Nearly 200,000 GE brand and CEM Professional Series brand portable dehumidifiers are being recalled because a compressor assembly can short circuit, posing a fire hazard, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Fourteen incidents involving smoke and fumes have been reported, including 8 fires, six of which involved property damage. No injuries have been reported.
The recall affects 30-pint and 40-pint dehumidifiers manufactured by GD Midea Air Conditioning Equipment Ltd. of China between November 2006 and August 2007 and during April 2008. They were imported by GEA Products LP of Louisville, KY and CEM Global LLC of China.
The dehumidifiers are white with front-loading water buckets and digital controls are located on the top.
The serial numbers for the GE brand begin with:
- VL1
- ZL1
- AM1
- DM1
- FM1
- GM1
- HM1
- LM1
- MM1
- RM1
The serial number for the CEM brand ranges from C101023360108414100001 to C101023360108415103037. The model numbers and serial numbers of the recalled units are listed on this announcement from the CPSC.
The units were sold at Walmart, Sam’s Club, The Home Depot, Menard’s, and other retailers nationwide between February 2007 and June 2009 for $140 – $180. Some units were sold in Canada and South America, according to GE.
Consumers should unplug and stop using their dehumidifiers and contact GD Midea, the manufacturer, at 1-877-593-8721 to determine if their unit qualifies for a free repair at an authorized service center. Products should not be returned to the store where it was purchased. For more details, click here for the GE Appliances FAQ site or recallverification.com.
