Latest Information on Dehumidifier Recalls

 In Indoor Air Quality

You may have seen the recall notices in the news or on social media. With so many recalls being issued, it is easy to confuse one with the other.   If you happen to own a dehumidifier, now would be the best time to check the brand.  Here is the shortlist of what has been issued in the last five years by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

  • Just recently, Gree re-announce it’s recall on November 29, 2016, which affects about 2.5 million units.  The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing serious fire and burn hazards to consumers.
  • Prior to that on November 2, 2016,  a recall was issued by CPSC on behalf of GD Midea for approximately 3.4 million dehumidifiers.The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing serious fire and burn hazards.
  • Recall date: April 29, 2014 – GE Brand Dehumidifiers by Midea Recalled for Repair Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Walmart. A component in the dehumidifier’s compressor can short circuit, posing a fire hazard.
  • Recall date: January 30, 2014 – Gree Expands Dehumidifier Recall to Include GE Brand Dehumidifiers Due to Serious Fire and Burn Hazards. The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
  • Recall date: September 12, 2013 – Gree Recalls 12 Brands of Dehumidifiers Due to Serious Fire and Burn Hazards; More Than $2 Million in Property Damage Reported. The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
  • Recall date: July 17, 2013 – Sears Reannounces Recall of Kenmore Dehumidifiers Due to Additional Reports of Fires, Burn, Low Consumer Response Rate.
  • Recall date: August 2, 2012 – Sears Recalls Kenmore® Dehumidifiers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards. The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, melt and catch on fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
  • Recall date: September 14, 2011 – Home Fires Prompt Dehumidifier Recall Reannouncement from LG Electronics. The power connector for the dehumidifier’s compressor can short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers and their property.

The latest recall puts the 5-year tally of the affected units over the 6 million mark.

Consumers can check HERE for the full list of brand names and to see if their dehumidifier is part of this latest recall.

If you have one, immediately turn it off, unplug it and contact the manufacturer for replacement, partial refund, or repair options.

The dehumidifiers involved in this latest recall have reported over 450 fires and $19 million in property damage.

And in recent years, the CPSC has recalled millions of other dehumidifiers after numerous reports of overheating and at least 121 fires.

Most of these units run constantly out of sight and out of mind in the basement.  The danger is high for personal injury and/or property damage.

Craigslist and Resale

With all the recalls of these units, some consumers feel that selling them online and through resale outlets, is one way to get rid of them and recoup any money they spent on them. Craigslist does not monitor whether someone is selling a recalled or faulty unit. Buyers need to be cognizant of the hazards of buying appliances second hand.

Alternative Solution

One solution to by-pass the headaches of owning one of these fire starters is to install a whole-home dehumidifier from Bryant. A Bryant dehumidifier offers soothing relief from high humidity and cooling costs, by drawing excess moisture from indoor air.  It lets you feel comfortable without over cooling your home, while also improving indoor air quality and helping to preserve wood furnishings. Learn more about improving your indoor air quality here.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Clint Pharo is a local HVAC Contractor in Madison, WI. He and his team of HVAC professionals at Pharo Heating & Cooling cover a broad range of services in commercial buildings, new home construction, and residential homes and locally represent Bryant Heating and Cooling Products. He regularly posts on his company’s blog at www.PharoHeating.com.

Burt Cavanaugh, CR is a Certified NARI Remodeler and partner in a marketing and design house in Madison, WI called Lion Tree Group. He regularly blogs at the Bark and Roar blog at www.LionTreeGroup.com.

 

 

 

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