A HEATING systems company has been forced to recall a number of its heat pumps following an explosion in a Chard street.

Mitsubishi Electric has asked for a return of its Japanese-made Ecodan pumps after a failure on a unit in Alun Rees Way on July 9.

Jo Farley and Christopher Wey were getting their four young children ready for school when the external heat pump blew up in their back garden at 8.30am.

An investigation has found that the accumulator part on the W85 unit failed under pressure due to a manufacturing fault.

The part is designed to control the level of liquid refrigerant, the chemical used in the heating process, in the system.

Russell Jones, Mitsubishi spokesman said: “The pump works like a fridge in reverse – taking in warm air, upgrading it and transferring the heat to the water supply.

“We are writing to all our agents to find a list of properties who have the Ecodan installed and all homeowners affected will receive a letter.”

Dan Rowlandson, Yarlington Homes spokesman said: “Although the risk is extremely low Mitsubishi recommended that all the appliances should be turned off pending a full replacement programme.

“All properties have been visited and contacted and all the appliances have been isolated. We are now awaiting notification from Mitsubishi of the replacement programme.”

A freephone helpline has been set up for customers affected on 0800-783-1764.

To see a video of how the Ecodan system works or to check if your model might be one of those recalled follow the links below.