Unsafe Dehumidifiers Recalled
Unsafe dehumidifiers are the subject of a recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Approximately 198,000, GE and Professional Series brand dehumidifiers have been recalled due to a fire hazard.
These units were imported by GEA Products L.P., of Louisville, Ky., and CEM Global LLC (Professional Series) of China. They wee manufactured by GD Midea Air Conditioning Equipment Ltd., of China.
According to the CPSC, a component in the dehumidifier's compressor can short circuit, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
There have been 14 reports of incidents involving smoke and fumes emitting from the unit and eight reports of fires. In six of the reported fire incidents, property damage extended beyond the unit. No injuries have been reported.
Our Atlanta based attorneys recently concluded a case against another manufacturer of dehumidifiers in which a unit caught fire resulting in the death of a young child.
This recall involves 30-pint and 40-pint portable dehumidifiers manufactured between November 2006 and August 2007, and during April 2008. The dehumidifiers are white with a front-loading water bucket. "GE" or "Professional Series" and digital controls are located on top of the dehumidifier. Model and serial numbers are located on the back of the dehumidifiers. Model and serial numbers included in the recall are:
GE AHK30LK, AHW30LK, AHM30LK,
AHK40LK, AHH40LK, and AHM40LK VL1, ZL1, AM1, DM1, FM1,
GM1, HM1, LM1, MM1, RM1
CEM "Professional Series" PS78303 from C10102336010841 4100001
to C10102336010841 5103037
The units were sold at Walmart, Sam's Club, Home Depot, Menards and other retail stores nationwide from February 2007 through June 2009 for between $140 and $180.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dehumidifiers and contact Midea to determine if their product is included in the recall. Consumers with recalled dehumidifiers will return their product to an authorized service center for a free repair.
The company can be contacted toll-free at (877) 593-8721 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
