The Wininger Law Firm - August 4, 2012
- Defective product
To keep their family as healthy as possible, parents will want to keep the humidity in their homes between 30 and 50 percent, the ideal humidity recommended by the EPA. If the air in a home is too wet, a dehumidifier can be used to reduce the level of humidity in the air.
Air that is too humid can cause mildew and mold to grow inside homes, which can then cause health problems. Very humid air can cause excessive sweating, condensation that can prevent laundry from drying properly, and is also the environment preferred by most pests, including clothes moths, fleas, cockroaches and dust mites.
There are many different types of dehumidifiers which are used in different environments. The most common type of dehumidifiers used in the home, are the mechanical/refrigerative type, and work by drawing moist air over a refrigerated coil with a small fan and are most effective at over 45 percent relative humidity. Unfortunately for some consumers, one big-name manufacturer of dehumidifiers is recalling 795,000 of their defective dehumidifiers.
According to an article in WIVB.com, both Sears and K-mart are recalling 795,000 Kenmore dehumidifiers that were made between 2003 and 2005 because of potential fire and burn hazards. The company said yesterday the dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, melt and catch fire. Sears has received 107 incident reports so far, and three were for smoke inhalation injuries. More than $7 million in property damage has resulted from the malfunctioning dehumidifiers.
Sears has made an announcement for consumers to immediately unplug and stop using the units. Owners of the recalled units can receive a Sears gift card or refund for the dehumidifiers. More information on the recalled dehumidifiers is available by calling Sears or by going on the website the company has set up at Kenmoredehumidifierrecall.com.