Are your bathroom heaters a hidden fire risk?
You might not give your bathroom heater much thought, but if it’s a Serene S2068 model, it’s time to pay attention.
MBIE recently reminded Kiwis that 28,000 recalled heaters are still installed in homes, despite a compulsory recall issued last year. These wall-mounted bathroom heaters pose a serious fire risk, and fires linked to these units have already occurred.
If you’re a homeowner or landlord, it’s important to check your bathrooms (and any properties you’re responsible for) to see if you have a Serene S2068 bathroom heater. If you do, turn it off immediately and contact the supplier you bought it from. MBIE’s full recall details can be found here.
Why this matters for insurance
Beyond the obvious safety risks, there are also insurance implications. According to MBIE, the Insurance Council of New Zealand has advised that damage from a fire caused by these recalled heaters may not be covered, especially if you have knowingly disregarded the official recall instructions.
At initio, we want to make sure our customers stay safe and covered. That means staying informed and proactive when it comes to known risks like this one. If you’re aware of a product recall and choose to ignore it, you could jeopardise your cover if something goes wrong.
What you should do now
- Check your bathroom heater. If it’s a Serene S2068, stop using it.
- Spread the word. Tell friends, family, and tenants to check theirs too.
- Act quickly. Contact the supplier or an electrician to safely remove the heater.
Being aware of risks like these is part of being a responsible property owner, and it helps protect not just your home, but your insurance cover too.
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