On December 30, 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co. of China announced a voluntary recall of approximately 98,000 portable dehumidifiers due to a potential fire and burn hazard. The defective products have a power connector in the dehumidifier’s compressor that can short circuit.
The recall affects 30-pint portable dehumidifiers sold under the following brand names:
- Goldstar, model number GHD30Y7 (serial numbers 611TAxx00001 though 08400, 611TAxx08401 through 40600, 612TAxx00001 through 20400, and 612TAxx21001 through 30600)
- Goldstar, model number DH305Y7 (serial numbers 612TAxx00001 through 00600, 701TAxx00001 through 16800, and 702TAxx00001 through 03000)
- Comfort-Aire, model number BHD-301-C (serial numbers 611TAxx00001 through 01697, 612TAxx00001 through 04200, 701TAxx00001 through 00578, and 710TAxx00001 through 00599)
The recalled products are white with a red shut-off button, with controls for fan speed and humidity level and a front-loading water bucket.
LG Electronics has received 11 reports of incidents involving arcing, heat, and smoke, including four fires that were sparked by the dehumidifiers that led to significant smoke and water damage in buildings. The defective products were sold in Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and Heat Controller Inc. stores nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008.
Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled products immediately and contact LG at 877-220-0479 to receive a free repair.