The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall for more than 3 million dehumidifiers in the U.S., due to a possible fire and smoke hazard. The dehumidifiers in question were manufactured by Midea and sold at Lowes from 2003 to 2013. According officials, Midea has received an estimated 38 reports of smoke and fire, along with $4.8 million worth of property damage. Currently, there are no reports of injuries. The defective dehumidifiers are sold under various brand names including GE, Kenmore, and Frigidaire.
This is not the first time such appliances have been recalled. In past years, the CPSC has recalled millions of other dehumidifiers after numerous reports of overheating and more than 100 reported fires. The primary danger comes from its constant usage – homeowners often have dehumidifiers running all day away from their view, which makes it difficult to spot the potential danger.
Beware of Secondary Market Selling
Consumers should also look out for defective humidifiers that are being sold in secondary markets. An ABC News investigation uncovered thousands of recalled, dangerous dehumidifiers and other products were still being purchased and brought into homes by unsuspecting consumers. Because of the little to no policing of such infractions, there is virtually no way to monitor how many defective or dangerous products are being sold in secondary markets.
According to the commission’s report, consumers who purchased dehumidifiers that were manufactured before October 1, 2008 will receive a partial refund. Manufacturing dates can be found on the back of dehumidifier units.
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