Home Fires Prompt Dehumidifier Recall Reannouncement from LG Electronics
Recall 11324 · Sep 14, 2011 · LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co.
98,000
units affected
98,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 11324
- Date
- Sep 14, 2011
- Company
- LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co.
- Units affected
- 98,000
- Product
- Goldstar or Comfort-Aire dehumidifiers
- Product type
- Dehumidifiers
- Remedy
- Repair
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
The recall involves the 30-pint portable dehumidifiers sold under the Goldstar and Comfort-Aire brands. The dehumidifiers are white with a red shut-off button, controls for fan speed and humidity control, and a front-loading water bucket. "Goldstar" or "Comfort-Aire" is printed on the front. Model and serial number ranges included in this recall are listed in the table below. The model and serial numbers are located on the interior of the dehumidifier, and can be seen when the water bucket is removed. Brand Model No. Serial Number Range Sold at Goldstar GHD30Y7 611TAxx00001 through 08400 611TAxx08401 through 40600 612TAxx00001 through 20400 612TAxx21001 through 30600 Home Depot Goldstar DH305Y7 612TAxx00001 through 00600 701TAxx00001 through 16800 702TAxx00001 through 03000 Walmart Comfort-Aire BHD-301-C 611TA000001 through 001697 612TA000001 through 004200 701TA000001 through 000578 710TA000001 through 000599 Various retailers, including Ace Hardware, Do It Best and Orgill Inc.
What can happen
The power connector for the dehumidifier's compressor can short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers and their property.
The fix
Anyone who has the recalled dehumidifiers is strongly encouraged to immediately stop using them, unplug them, and contact LG Electronics for the free repair.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- The dehumidifiers were first recalled in December 2009 following eleven incidents, including four significant fires. Since that time, the company has received sixteen additional incident reports of arcing, smoke and fire associated with the dehumidifiers, including nine significant fires. No injuries have been reported. Fires are reported to have caused more than $1 million in property damage including: - $500,000 in damage to a home in Gibsonia, Pa.
- Sold at
- The Home Depot, Walmart, Ace Hardware, Do It Best, Orgill Inc., and other retailers nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $140 and $150.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled goldstar or comfort-aire dehumidifiers?
Anyone who has the recalled dehumidifiers is strongly encouraged to immediately stop using them, unplug them, and contact LG Electronics for the free repair.
What is the hazard?
The power connector for the dehumidifier's compressor can short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers and their property.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.