Massive Dehumidifier Recall; GE and Kenmore Among 52 Brands Included

Massive Dehumidifier Recall; GE and Kenmore Included

Millions of dehumidifiers that were sold in North America for over a decade have been recalled because of reports that they can overheat, emit smoke, and have the potential to burst into flames. The defective dehumidifiers have been linked to GD Midea Air Conditioning Equipment Ltd. in China, who provided their products to 52 brands, including GE, Honeywell, Kenmore, Daewoo, and Hyundai. Authorities said that multiple Midea models, including the 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 75-pint, have the potential to cause burns and property damage.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of around 3.4 million units in the U.S. after 38 alleged reports of smoke and fire came to light. According to the CPSC, the incidents have led to approximately $4.8 million in property damage. Another 850,000 units were sold in Canada. Midea has claimed that at the time of the recall no incidents of injury had been reported. The $100 to $300 dehumidifiers in question were sold at Lowes, P.C. Richard & Son, Menards and other consumer appliance stores across the country between January 2003 and December 2013.

Recent Dehumidifier Recalls

This is the latest recall in a troubling trend of dangerous dehumidifiers recalled by the CPSC. In 2013, the safety commission recalled more than 2.5 million dehumidifiers for the same problems; overheating, smoke, and flames. Those units were also made in China, but by a different manufacturer. That time it was Gree Electric Appliances Inc., who sold their products under 13 brand names including GE, Kenmore, and their own. Those faulty Gree dehumidifiers—sold between January 2005 and August 2013—were linked to at least 87 incidents of smoke or fire and over $3 million in property damages, but that was a separate recall.

Owners of recalled Midea dehumidifiers have been instructed to immediately unplug their units and contact the company to determine their options. Consumers who purchased their dehumidifier before October 2008 will be entitled to a partial refund—purchased after October 1^st and Midea will send a replacement. To register for the recall, consumers will need the brand, model, and serial number.

To find out if your dehumidifier is affected see: https://www.recallrtr.com/dehumidifier