North Texas company recalls nearly 3 million roof-mounted attic fans. Here’s why

A Dallas company is pulling almost three million attic fan motors off the market after federal safety regulators found a defect that could cause fires.

The recall affects gable- and roof-mounted fans sold nationwide for more than a decade, raising concerns for many homeowners who may not even realize they have one.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says a faulty safety cutoff in the motor can short circuit, creating a risk of overheating and fire.

So far, officials have logged more than 150 reports of the fans burning or smoking, though no injuries have been reported.

The fans were manufactured by Dallas-based company Air Vent and sold between 2003 and 2013, meaning thousands could still be in homes across North Texas and beyond.

If you own one of these attic fans, safety officials say you should stop using it right away. Here’s what to know.

Why are these attic fans being recalled?

The problem stems from a faulty safety cutoff switch that doesn’t work properly.

When the motor overheats, instead of shutting down safely, it may short circuit and catch fire.

The CPSC says this issue has already been linked to at least 159 incidents of burning or smoking fan motors.

Upon entering the attic to assess if you’ve been affected, CPSC warns consumers to:

“Ensure proper lighting. Wear appropriate clothing, footwear, and protective equipment. Watch your step and avoid weak or unstable flooring. Avoid contact with exposed wires, mechanical systems, and potentially sharp objects.”

Which attic fan models are included?

The recall covers several model numbers. If you spot one of these codes on your attic fan motor, your unit is affected:

• DOW-136-0-34-XIN
• DOW-136-0-26-XIN
• DOW-136-0-40-XIN
• DOW-136-0-40-XIN-3/4”
• D-RE-PSC-127/20-4P1SP

“The motors can be identified by the distinctive vent pattern on the motor end bells,” CPSC said in an August 28 news release. “Motors without the distinctive vent pattern on the motor end bells are not subject to the recall.”

What should homeowners do next?

Consumers are urged to contact Air Vent to receive a refund.

By phone: Call 877-247-4878, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Online: Visit powermaxmotorrecall.expertinquiry.com.

The CPSC says customers will need to complete an online registration form and provide photos of their attic fan motor for verification.