There is a dehumidifier recall affecting over 2 million units. The dehumidifiers pose a burn risk because they can overheat and catch fire, according to more than 100 reports from consumers.
The recall, announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on August 4, 2021, covers over 120 different models produced by manufacturer New Widetech and sold under 20 different brands, including popular names like Honeywell, Friedrich, and Whirlpool. The units were sold at retailers nationwide, including major chains like Costco and Walmart, from 2009 to 2017.
New Widetech initiated the recall after learning of 107 incidents in which the units have overheated and/or caught fire, causing approximately $17 million total in property damage, according to the CPSC. While the units are clearly a burn hazard, the manufacturer says it has not received reports of injuries.
Brands affected by the dehumidifier recall include AeonAir, Amana, ArcticAire (Danby), Classic (Danby/Home Hardware Stores), Commercial Cool, Danby, Danby Designer, Danby Premiere, De’Longhi, Edgestar, Friedrich, Generations (Danby), Haier, Honeywell (JMATEK/AirTek), Idylis, Ivation, Perfect Aire, SuperClima, Whirlpool, and Whynter.
The recalled units are of various sizes, ranging in capacity from 25-pint to 74-pint. They were sold at prices ranging from $120 to $430 at stores across the U.S.—including Costco, Lowe’s, Menards, and Walmart—between February 2009 and August 2017. In addition to the estimated 2 million dehumidifiers recalled in the U.S., there are about 380,000 units being recalled in Canada and an additional 25,000 in Mexico.
To find out whether or not your dehumidifier is part of the recall, look at the nameplate sticker located on the back of the unit. This sticker will list the brand name, model number, and capacity (in pints). Consumers can check that information against the full list of recalled units posted in the CPSC recall notice. The CPSC also has photos showing examples of nameplate stickers on some of the recalled units.
Anyone who owns a recalled dehumidifier should stop using it immediately. Customers can contact New Widetech for a refund, but not in full. The amount of the refund will be prorated based on how old the unit is, according to the recall notice.
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