Warning: Space Heaters Sold at Costco Recalled Over Fire Hazard, Check Yours Now!
Hundreds of thousands of popular space heaters sold at retail giants like Costco, Home Depot, Amazon, and Walmart are under a massive recall due to a severe fire hazard. If you've used a portable heater to warm up a chilly room, this news is for you, and it's critical you read this now. This isn't just a minor product issue; these units can overheat, melt, and ignite, putting your home and family at immediate risk.
I've dug through the official recall notices from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada to create the most comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide. My goal is to give you the facts you need to get your money back and find a safer way to stay warm.
Here is everything you need to know about the space heater recalls, broken down by brand, model, and what you must do next.
1. The Big Picture: Understanding the Scale of the Space Heater Recall
This isn't one isolated incident. It's a series of recalls from some of the biggest names in home appliances. We're talking about millions of units sold across the United States and Canada over the past several years.
- Vornado recalled over 255,000 tower heaters in the US on June 4, 2026.
- Govee and GoveeLife recalled a staggering 512,000 smart electric space heaters in November 2024 due to overheating.
- Atomi recalled its Smart Tower and Tabletop Heaters, which were sold exclusively at Costco.
The common thread? These products pose a serious fire risk. The CPSC and Health Canada are urging consumers to stop using them immediately. So, let's figure out if yours is on the list.
2. The Suspects: Which Space Heaters Are Being Recalled?
Let's get into the nitty-gritty. Below is a breakdown of each major recall, complete with model numbers, sale dates, and where you might have bought them.
The Vornado Recall: Models, Dates, and the Fire Hazard
Brand: Vornado
Product: SRTH Small Room Tower Heater
Why? The fan blade can detach from the motor shaft. This causes the fan to stop, leading to severe overheating. Melted internal parts can then ignite, posing a fire hazard, even if the safety fuse doesn't work as it should. Vornado received 32 reports of overheating, including eight fires and one smoke inhalation incident.
Affected Models & Identifying Info:
- Model: SRTH (SRTH Small Room Tower Heater)
- Item Number (Costco): 1002889
- UPC: 043765008478.
- Color Variations: Black and "Ice White".
Where and When Were They Sold?
These heaters were sold nationwide at major retailers including Costco, Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and ACE Hardware. They were also available online at Vornado.com and Amazon.com. The sale period was incredibly long: from August 2013 through May 2026 for between $40 and $50.
A Quick Reflection: This is a particularly alarming recall because of how long these heaters were on the market, a full 13 years.
The Govee & GoveeLife Recall: The Smart Heater Fire and Burn Risk
Brands: GoveeLife and Govee
Product: Smart Electric Space Heaters
Why? These smart heaters can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards. An official CPSC investigation determined they do not comply with the voluntary industry safety standard UL 1278, and their wireless control features create an overheating risk. There have been 113 reports of these heaters overheating, including seven fires and one minor burn.
Affected Models (Look for these numbers):
- H7130 (including the H7130101 variation)
- H7131
- H7132
- H7133
- H7134
- H7135
Where and When Were They Sold?
They were sold primarily online through Amazon, the Govee app, and the TikTok shop from September 2021 through September 2024 for between $30 and $150.
The Atomi Recall: The Firmware Fire Hazard (Exclusively at Costco)
Brand: Atomi
Product: Smart Tower Heater and Smart Tabletop Heater
Why? A firmware issue can cause the heater to turn on without any user input, posing a fire hazard risk. While Atomi hasn't received any incident reports, the recall was issued proactively.
Affected Models & Identifying Info:
- Smart Tower Heater: Costco Item #1501184, Model AT1513
- Smart Tabletop Heater: Costco Item #1497868, Model AT1514
Where and When Were They Sold?
These were sold exclusively at Costco warehouses and on Costco.ca between November 2020 and April 2024.
3. Immediate Danger: Why Are These Heaters Dangerous? (A Simple Explanation)
Think of a space heater like a tiny, powerful oven. It needs a fan to blow the hot air away from its heating elements. If that fan stops (like in the Vornado recall), the oven just keeps getting hotter and hotter, melting its own casing and lighting anything nearby on fire.
