Programmable Thermostats Recall: Details

Nearly 200,000 energy-saving White-Rodgers thermostats are being recalled because their batteries may leak and catch fire. Here's what you need to know about the simple fix that will protect your property.

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white-rodgers programmable thermostat recall

White-Rodgers is recalling nearly 200,000 programmable thermostats.

Photo: CPSC

By Dan Shapley

The Daily Green has been recommending for years that homeowners install programmable thermostats to save energy, and if you took our advice, check the brand, model number and date code to find out if it's among the nearly 200,000 programmable thermostats that White-Rodgers is recalling today.

The White-Rodgers recall was prompted by several reports of fire caused by leaking AA batteries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the device continually charges the backup batteries use to power the clock, resulting in fire hazard.

The recall includes 180,000 devices in the U.S. and 8,300 in Canada.

The programmable thermostats, made in China, were installed as part of an energy demand reduction program by more than 40 utility companies in North America. They cost homeowners about $150.

Customers should remove the AA batteries and contact White-Rodgers for a free repair kit. Also contact the company if furnace function changes after removing the batteries. Call 888-624-1901 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit regcen.com/thermostat.

The recall includes thermostats with White Rodgers or participating utilities names printed on the front, and the following distinguishing characteristics: