The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for more than 1.5 million Gree Dehumidifiers after it was found they could overheat and catch fire. The recall affects 42 models of dehumidifiers sold between January 2011 and February 2014. If you have one of the affected models of dehumidifier, you should cease using it and contact Gree for a refund.

What is Gree?

Gree Electric Appliances Inc. is a Chinese appliance manufacturing company based out of Zhuhai, China. Among other things, it makes residential air conditioners and HVAC systems, as well as dehumidifiers. The company is estimated to make more than $27 billion each year in revenue, and sells its products under a number of brand names internationally, including Kenmore, GE, SoleusAir, Seabreeze, and Norpole.

What Are These Dehumidifiers?

Dehumidifiers are a type of device intended to help remove moisture from the air of a room. They are often used in places that tend to get unusually damp or humid, such as basements, where moisture can collect in a home and result in mold or mildew. They are also often used by people with certain allergies, since the low humidity can help to mitigate their symptoms.

Why Are These Dehumidifiers Being Recalled?

The recall was issued after it was found they had a defect that could cause them to overheat, resulting in a risk of them smoking or catching fire. At least 688 incidents have been reported of the dehumidifiers overheating, resulting in at least 23 house fires that cost $168,000 in property damage. Fortunately, no injuries or deaths have been reported that relate to these incidents.

What Should You Do?

If you have one of these dehumidifiers, you should immediately cease use, unplug them, and contact Gree for a refund. If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of these devices overheating or catching fire, you should seek medical attention right away. After that, you should contact a lawyer with experience handling product liability cases, who can assist you in obtaining the compensation you rightly deserve.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.