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Health Canada says some models of Vesta tankless water heaters have an exhaust duct that can crack, causing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Health Canada handout
Health Canada is recalling a brand of tankless water heaters over carbon monoxide poisoning risks.
The Vesta brand’s VRP and VRS model water heaters are said to have an exhaust duct that can crack, according to an Oct. 16 Health Canada notice. This can allow gases to escape and get into the home, posing a carbon monoxide poisoning risk.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause serious injury and even death, the agency said.
It recommended that customers “immediately stop using the recalled product” and contact the company to have a free repair installed by a certified technician.
There were 3,496 units sold in Canada between May 2017 and July 2025. In the United States, 36,700 were sold at plumbing stores between the same dates.
The agency said all serial numbers for the VRP and VRS models are subject to the recall. VRP-Plus and VRS-Plus models are also included in the recall, covering all products with serial numbers starting with 6LM and 6LN, as well as those with serial numbers starting with 6LO followed by the character A, B, C, D, E, or F.
The bolded model number can be found on the white label located on the side of the water heater.
Health Canada said the following model numbers are impacted by the recall:
VRP-Plus 150, dark grey, with model number ABB1645-A06310060 and UPC 810139790037
VRP-Plus 199, dark grey, with model number ABB1645-A09310060 and UPC 810139790044
VRP-150, white, with model number ABB0845-A06310060 and UPC 680051565149
VRP-199, white, with model number ABB0845-A09310060 and UPC 680051565156
VRS-Plus 150, dark grey, with model number ABB1545-A06310060 and UPC 810139790051
VRP-Plus 199, dark grey, with model number ABB1545-A09310060 and UPC 810139790068
VRS-150, white, with model number ABB0945-A06310060 and UPC 680051565125
VRS-199, white, with model number ABB0945-A09310060 and UPC 680051565132
The company said it has received 10 reports of cracks on the exhaust ducts of the water heaters, and there have been no reports of injury as of Oct. 10. In the United States, the company said it received 33 reports of cracked exhaust ducts and no reports of injury. The water heaters were manufactured in South Korea.
Health Canada said carbon monoxide is difficult to detect as it has no smell, taste, or colour, and that it can only be detected with a carbon monoxide alarm. The agency said that breathing it in can reduce the body’s ability to carry oxygen in blood.
Symptoms of low-level exposure to carbon monoxide include tiredness, headaches, flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, and impaired motor functions like muscle weakness, Health Canada said. Those who are exposed to low levels for longer periods of time may experience dizziness, chest pain, poor vision, and difficulty thinking. Higher levels of exposure can cause coma, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and death.
