A
dehumidifier recall that we've written about twice before has been reissued by the
Consumer Product Safety Commission after the agency received four new complaints of fires, including one that caused substantial property damage.
In December, LG Electronics of China recalled
98,000 Goldstar and Comfort-Aire dehumidifiers because the power connector for the compressor can short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards. At the time the company had received 11 reports of property damage incidents involving arcing, heat, smoke, including four fires that spread to a building structure causing significant smoke and/or water damage.
Because the dehumidifiers were first recalled in the dead of winter when they probably weren't in use, consumers may not have heeded the announcement. It's like so many recalls that get missed or disregarded. But these dehumidifiers have already caused five serious fires, so take time to check out yours—especially during this sultry weather when it's likely in use.
The dehumidifiers were sold at Walmart, Home Depot and Heat Controller from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $140 and $150. (See
the recall notice for model numbers.) Consumers are being advised to stop using the units, unplug them and to contact LG for a free repair at (877) 220-0479 or via the
LG website.
