January
31, 2002
Whirlpool
Corp., of Benton Harbor, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 1.4 million
dehumidifiers. The dehumidifiers can overheat, posing a fire hazard. Whirlpool
has received 13 reports of the dehumidifiers overheating and causing fires,
three of which resulted in extensive property damage. No injuries have been
reported.
The recalled dehumidifiers were sold under the Whirlpool, Kenmore and
ComfortAire brand names. The dehumidifiers are white plastic, about 2-feet high
and have a front-mounted water bucket. They have serial numbers that begin with
QG, QH, QJ, QK or QL. The serial number can be found on a label located on the
wall behind the water bucket. Department and appliance stores nationwide sold
the dehumidifiers from February 1997 through December 2001 for between $130 and
$260.
Consumers
should stop using these dehumidifiers and unplug them immediately. Contact
Whirlpool to arrange for a free repair at (866) 640-7139 anytime or visit the
firm's web site at http://www.repair.whirlpool.com/.
Whirlpool Media Contact: Christopher Wyse (616) 923-2727. Dehumidifiers with
water buckets located in back are not involved in the recall.