Sears Roebuck and Co. is recalling hundreds of thousands of Kenmore dehumidifiers due to fire and burn hazards associated with use of these products.
According to an announcement issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the recall was issued by Sears on Aug. 2, 2012. Listed by CPSC are risks the units can "overheat, smoke, melt and catch on fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers."
The safety agency reported 107 reports of incidents, which include three reports of smoke inhalation related injuries. Additionally, the incidents reported over $7 million in property damages were received stemming from dehumidifier-related malfunctions.
The estimated 795,000 products affected were sold exclusively through Sears and Kmart stores from 2003 to 2009 for between $140 and $220. The products were manufactured by LG Electronics (Tianjin) Appliance Co., Ltd., of Tianjin, China from 2003 to 2005.
The model numbers associated with the recalled products are 35-pint (2004) - 580.54351400, 50-pint (2003) - 580.53509300, 70-pint (2003) - 580.53701300, 70-pint (2004) - 580.54701400, and 70-pint (2005) - 580.54701500.
Consumers are being advised by Kenmore to unplug these units immediately and do not use. For full description and pictures of the affected recalled dehumidifiers, please visit the CPSC announcement page.
Additionally, if you think you may own one of the affected dehumidifiers, you can also check your unit on a designated web page set up by Kenmore. You'll need to have the model number of the unit on hand.
Consumers who have purchased one of these products will receive a Sears gift card for $75, $80, $90 or $100, depending on the model bought and the year the dehumidifier was made. The company is also providing a $25 coupon that can be used at Sears or Sears.com to purchase a new unit. Those that do not want a gift card can request a check.
Consumers with concerns or questions can contact the Recall Fulfillment Center at (855) 400-4641 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT Saturday (this is a toll-free number) or visit www.Kenmoredehumidifierrecall.com for information.