Gree Electric Appliances Inc. is recalling 1.56 million dehumidifier units due to the risk of fire and burn hazards. The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, and catch fire, posing a danger to consumers.
How many incidents have been reported?
To date, there have been 23 fires caused by the defective units, along with 688 incidents of overheating and $168,000 in property damage. In addition, there were reports of two deaths caused by house fires started by the dehumidifiers.
Which brands are affected?
A total of 42 dehumidifier models under brand names such as Kenmore, GE, SoleusAir, Norpole, and Seabreeze are included in the recall. These units were manufactured between January 2011 and February 2014.
Where were the recalled units sold?
The recalled units were sold at various stores across the United States, including Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, Sam's Club, Sears, and Walmart between 2011 and 2014.
What should consumers do if they have a recalled unit?
Consumers should stop using the recalled dehumidifiers immediately, unplug them, and contact Gree for a full refund. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has provided a list of the recalled units on their website for consumers to check if their unit is affected.
How can consumers receive a refund?
To receive a refund, consumers can visit Gree's refund announcement page and fill in their information. Gree will then contact them in six to eight weeks with further instructions on how to register for the recall.