Over 2 million dehumidifiers sold under at least 20 different brand names have been recalled over concerns that the products could overheat and cause fires. According to a report on Gizmodo.com, at least 107 incidents have been reported involving these devices, totaling about $17 million in property damage. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall to protect users from the dangers created by the overheating problem.
Details of the Recall
The dehumidifiers were sold under various names but were all produced by New Widetech in Taiwan. While at least 2 million dehumidifiers are being recalled in the United States, there are about 380,000 units in Canada and roughly 25,000 in Mexico. Some recalled brand names include AeonAir, Danby, Edgestar, Friedrich, Honeywell, SuperClima, and Whirlpool.
The complete list of specific brand names and model numbers for the recalled units are listed on the CPSC website. Owners of the recalled products are encouraged to call New Widetech at 877-251-1512.
Those who have these products won’t get a full refund on the purchase price. According to CPSC, the refund amount will be prorated based on the age of the dehumidifier. The newer the unit, the higher the refund is likely to be. If you own one of these recalled products, the CPSC advises you to stop using them immediately.
Product Liability Issues
Any malfunctioning device or appliance has the potential to cause serious injuries. Defectively designed and manufactured appliances have been linked to home fires, burn injuries, smoke inhalation injuries, and even fatal fire accidents.
Victims of defective appliances should preserve the damaged product for a thorough inspection. They also may have it in their best interest to speak with an experienced product liability attorney who will help them pursue compensation for their losses from the at-fault manufacturer of the defective product.
An experienced product liability attorney will know how to prove that a product is defective. If it hasn’t been recalled, the dangerous product may already be under investigation by the manufacturer or by the CPSC. Compensation may be available for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, suffering, and other related damages. A skilled product defect attorney will fight to hold the at-fault manufacturer or corporation accountable for all the losses the victim suffered.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/2-million-dehumidifiers-recalled-over-fire-hazard-after-1847426854
