If you’ve ever enjoyed the gentle hum of an attic fan on a sweltering summer day, you know how essential these unsung heroes are for keeping our homes cool and comfortable.

But what if that same fan, quietly spinning above your head, could be putting your home at risk?

That’s the alarming reality for millions of Americans after a major recall was announced for attic fans sold over the past two decades.


Dallas-based Air Vent Inc., a well-known name in home ventilation, has issued a recall for a staggering 3 million attic fans after a serious fire hazard was discovered.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the electric motors in certain gable- and roof-mounted attic fans can short-circuit, potentially sparking a fire while in use.

The recall covers fans sold nationwide between August 2003 and December 2013—so if you’ve had a fan installed in the last 20 years, it’s time to take a closer look.

The issue came to light after Air Vent Inc. received 159 reports of burning or actual fires linked to these attic fan motors. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far, but the risk is real and significant.

The culprit? A faulty safety cutoff in the motor that can fail, leading to overheating and, in the worst cases, fire.


Here’s what to look for:

Distinctive Vent Pattern: The recalled motors have vents that align on the outer ring of the motor bell—a unique design feature that sets them apart.

Model Numbers: Check your attic fan for one of these model numbers

• 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

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If you have one of these fans, don’t panic—but do act quickly. Here’s your action plan:

1. Stop Using the Fan Immediately: Turn it off and leave it off until you’ve resolved the issue.
2. Contact Air Vent Inc.: Visit their website or call their customer service line to start the recall process. You’ll need to fill out an online registration and verification form, including photos of your attic fan motor.
3. Get Your Refund: Once your fan is verified as part of the recall, Air Vent will arrange for a refund.

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This isn’t the first time a household appliance has been recalled for fire risk, and it won’t be the last.

In fact, the CPSC reports thousands of home fires each year linked to faulty electrical products. Here are a few tips to keep your home safe:

1. Register New Appliances: Always fill out those warranty cards or online registrations. It’s the best way to get notified of recalls.
2. Check for Recalls Regularly: The CPSC website is a great resource for checking if any of your home appliances have been recalled.
3. Schedule Regular Inspections: Especially in older homes, have a licensed electrician check your wiring and attic fans every few years.
4. Install Smoke Detectors: Make sure you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms and in the attic.

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We know many of our readers are hands-on homeowners who take pride in maintaining their homes. Have you ever dealt with a product recall? Did you find the process easy or frustrating?