Dehumidifiers Are Constantly Recalled. How To Know If What You're Using Is Safe

Over the last decade, millions of dehumidifiers have been recalled due to their tendency to overheat and pose a risk of fire. It is suspected that some of these units could be responsible for four deaths and more than 450 fires. The vast recall spreads across multiple brands sold throughout the years at stores such as Home Depot, Walmart, and Lowe's. To find out if your dehumidifier is safe to use, make sure it has not been recalled. You can do this by checking the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) site that lists all the affected makes and models. You should also pay attention to the performance and age of your appliance even if it isn't under recall.

The wave of recalls began in September 2013. Many of the impacted units are manufactured by Gree Electric Appliances and were sold under recognizable electronic brands like GE, Kenmore, Frigidaire, and Danby. The CPSC expanded notice in 2014, 2015, and 2016, with a new set of recalls involving the manufacturer New Widetech in 2021. In 2023, the commission issued new alerts to renew pressure on homeowners to check their dehumidifiers after a series of deaths believed to be the result of house fires from a recalled model. As this applies to multiple brands, homeowners may be using a dangerous unit unknowingly, creating hidden fire hazards in the homes. You may have a dehumidifier from a well-known brand that seems to be working well, but it won't hurt to err on the side of caution. 

The quickest way to see if your unit is under recall is to check out the CPSC website. For the 2023 (and earlier) recall applying to units sold between 2011 and 2014, consult the Gree dehumidifier recall website to compare the affected labels with your own. If you have a pre-2017 model by New Widetech, visit the New Widetech recall page for more information and verification. For some brands, all date codes are affected, while others only have a set of date codes listed. This is why it's important to pay attention to your specific date and model number and verify it in the respective form. If you cannot find your model information, contact Gree Electric Appliances at 1-866-853-2802 or New Widetech at 1-877-251-1512.

If your dehumidifier has been recalled, unplug the unit to alleviate any fire risk. Then contact the applicable manufacturer for a refund and further instructions on discarding the product. Although common appliances, dehumidifiers are household items that are hazardous waste because they contain greenhouse gases and refrigerants, such as Freon. Your unit may also not be accepted in an e-waste collection program, due to the CPSC recall. Even if it has not been recalled, you should stop using your dehumidifier if it does not effectively remove humidity, has a frayed cord, or stops running. Most dehumidifiers last five to 10 years. If your model is older, consider it time for an upgrade.