Sunday, May 18, 2014

Dehumidifiers recalled after overheating, fires

Appliance manufacturer Gree has issued another recall for a line of its dehumidifiers after consumers failed to heed the initial recall last year, leading to fires and property damage.

The Gree dehumidifiers, sold under numerous brand names, can overheat, smoke and catch fire, placing consumers at risk.

About 2.5 million units have been sold in the United States and 55,000 in Canada. This recall was first announced in September 2013, updated in October and expanded in January.

Since the original recall the number of reported incidents of overheating has increased to 471, and the number of reported fires to 121.

When first recalled, these dehumidifiers had caused approximately $2.15 million in property damages, but that has since doubled to $4.5 million.

The recall involves dehumidifiers with capacity ranging from 20 to 70 pints, sold under the brand names: Danby, De'Longhi, Fedders, Fellini, Frigidaire, GE, Gree, Kenmore, Norpole, Premiere, Seabreeze, SoleusAir and SuperClima.

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The products were removed from all retail outlets in 2013. They were sold at the following retailers: AAFES, HH Gregg, Home Depot, Kmart, Lowe's, Menards, Mills Fleet Farm, Sam's Club, Sears and Walmart, as well as online at Amazon.com and eBay.com.

The dehumidifiers are white, beige, black or gray and are between 19-24 inches tall, 13-15 inches wide, and 9-11 inches deep. 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.

Recall brands, model numbers, and date codes are listed on the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website at www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Gree-Reannounces-Dehumidifier-Recall.

Consumers should immediately turn off and unplug the dehumidifiers and contact Gree toll free for a full refund at 86! 6-853-2802 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.greeusa.com and click on Recall for more information.

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