models released under the “Cadet” label. The affected thermostats have “Honeywell” or “Cadet” printed on the front. The model numbers for the recalled Honeywell thermostats are CT1950A1003, CT1950B1002, CT1957A1008, T4700B1014, T4700A1016. The model numbers for the recalled Cadet thermostats are T4700B1030 and T4700A1040. All of the models have a four-digit date code along with the model number printed on a label inside the front cover. Only those units with date codes beginning with 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 or 06 are affected by the recall.

The thermostats were sold at HVAC, electrical and home improvement stores, and were also used by contractors, from January 2000 through December 2007 and cost between $80 and $300.

The CPSC recommends that consumers immediately stop using the affected thermostats by turning them off or down to 45 degrees. Only the models with a letter “B” in the model number have an off switch. Consumers can contact Honeywell at (888)235-7363 or visit www.yourhome.honeywell.com/T4700 for instructions on how to have a free replacement installed by Honeywell or more information.