This whirlpool gas safety notice contains important information about a potential hazard that may affect your appliance.
Whirlpool gas appliance carbon monoxide safety advisory urges all households using Whirlpool gas ranges, cooktops, dryers, and water heaters to install and maintain functioning carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home — carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion in gas appliances, and CO poisoning kills approximately 400 Americans annually and sends another 100,000 to emergency rooms.
Why This Matters
All Whirlpool gas appliances produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion. Under normal operating conditions, CO is safely vented to the exterior. However, a blocked vent, malfunctioning burner, misaligned burner port, cracked heat exchanger in a gas dryer, or restricted gas dryer exhaust duct can cause CO to accumulate inside the home. CO is undetectable by human senses until concentrations are already at dangerous levels. Symptoms of CO poisoning — headache, dizziness, nausea — are frequently mistaken for flu, causing dangerous delays in evacuation and treatment.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Warning signs of CO exposure include headache, dizziness, or nausea that improves when leaving the home; multiple family members experiencing flu-like symptoms simultaneously; pets appearing lethargic or ill without explanation; yellow or orange flames on gas burners instead of blue; and the CO detector alarm activating.
Inspection Schedule
Test CO detectors monthly using the test button. Replace CO detector batteries annually. Replace CO detectors every 5–7 years per manufacturer guidance. Have all gas appliances professionally serviced every 2 years.
Required Action Steps
- Install a UL-listed carbon monoxide detector on every level of the home, including the basement — place them at breathing height on a wall or ceiling as directed by the manufacturer.
- Install a CO detector within 15 feet of every sleeping area — CO poisoning occurs most frequently during sleep when early symptoms go unnoticed.
- Test all CO detectors monthly using the test button and replace batteries annually.
- If a CO alarm sounds, evacuate all occupants immediately, leave doors open, and call 911 from outside — do not re-enter until cleared by emergency responders.
- Schedule annual professional inspection of all Whirlpool gas appliances including burner calibration, vent integrity, and heat exchanger condition.
- Contact Whirlpool at 1-866-698-2538 if any gas appliance shows yellow or orange flames, produces soot deposits, or makes unusual sounds during operation.
Contact information: Whirlpool Customer Support: 1-866-698-2538 | CPSC Recall Hotline: 1-800-638-2772 | cpsc.gov
Urgency Level: HIGH — INSTALL CO DETECTORS TODAY. If your home does not have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level, this is a critical safety gap that must be addressed immediately. CO detectors cost under $30 and are available at any hardware store.
Read this important safety alert regarding whirlpool gas appliance carbon monoxide detector advisory for affected Whirlpool models.
Related Resources
Review these related resources to stay informed about Whirlpool appliance safety and maintenance best practices.
For more information, visit CPSC Safety Education and Whirlpool Official Support.