More Than Two Million Dehumidifiers From Major Brands Recalled for Fire Hazard
Check the recall alert to see if your model is on the list
The Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced the recall of 2 million dehumidifiers from major brands because they can overheat and catch fire. The manufacturer, New Widetech, has been notified of 107 incidents of the recalled dehumidifiers overheating and/or catching fire, resulting in about $17 million in property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Consumer Reports tests dehumidifiers. Though we tested some of the recalled models in the past—they were sold between 2009 and 2017—none are currently in our ratings. The brand names include AeonAir, Amana, ArcticAire, Danby, DeLonghi, Edgestar, Friedrich, Haier, Honeywell, Idylis, Whirlpool, and Whynter, among others.
With the high heat and humidity, summer is prime season for dehumidifiers, and many homeowners keep them running around the clock. And if you have a particularly damp basement or crawl space, you may be running yours year-round. Whatever the situation, it’s important to check your model number to see whether it’s on the recall list in the CPSC notice, which is quite extensive.
Details of Dehumidifier Recall
The recall: About 2 million dehumidifiers in the U.S., in addition to 380,000 in Canada and 25,000 in Mexico. The recall involves 25-, 30-, 35-, 45-, 50-, 60-, 65-, 70-, and 74-pint dehumidifiers with brand names including AeonAir, Amana, ArcticAire (Danby), Classic (Danby/Home Hardware Stores), Commercial Cool, Danby, Danby Designer, Danby Premiere, DeLonghi, Edgestar, Friedrich, Generations (Danby), Haier, Honeywell (JMATEK/AirTek), Idylis, Ivation, Perfect Aire, SuperClima, Whirlpool, and Whynter. The brand name, model number, and pint capacity are printed on the nameplate sticker on the back of the dehumidifier.
The risk: The recalled dehumidifiers can overheat and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards.
Incidents/injuries: New Widetech, the manufacturer, is aware of 107 incidents of the recalled dehumidifiers overheating and/or catching fire, resulting in about $17 million in property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Where and when sold: The dehumidifiers were sold at Lowe’s, Costco, Walmart, Menards, and other retailers nationwide from February 2009 through August 2017 for $120 to $430.
The remedy: Consumers should stop using the dehumidifier and contact New Widetech for a refund. The amount of the refund will be prorated based on the age of the dehumidifier.
Contact information: Call New Widetech at 877-251-1512 or go the website, at www.recallrtr.com/nwtdehumidifier, for more information.
Report a defective product: Call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 or go to saferproducts.gov.
