Dehumidifiers make our homes comfortable by reducing humidity levels in the warmer months and removing musty smells caused by allergens, mold, and mildew. However, more than 2-million dehumidifiers made by Gree have been recalled over the last several years due to defects that cause them to overheat and catch on fire.
Dehumidifier Recalls and Devastating Fires
The recalled dehumidifiers are manufactured by Gree and sold under a number of brand names, including some very familiar ones, such as Kenmore, Frigidaire, GE, Danby, Premiere, De’Longhi, SuperClima, Fedders, Fellini, Norpole, Seabreeze, and SoleusAir.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “[t]he dehumidifier can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing serious fire and burn hazards to consumers.” At the time of the most recent recall, the CPSC identified more than 2,000 reported incidents of dehumidifiers overheating, approximately 450 catching and/or causing fires, and causing more than $19,000,000 million in property damage.
Approximately 2.5 million units sold in the United States, and about 55,000 units that were sold in Canada, have been recalled. This recall was first announced in September 2013, updated in October 2013, and expanded in January 2014. The recall was updated and re-announced in November of 2016. Yet, even with the extensive, multi-year recall, these units are still being used in homes in the U.S.
These dehumidifiers are manufactured in China were sold in department, home improvement, and online stores. It was common to see them on Amazon or eBay and on the shelves of Home Depot, HH Gregg, Kmart, Lowe’s, Menards, Mills Fleet Farm, Sam’s Club, Sears, Walmart, AAFES, and many others.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission
“This recall involves 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 65 and 70-pint dehumidifiers with brand names Danby, De’Longhi, Fedders, Fellini, Frigidaire, GE, Gree, Kenmore, Norpole, Premiere, Seabreeze, SoleusAir and SuperClima. Recalled model numbers and date codes are listed below. 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. The dehumidifiers are 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."
Danby or Premiere
Model number
Capacity
Date code range
De’Longhi or SuperClima
Model number
Capacity
Date code range
Fedders
Model number
Capacity
Date code range
Fellini
Model number
Capacity
Date code range
Frigidaire
Model number
Capacity
Date code range
GE
Model number
Capacity
Date code range
Gree
Model number
Capacity
Date code range
Kenmore
Model number
Capacity
Date code range
Norpole
Model number
Capacity
Date code range
Seabreeze
Model number
Capacity
Date code range
SoleusAir
Model number
Capacity
Date code range
Contact our Chicago Product Liability Litigation Team for Help
House fires are devastating. Homeowners are faced with deciding how to repair the physical damages to their homes while also coming to terms with the destruction of both replaceable valuables and irreplaceable family heirlooms. Families also may have to heal from physical and emotional injuries caused by the blaze.
At Meyers & Flowers, our litigation team is prepared to assist those who have suffered a fire in their home due to defective dehumidifiers. Our trial lawyers have garnered a reputation for excellence in the courtroom, and we offer our assistance for your case.
Connect with us at once if you or your family member was injured due to a dehumidifier fire – we offer a free case evaluation and can advise you how to proceed with legal action.