98,000 home dehumidifiers recalled for fire hazard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urgently warning owners of home dehumidifiers to check their units. Certain 30-pint dehumidifiers made by LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co. have a dangerous electrical flaw that pose fire and burn hazards. The faulty dehumidifiers have already caused nine significant home fires and more than one million dollars in property damage.

Today's warning stems from a December 2009 recall of the LG-made dehumidifiers sold under the Goldstar and Comfort-Aire brand names. The CPSC had determined back then that the power connectors to the dehumidifiers' compressors could short out and cause a fire. At the time 11 incidents were reported, including four fires.

However, since that initial recall, the CPSC reports it has received 16 additional reports of electrical arcing, smoke or fire from owners with the faulty dehumidifiers. What's more, only two percent of the 98,000 units owned by consumers have been returned for the free repair offered by LG under the original recall notice, prompting the CPSC to issue today's alert.

The recalled dehumidifiers were sold at various retailers nationwide (see table) for about $140 to $150 from January 2007 to June 2008. The models are white with a red shut-off button, controls for fan speed and humidity control, and feature a front-loading water-catching bucket. Removing the water bucket, consumers can view the manufacturer's label for the following information:

The CPSC strongly recommends owners of dehumidifiers affected by this recall to immediately stop using the unit and unplug the appliance from electrical sockets. Consumers should also contact LG (toll-free: 877-220-0479) for the free repair or further information.

The three recalled Goldstar and Comfort-Aire 30-pint dehumidifiers made by LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co. (Models are not to scale.)
Photo: CPSC

—Paul Eng