Services
Testimonials
Privacy Policy
Our Inspectors
View Contract
Your Report
Career Info
REALTORS
Library
FAQ's
Links

National
Certificate Holder
Click to Verify

NEWS FOR ONTARIO HOME OWNERS
Re: Warranty Replacement of Faulty Gas Furnace Vents

Just a short note to follow up on previous discussions about high temperature plastic vents (HTPV) on mid-efficiency gas furnaces, boilers and hot water tanks.  There was previously in Ontario, only a partial allowance afforded for upgrade of HTPV systems: $200- from the builder, $200 from ONHWP, and $100- from the gas companies for each affected home.

The Ontario New Home Warranty Program (ONHWP) has recently joined the class-action suit against the manufacturers of HTPV systems, and is currently assuming the cost of any and all upgrades to these systems in homes which were built under the ONHWP.   The warranty is transferable to subsequent owners.

Ontario home owners can contact the ONHWP by calling toll-free 1-800-387-7861.

ONHWP requires the following information:
1. The ONHWP Certificate Number (if the homeowner doesn't have the warranty certificate, the number can be found on the adhesive label applied to the face of the electrical distribution (breaker) panel.
2. The make, model and serial number from the plate on the top, side or inside the front panel of the furnace.

A representative will then contact ONHWP's nearest preferred supplier, who will contact the homeowner to make an appointment to inspect the furnace venting system, and
1. replace the system immediately if required, or
2. the homeowner may choose to accept credit of the same value as the vent replacement, toward the purchase of a new high-efficiency furnace.

Click on these links for previous articles on the topic of High Temperature Plastic Vents:
http://www.allaroundthehouse.com/lib.vw.na16.htm
http://www.allaroundthehouse.com/lib.def.na45.htm

See also:  Defective High Temperature Plastic Vent (HTPV)

NOTES REGARDING HTPV:  July 1999

1.  Most high-temp plastic vents (HTPV) are grey, beige or black.  They usually have red/orange rubbery glue at the joints, and are stamped or labelled as "Ultravent", "Sel-vent", or "Plexvent". 

2.  These pipes may exist on some HWT's and hot water heating systems, as well as forced-air furnaces.

3.  For furnaces, only HTPV systems that have vent pipes that go through the sidewalls of structures (horizontal systems) normally require replacement - however, it would be prudent to have all systems checked where these pipes are present, even if part of the venting system has already been replaced.

4.  For boilers, all HTPV systems are subject to complete replacement.

5.  For hot water tanks, and some furnaces, just the first 1-2 feet are replaced with metal - but you might want to have yours double-checked anyway, by a licensed contractor.

6.  In the USA, where no action was taken until last year, about 250,000 homeowners are entitled to a cost free replacement of their vent pipes, since a "landmark announcement" made February 24, 1998.

7.  We learned in July '99, by making a curiosity call to ONHWP, that they have joined the class-action suit against the manufacturers, and are assuming the cost for replacement in all homes built under the warranty program.  The ONHWP warranty is transferable, and there is presently no expiry date established for HTPV replacements under the program.

Back to Directory

[ Home ] [ Up ]