How to Know Your 2 Million Desiccant Has Been Recalled (and When to Replace Anyway)
The August heat and humidity not only make the outside feel uncomfortable, but also make the insides of our homes sticky and uncomfortable. If you are dealing with humidity all year round or seasonally, you can use a dehumidifier to control the indoor climate. It’s a smart move, but it’s also important to remember that, like other household appliances, air dryers need regular maintenance and don’t last forever.
On top of that, this week the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of more than two million air dryers sold in the United States. Here’s how to know if yours has been revoked and when to replace yours anyway.
Which dehumidifiers are part of the mass recall?
On August 4, 2021, CPSC recalled more than two million air dryers (approximately two million sold in the US, another 380,000 in Canada, and approximately 25,000 in Mexico) manufactured by New Widetech because they can overheat and catch fire, creating a fire and burn hazard.
Even if the manufacturer doesn’t sound familiar to you, you are probably very familiar with the brands that sell their dehumidifiers, including: AeonAir, Amana, ArcticAire (Danby), Classic (Danby / Home Hardware Stores), Commercial Cool, Danby. Danby Designer, Danby Premiere, De’Longhi, Edgestar, Friedrich, Generations (Danby), Haier, Honeywell (JMATEK / AirTek), Idylis, Ivation, perfect aire, SuperClima, Whirlpool and Whynter.
Recalls include 25, 30, 35, 45, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 74 pint dryers sold under these brands. To check if your review is part of a review, look at the nameplate sticker on the back of the dryer where you will find the brand name, model number and pint volume. A complete list of model numbers can be found on the CPSC website .
To contact New Widetech for a refund, visit their website or call Customer Service at 877-251-1512 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm ET Monday through Friday.
How often should I replace my dehumidifier?
According to Mass Save, if your dehumidifier is not involved in the recall, you will likely get five to ten years from it. To ensure that your device has a lifespan of approximately ten years, you will need to perform regular maintenance. This includes replacing air filters, cleaning the condensation coils and exhaust grids, and emptying and cleaning the water bucket, Mass Save notes .