CPSC Warns Consumers About Dehumidifier Fire Hazard; 1.56 Million More Units Recalled
About 450 fires and several deaths have been linked to the devices, first sold in 2005
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers of the risk of fire from dehumidifiers manufactured by Gree Electric Appliances and sold under 13 brand names, including Danby, Frigidaire, GE, and Kenmore. The warning covers 2.5 million dehumidifiers, some originally recalled as long as 10 years ago, as well as an additional 1.56 million dehumidifiers the company recalled today.
Consumers should immediately turn off and unplug the recalled dehumidifiers and contact Gree for a refund, the CPSC said.
The 42 models recalled today, manufactured between January 2011 and February 2014 and sold under the brand names GE, Kenmore, Norpole, Seabreeze, and SoleusAir, can overheat, smoke, and catch fire, according to the CPSC. It says Gree has received reports of at least 23 fires, 688 overheating incidents, and $168,000 in property damage related to the recalled units.
At the same time it announced today’s recall, the CPSC issued a warning to consumers to immediately check to see if their dehumidifier is part of the earlier Gree recall. That recall involved models sold under the brand names Danby, De’Longhi, Fedders, Fellini, Frigidaire, GE, Gree, Kenmore, Norpole, Premiere, Seabreeze, SoleusAir, and SuperClima. The agency says they can overheat, smoke, and catch fire. Dehumidifiers from this previous recall are potentially associated with four deaths, the CPSC said, all involving adults who died in house fires that may have been caused by the dehumidifiers. The commission noted more than 2,000 incidents of the recalled dehumidifiers overheating, along with about 450 fires resulting in more than $19 million in property damage.
Details of the Latest Gree Dehumidifier Recall
The recall: About 1.56 million dehumidifiers—42 models in all—sold under the brand names GE, Kenmore, Norpole, Seabreeze, and SoleusAir, and manufactured between January 2011 and February 2014.
The risk: The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
Incidents/injuries: Gree has received reports of at least 23 fires, 688 incidents of overheating, and $168,000 in property damage associated with the recalled dehumidifiers.
Where and when sold: The models were sold at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, Sam’s Club, Sears, Walmart, and other stores nationwide, starting in 2011 through 2014. Prices were $110 to $400.
The remedy: Consumers should check model numbers on the CPSC or Gree website to see if their dehumidifier has been recalled. The brand name and pint capacity are printed on the back, front, or side of the device. The model number and date code are printed on a sticker on the back, front, or side of the unit. Consumers should immediately stop using them, unplug the units, and contact Gree to receive a refund.
Details of the Previous Gree Dehumidifier Recalls
The recall: About 2.5 million units—plus 55,000 sold in Canada—sold under the brand names Danby, De’Longhi, Fedders, Fellini, Frigidaire, GE, Gree, Kenmore, Norpole, Premiere, Seabreeze, SoleusAir, and SuperClima. This recall was first announced in September 2013, updated in October 2013, expanded in January 2014, and published again in November 2016.
The risk: The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
Incidents/injuries: There have been more than 2,000 reported incidents of dehumidifiers overheating. About 450 fires have been reported, resulting in more than $19 million in property damage. The CPSC says the dehumidifiers are potentially associated with four deaths.
Where and when sold: AAFES, HH Gregg, Home Depot, Kmart, Lowe’s, Menards, Mills Fleet Farm, Sam’s Club, Sears, Walmart, and other stores nationwide and in Canada, and online at Amazon and Ebay.com, from January 2005 through August 2013 for $110 to $400.
The remedy: Consumers should check model numbers that are associated with the original recall on the CPSC warning or Gree recall page. The brand name and the pint capacity are printed on the front of the dehumidifier. The model number and date code are printed on a sticker on the back, front, or side of the unit. The CPSC urges consumers to immediately turn off and unplug the recalled dehumidifiers.
For information about a refund, call Gree at 866-853-2802 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to greedehumidifierrecall.com. Have your model number ready.
To report a defective product, call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 or go to SaferProducts.gov.
