Dehumidifier Recall Issued After $2M In Fire Damage: Major Brands Affected

Following reports of at least 46 fires, which have resulted in property damage of $2.1 million, a recall has been issued for about 2.2 million dehumidifiers sold under a number of different brand labels, including Kenmore and Frigidaire.  

The massive dehumidifier recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on September 12, after multiple manufacturers received reports that the dehumidifiers may overheat and catch fire, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

In addition to reports involving fires and property damage, at least 100 other incidents have been reported where the dehumidifiers overheated and smoked. Although no injuries have yet been associated with the dehumidifier problems, substantial property damage has been suffered.

The recall includes multiple brand names, including Kenmore, Frigidaire, Gree, Danby, De’Longhi, Fedders, Norpole, Premiere, Seabreeze, SoleusAir, and SuperClima. The affected dehumidifiers have 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 65, and 70 pint sizes and were sold in white, beige, gray, or black plastic and measure between 19 and 24 inches tall, 13 and 15 inches wide, and 9and 11 inches deep.

Consumers may identify the recalled dehumidifiers by locating the model number and date code located on the front or the back on the product and consulting with the full list of recalled dehumidifiers by visiting http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Gree-Recalls-12-Brands-of-Dehumidifiers/.

The recalled dehumidifiers were all manufactured in China by Gree Electric Appliances and imported by the following companies; Airwell of France; CAN of Wood Dale, Illinois; Danby of Ontario, Canada; De’Longhi of Italy; Frigidaire, of Charlotte, N.C.; Gree USA Sales Ltd. of City of Industry, Calif.; IRP of Pineville, N.C.; MJC America Ltd. Soleus International Inc. of Walnut, Calif.; and Sunrise of Quebec, Canada.

The products were sold at AAFES, HH Greg, Home Depot, Kmart, Lowe’s, Menards, Mills Fleet Farm, Sam’s Club, Sears, and other various appliance stores nationwide and in Canada as well as online at Amazon.com and Ebay.com from January 2005 through August 2013 for between $110 and $400.

The CPSC recommends that consumers unplug and stop using the products immediately and contact Gree at 866-853-2802 or visit the company’s website at www.greeusa.com for information on how to obtain a full refund.