Fire Hazard Alert- The Attic Fan That's Being Recalled And If You're At Risk

A major safety recall has been issued for a widely used attic fan motor, and homeowners across the country are being urged to act quickly. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), certain attic fan motors sold for more than a decade pose a real fire hazard. The issue stems from a faulty cutoff switch that may not engage properly, allowing the motor to overheat and, in some cases, spark flames. While attic fans are typically marketed as energy-saving tools to regulate airflow, these recalled units are doing the opposite — putting homes at unnecessary risk. If you want to protect your home against these fires, you should be well informed about which fans may be included in this specific recall.

Reports submitted to the CPSC reveal more than 150 incidents of these motors overheating or catching fire. The cases range from scorched insulation to full attic fires, underscoring the severity of the problem. Though no injuries have been reported so far, regulators aren't taking any risks, and they're urging anyone with an older attic fan to stop using it immediately until the motor can be identified. The recalled products were distributed across the country for a decade, making them relatively common in American homes. If your attic has been in place since the mid-2000s, you may want to take a close look at your fan. The manufacturer, Air Vent, has agreed to provide refunds to customers who own the affected motors, and the CPSC is encouraging homeowners to confirm whether their units are included in the recent recall. In light of this, it might be time to swap to a solar attic fan, especially if you're already in the market for a newer model.

The first thing to do to find out if your attic fan is one of the recalled models is to examine the motor itself. Every unit should have a label with a clear model number, and the recall specifically includes DOW-136-0-34-XIN, DOW-136-0-26-XIN, DOW-136-0-40-XIN, DOW-136-0-40-XIN-3/4", and D-RE-PSC-127/20-4P1SP. If your motor matches any of these numbers, it's part of the recall.

Another clue is in the physical design of the motor: these motors have a unique venting pattern on the end bell. Look for an alternating sequence of two long vents that sandwich two short vents around the outer edge of the motor itself. The pattern has been flagged by the Consumer Product Safety Committee as a clear visual indicator for affected products.

It's also important to consider when and where you purchased your attic fan. These motors were sold between 2003 and 2013 through major retailers such as Lowe's and ABC Supply. They were also available through wholesalers and online outlets. If your attic fan was bought outside of this timeframe, it is likely safe from this specific recall. If not, the safest step is to stop using the attic fan until you can confirm that it hasn't been recalled. Air Vent is offering refunds through their recall website, but you'll need proof of ownership – usually a photo of the model number and vent pattern. You can also contact them at 877-247-4878 for a refund. While it may seem like a hassle, attic fans are one of the hidden fire hazards around your home that most people don't think about. With more than 150 reports of overheating and fires, the danger with this product is real — and it's best to err on the side of caution to protect your home.