Vornado Space Heater Recall Issued Following Reports Of 15 Fires
A recall has been issued for an estimated 350,000 Vornado electrical space heaters, following at least 15 reports of the devices overheating and catching on fire.
The Vornado space heater recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on April 4, due to the unreasonable risk of fires caused by the space heaters.
The recall involves Vornado VH101 Personal Vortex electrical space heaters, which measure about 7.2 inches long by 7.8 inches wide by 7.10 inches high. The space heaters are equipped with two heat settings that allow a fan only and no heat setting with high or low options. The units were sold in black, coral orange, grayed jade, cinnamon, fig, ice white and red and have the brand name “Vornado” with a “V” behind it printed on the front of the unit.
The recalled space heaters were manufactured in China under Vornado Air LLC, of Andover, Kansas. They were distributed for sale throughout the United States at Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, Menards, Orchard Supply, Target, and other stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Target.com, Vornado.com and various other online retailers from August 2009 through March 2018 for about $30.
According to the CPSC, an estimated 350,000 impacted units were distributed throughout the U.S. for sale.
Space heaters are among the most dangerous household items that, if not used properly or returned after recalls were issued, can result in total home losses and fatalities. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2011 through 2015, space heater equipment was involved in an estimated 54,030 reported U.S. home structure fires resulting in 480 fatalities, 1,470 injuries and an estimated $1.1 billion in direct property damage.
Customers are being asked to stop using the recalled electrical space heaters immediately and to unplug them from outlets. Customers should contact Vornado toll-free at 855-215-5131 or visit them online at www.vornado.com and navigate to the “Recalls” tab for information on how to receive a full refund or a replacement heater.