Release # 04-104

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Fedders Corporation, of Liberty Corner, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 13,500 window air conditioners with electric heat. If the outside fan blade becomes blocked when operating in the heating mode, this unit could present a fire hazard. Fedders has received 10 reports of fires with these units. There have been no reported injuries and no serious damage has resulted.

The units included in the recall are 8,000 BTU window air conditioners with electric heat sold under the brand names and model numbers shown below. The model and serial number is located on the air conditioner cabinet near the bar code. The serial number of included units of the listed models begin with the following two letter code:

Brand Name Fedders
Model Number AEQ08F2E
Serial Number Begins With AR, AS, ER, MR, JP, KP

Brand Name Maytag
Model Number MEQ08F2E
Serial Number Begins With AR, AS, ER FR, KR, KP, LR, MP, MR

Brand Name Comfort-Aire
Model Number RED-81
Serial Number Begins With DR, ER, KP, KR, LP

Major home centers and department stores, including The Home Depot and Wal-Mart, sold the units from January 2003 through February 2004 for about $400.

Consumers should turn off and unplug the unit and call Fedders toll-free at (866) 857-8015 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to arrange for a free, in-home repair. The repair will involve the installation of a heat shield on the unit by an authorized servicetechnician. Information concerning the repair can be found on Fedders Web site at www.fedders.com.

If you have any questions, you should always feel free to contact us.