By Craig Zammit
SYDNEY: Panasonic Australia has issued a voluntary recall of several air conditioner models sold between January 2001 and August 2004, after Panasonic identified occurrences of overheating and heat scarring.
The recall was initiated when Panasonic identified instances of a burnt soft-start resistor, which impacts electrical usage at start-up and, in extreme cases, may have caused the overheating and heat scarring.
The units affected include CU-A281KR, CU-C281KR, CU-A28BKP5 and CU-C28BKP5 models.
“Panasonic takes its responsibilities to its customers, and its values, very seriously. Having identified a problem, it has worked hard to find a solution and the voluntary recall is an integral part of that process,” said Panasonic in a statement on its website.
“Given Panasonic’s desire to support its customers, even those who have air conditioning units that have expired warranties, we are voluntarily minimising the risk and cost to our customers by undertaking the voluntary recall.”
While Panasonic insist the air conditioning units are still useable, the company states consumers should operate them in accordance with the initial instructions.
Additionally, to err on the side of caution, Panasonic suggests affected consumers should call 1800 216 676 between 10.00am and 9.00pm EST Mondays to Fridays, or 10.00am to 5.00pm EST on Saturdays.