"A widespread recall of Amana through-the-wall units highlights a critical safety issue affecting commercial and multi-unit residential properties, underscoring the importance of tenant and guest vigilance and owner accountability in addressing fire risks."
Approximately 4,633 Amana through-the-wall air conditioners and heat pumps have been recalled by Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing due to a significant fire hazard. The issue stems from a snubber circuit within the control board that can short and emit flames, posing a serious risk of injury and property damage. This recall predominantly impacts units installed in hotels, apartment buildings, and commercial spaces, meaning a large number of individuals who sleep or work near these appliances do not own them and have limited direct control over their maintenance or replacement.
Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing, based in Houston, has acknowledged receiving two reports detailing a component on the control board shorting. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with these incidents. In addition to the units distributed within the United States, 126 affected units were also sold in Canada. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a formal recall notice, clearly describing the hazard: the snubber circuit’s potential to emit flames if it shorts, thereby creating a substantial fire risk. Consumers are strongly advised to cease using the affected products immediately.
The recall specifically encompasses five Amana models, all identifiable by model numbers beginning with the prefix "PB." Four of these are air conditioning units: PBC092J00AA, PBC093J00AA, PBC122J00AA, and PBC123J00AA. The fifth unit is a heat pump, model PBH092J12AA. These units are characterized by their white exterior, with the Amana brand name typically visible on most control covers. Crucial identification details, including the model and serial numbers, are located on a white sticker situated on the front edge of the base pan, at the very bottom front of the unit.
These recalled appliances were sold nationwide through direct sales and distribution channels between April 2025 and June 2026, with retail prices ranging from $625 to $900. The manufacturing origin for these units is India. It is important to distinguish through-the-wall units from their window-mounted counterparts. Through-the-wall units are permanently installed into a sleeve that is cut through an exterior wall and are not designed for seasonal removal. This permanent integration into the building’s structure presents unique safety considerations in the event of a malfunction. While a window unit can be quickly removed and poses a more contained risk due to its visibility from both interior and exterior, a wall unit is integrated into the building envelope. This integration can create pathways for fire to spread into insulation and interior wall cavities, a risk not typically associated with more portable appliances.
The distribution method of these units is a critical aspect of this recall, particularly for the individuals most at risk. Because the units were primarily sold to property owners and distribution customers rather than directly to individual consumers at retail locations, the responsibility for addressing the defect often falls on those who do not directly use the equipment. This creates a potential disconnect between the users experiencing the risk and the individuals empowered to enact a solution.
For tenants residing in apartment buildings equipped with a recalled unit, identifying the model number is the first step, which can be done by examining the sticker on the base pan. However, the subsequent actions require communication with a landlord or property manager. This is because the remedy, which involves filing a claim for a refund or replacement, must be initiated by the owner of the unit. Tenants who find themselves in this situation are advised to document the model and serial numbers of the unit and to submit their request for action in writing, retaining a copy for their records. If a building owner is unresponsive, tenants may consider contacting local code enforcement or a housing authority. It is important to note that renters’ rights can vary significantly by jurisdiction, and this information should be considered general guidance rather than legal counsel.
Hotel guests face an even more immediate and limited window of exposure. Should a guest detect a burning smell, observe smoke, or hear popping sounds emanating from a wall unit, the immediate and safest course of action is to evacuate the room and report the issue to the front desk without delay. Attempting to switch off the unit or continue the stay in the affected room is strongly discouraged.
Daikin is offering a full refund for the recalled units, but the process involves specific steps designed to ensure the unit is permanently disabled and cannot be resold or reinstalled. Consumers must provide their contact information, physically cut the product’s power cord, and then upload photographic evidence of both the serial number and the severed cord. This requirement to cut the power cord serves a dual purpose: it renders the unit inoperable, thereby preventing its reuse, and it necessitates a period without climate control until a replacement can be installed.
Claims can be submitted by contacting Daikin directly at 833-730-0939 during weekdays or by visiting the manufacturer’s dedicated recall page, accessible via a "Product Recall" link typically found at the bottom right of the company’s website. Health Canada has also issued a parallel recall notice for units sold within Canada, mirroring the safety concerns raised in the United States.
Given that these units function as both air conditioners and heat pumps, their deactivation can result in the loss of both cooling and heating capabilities for a room. The timing of this recall, occurring in early September, places it on the cusp of the heating season in many regions, raising particular concerns for occupants who rely on these units for warmth. For most healthy adults, a temporary absence of climate control in a single room might be an inconvenience. However, for certain vulnerable populations, it can present a significant health risk. Individuals such as older adults, infants, those with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, and individuals taking medications that affect their body’s ability to regulate temperature are more susceptible to extreme heat and cold.
Anyone residing in a building where a recalled unit is slated for removal should proactively inquire with the property manager about the projected timeline for replacement and the availability of temporary heating or cooling solutions during the interim period. It is important to exercise caution with alternative heating methods, such as portable space heaters, as these also carry their own fire risks. They should be kept clear of bedding, curtains, and furniture, plugged directly into a wall outlet (avoiding extension cords), and never left running unattended overnight.
The broader safety implications of this recall extend beyond this specific brand. Any wall-mounted appliance that exhibits signs of malfunction, such as a burning smell, visible smoke, sparking, scorch marks around the housing, or a circuit breaker that repeatedly trips, should be immediately shut off at the breaker panel and reported. These warning signs warrant a professional inspection, regardless of whether a recall has been officially announced. Consumers can report such product safety issues through the SaferProducts.gov website.
Federal law strictly prohibits the sale of any product that is subject to a recall. Property owners responsible for replacing recalled units must ensure that the removed equipment is not resold. Similarly, individuals purchasing used HVAC equipment should verify the model numbers against the current CPSC recalls index to ensure they are not inadvertently installing a hazardous appliance.
Key Questions Answered
Which units are recalled?
Amana through-the-wall air conditioners and heat pumps with model numbers PBC092J00AA, PBC093J00AA, PBC122J00AA, PBC123J00AA, and PBH092J12AA.
Where do I find the model number?
On a white sticker located on the front edge of the base pan, at the bottom front of the unit.
What is the hazard?
The snubber circuit inside the unit can short and emit flames, creating a fire risk. Two reports of a control board component shorting have been received, with no injuries reported.
Where were these units installed?
They were sold through direct sales and distribution nationwide, most often into hotels, apartment buildings, and commercial spaces rather than to individual homeowners.
What should a renter do?
Check the model number, notify the landlord or property manager in writing, and keep a copy of the communication. The refund claim must be filed by the owner of the unit.
How does the refund work?
Consumers must provide contact information, cut the power cord of the unit, and upload photos of the serial number and the cut cord to receive a full refund.
What warning signs matter before a recall is announced?
A burning smell, visible smoke, sparking, scorch marks around the housing, or a breaker that trips repeatedly all warrant shutting the unit off at the breaker and calling for professional inspection.
