View this article online: https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2012/08/03/211290.htm
Sears announced the voluntary recall of 795,000 Kenmore dehumidifiers. The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, melt and catch on fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The firm has received 107 reports of incidents, with more than $7 million in property damage and three reports of smoke inhalation injuries.
The recall involves 35-, 50- and 70-pint dehumidifiers with a Kenmore logo on the front top of the unit, manufactured between 2003 and 2005. The dehumidifiers are made of white plastic and are between 21 and 24 inches tall, about 15 inches wide and about 13.5 inches in depth. They have fan and humidity controls on their top front panels and some models include remote controls. They come with front-loading water buckets. The model number can be found on the right side of the interior of the unit once the bucket has been removed.
The dehumidifiers were manufactured by LG Electronics (Tianjin) Appliance Co., Ltd., of Tianjin, China, and sold exclusively by Sears and Kmart stores nationwide and Sears.com and Kmart.com from 2003 to 2009 for between $140 and $220.
Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. CPSC reminds consumers that it is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Recalled units have the following model numbers:
35-pint (2004) – 580.54351400
50-pint (2003) – 580.53509300
70-pint (2003) – 580.53701300
70-pint (2004) – 580.54701400
70-pint (2005) – 580.54701500
Consumers should immediately turn off and unplug the dehumidifiers and contact the firm to receive a Sears gift card for either $75, $80, $90 or $100, which may be used at any Sears or Kmart store or at Sears.com or Kmart.com. The gift card amount will depend on the capacity and year of the dehumidifier. In lieu of a gift card, consumers may request a check for the refund amount. All consumers with recalled units will also receive a $25 coupon that may be used at Sears Department Stores or Sears.com toward the purchase of a new Kenmore dehumidifier.