Similarly, the Govee recall is like a toaster that doesn't know when to pop up. The smart features that should make it convenient go haywire, and the heating element stays on far longer than it should, causing it to overheat dangerously.
In all cases, the potential for a devastating house fire is real.
4. Urgent Action Required: Immediate Steps to Take if You Own a Recalled Heater
If you see your model on the list above, stop reading for a second and do this right now:
- Unplug the heater immediately. Do not use it for any reason.
- Move it to a safe, non-flammable area, like a garage floor or a driveway, away from your home.
- Do not throw it away. You will likely need to prove you have destroyed it to get your refund.
After you've unplugged it, come back here, and let's get your money back.
5. Your Money Back: How to Get a Full Refund on Your Recalled Space Heater
Each company has a slightly different refund process. I've broken them down simply for you.
How to Get a Refund from Vornado
You must contact the Vornado Recall Team directly.
- Call: 1-844-205-7978.
- Visit Their Recall Website: https://recalls.vornado.com/recall/srth.
- What They'll Ask For: Instructions on how to submit photos of your product and proof of destruction to receive a full refund.
How to Get a Refund from Govee / GoveeLife
The refund process for Govee is very specific. You must destroy your heater.
- Unplug the space heater.
- Cut the power cord completely off the unit.
- Take a clear photo of the destroyed heater, the manufacturer's label, and the SN Code on the bottom or side of the unit.
- Submit your claim online at https://recall.goveelife.com/heater-recall.
- If you have your original order number, you'll receive a full refund. Without it, your refund will range from $31.80 to $106.63, depending on your heater model.
How to Get a Refund from Atomi
This is the easiest process of the three.
- Simply return the recalled heater to your local Costco warehouse for a full refund.
- You can also call Atomi support at 1-888-770-7140 or visit www.atomiheaterrecall.com/ for more information.
6. Stay Safe This Winter: Choosing a Safe and Effective Space Heater
Once you've dealt with your recalled unit, you'll likely still need a way to stay warm. Here's how to choose a safe and reliable space heater and use it correctly.
Look for These Safety Certifications
Avoid any heater that lacks independent safety certifications. These are your non-negotiable green flags:
- UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
- ETL (Intertek)
- CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
A heater bearing one of these marks has passed rigorous independent safety tests.
Non-Negotiable Safety Features to Look For
- Tip-Over Safety Switch: This automatically shuts the heater off if it's knocked over. This is the #1 feature to demand.
- Overheat Protection: This is an internal sensor that turns the heater off if it starts to get too hot.
- Cool-Touch Exterior: Ensures the outside of the heater doesn't get scalding hot, making it safer if you have kids or pets.
CPSC Safe Usage Tips
Safety isn't just about the product; it's about how you use it. Follow these CPSC guidelines every time.
The 3-Foot Rule
Create a "circle of safety." Keep your space heater at least 3 feet away from anything flammable: curtains, furniture, bedding, papers, or even you.
Plug it In Correctly
Always plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet, never into an extension cord, power strip, or surge protector. Most home fires from space heaters start because they overload extension cords, causing them to melt and ignite.
Never Leave it Unattended
Turn your space heater off every time you leave the room or go to sleep. An unattended heater is a recipe for disaster.
The Right Spot
Place it on a level, hard, non-flammable surface, like a ceramic tile floor. Avoid rugs and carpets, and never put it on furniture or a table where it could tip over.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I bought a recalled heater at a garage sale. Can I still get a refund?
A: It's unlikely. The refund process typically requires proof of purchase, photos of the destroyed unit, or returning it to the original retailer. It's always worth contacting the manufacturer directly to ask, but don't get your hopes up.
Q: Are all space heaters from Costco dangerous?
A: Absolutely not. This recall only applies to specific Vornado and Atomi models. Costco sells many high-quality, safe products. This is about the specific units we listed.
Q. How do I find out about future recalls before my family gets hurt?
A: The best way is to sign up for email alerts directly from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. It takes 30 seconds and can literally save your life
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