February 1, 2001

Carrier (Puerto Rico) Inc. Announces Recall of Air Conditioners Sold in Puerto Rico

Carrier (Puerto Rico) Inc., of Cantano, Puerto Rico, is voluntarily recalling about 460 air conditioners. Condensation inside these air conditioning units can splash onto the control board, causing it to short circuit and start a fire. Carrier has received two reports of fires as a result of short circuits with these air conditioning units resulting in extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The recall involves Carrier duct-free "high wall split air conditioners." These air conditioners have half the unit inside and half outside. Each half of the unit contains a separate model number. Model number 42RCA is located on the plastic grill covering on the inside part of the unit. Model number 38RCA is located on the lower rear side on the outside part of the unit. "Carrier" is written on the front of these units. Independent dealers and technicians in Puerto Rico sold these air conditioners from January 1998 through September 1999 for between $800 and $2,000.

Consumers should stop using these air conditioners immediately, and call Carrier to get a free replacement unit installed. For more information, call Carrier at (787) 275-7175 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.