• blog 2013 07 18 sears issues another recall about 795000 kenmore dehumidifiers

In early 2010, the electronics manufacturer LG announced a large recall of approximately 98,000 dehumidifiers because of fire and burn hazards for both consumers and households. The company had received 11 reports of property damage, showing that the recall was well warranted. Similarly, in 2012 Sears issued a recall of about 795,000 Kenmore Dehumidifiers for fire and burn hazards. Due to a lack of response from last year’s recall and new reports of fires and one burn injury, Sears re-issued the recall for the same number of units and the same reason this week, according to the CPSC.

The dehumidifiers have the potential to overheat, resulting in smoke, melting or a possible fire. Since the product was first recalled in August 2012, the company has received seven additional reports of shorting and fire incidents resulting from the product. One incident involved a severe burn to a consumer’s foot, and the company has also received reports of three fires that resulted in property damage in excess of $300,000. Sears had previously received more than 100 incident reports, which included “minor injuries and damages topping $7 million,” according to the Chicago Tribune.

The recalled units include Kenmore brand 35-, 50- and 70-pint dehumidifiers that were manufactured between 2003 and 2005 and have a fan and humidity controls. The white, plastic units have the Kenmore logo on their top front panels, and come with water buckets. A portion of the recalled units also have remote controls. The units were sold in the $140 to $220 price-range by Kmart and Sears from 2003 to 2009.

Consumers are urged to turn off and unplug the units. The Recall Fulfillment Center will give owners of the units a Sears gift card in the amount of either $75, $80, $90 or $100 dependent “on the capacity and year of the humidifier.” Consumers can request a check for a full refund instead of receiving a gift card. Additionally, the company will provide customers with a $25 Sears coupon for the purchase of a new Kenmore dehumidifier.