Millions of Dehumidifiers Recalled as Fire Reports Soar

If you use a dehumidifier in your home or business, it is imperative that you check if it is included in this recall.

About 2.5 million dehumidifiers manufactured by Gree Electric Appliances, of China, and sold in the United States under more than a dozen brand names are recalled after hundreds of reports of the units overheating and in many cases resulting in fires that caused significant property damage.

In addition, another 55,000 of these dehumidifiers are recalled in Canada.

The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Affected by the recall are Danby, De’Longhi, Fedders, Fellini, Frigidaire, GE, Gree, Kenmore, Norpole, Premiere, Seabreeze, SoleusAir and SuperClima brand dehumidifiers with capacities of 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 65 and 70 pints.

Gree initiated the recall in September 2013 and expanded it in January 2014. The company is offering a refund.

According to a release by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), reported incidents of dehumidifiers overheating increased by nearly 400% since the initial recall, from 119 reports to 471 reports. The number of fires associated with these dehumidifiers increased from 46 to 121 reports. Property damage reports have more than doubled from $2.15 million to nearly $4.5 million since the original recall.

Consumers may have purchased one of these dehumidifiers for $110-$400 from January 2005 through August 2013 at these retailers: AAFES, HH Gregg, Home Depot, Kmart, Lowe’s, Menards, Mills Fleet Farm, Sam’s Club, Sears, Walmart or other stores across the United States and in Canada, and online at Amazon.com and Ebay.com.

These dehumidifiers vary in appearance and color. They are made of white, beige, gray or black plastic and measure between 19 and 24 inches tall, 13 and 15 inches wide, and 9 and 11 inches deep. Consumers need to locate the model number and date code on a sticker affixed to the exterior of the dehumidifier and use that information to check the chart of recalled dehumidifiers below.

Consumers should stop using the dehumidifier immediately, turn it off and unplug it.

To receive a refund, contact Gree toll-free at (866) 853-2802 or visit www.greedehumidifierrecall.com for more information.