Recalled Dehumidifiers Blamed for $17M in Property Damage

 Article Courtesy of REALTOR® Magazine

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled more than 2 million dehumidifiers over fears that the units could overheat and potentially catch fire. No injuries have been reported yet. But the recalled dehumidifiers have been blamed for more than $17 million in property damages over 107 incidents.

Consumers who own one of the recalled units are advised to stop using it immediately. The units affected in the recall are made by New Widetech. They are sold under the following multiple brand names:

• AeonAir
• Amana
• ArcticAire (Danby)
• Classic (Danby/Home Hardware Stores)
• Commercial Cool
• Danby
• Danby Designer
• Danby Premiere
• De’Longhi
• Edgestar
• Friedrich
• Generations (Danby)
• Haier
• Honeywell (JMATECK/AirTek)
• Idylis
• Ivation
• Perfect Aire
• SuplerClima
• Whirlpool
• Whynter

Find the specific model number and capacities for the affected units at the CPSC’s website.

The affected units—sold between February 2009 to August 2017—were sold at retailers including Lowe’s, Costco, Walmart, and Menards stores. The prices on the units recalled ranged between $120 to $430.

Those who own one of the faulty units should contact New Widetech to apply for a refund. Consumers should not expect to receive a full refund of the original price but a prorated refund based on the age of the dehumidifier.

Source: 

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissionand “Dangerous Dehumidifers Sold at Lowe’s, Costco, Walmart, and Menards Recalled Over Fire Hazard Fears,” Fast Company (Aug. 6, 2021)