Q: Who is recalling the dehumidifiers?
A: Midea, the manufacturer, is recalling the GE and Professional Series brand dehumidifiers.

Q: Why is Midea carrying out the recall of a GE-branded product?
A: Midea, the original manufacturer of this GE-branded product, has determined that it will repair dehumidifiers included in the recall. Midea believes that offering to repair the product for free is the most effective means to reduce the potential hazard. The CPSC has approved Midea's repair plan, and GE believes that the repair plan Midea has outlined will adequately address the potential risk of fire.

Q: What model and serial numbers are included in the recall?
A: Only the dehumidifiers with the following model numbers and serial number ranges are included in the recall ("covered dehumidifier"):

Q: Can consumers continue to use their dehumidifiers?
A: No. Consumers should unplug and stop using their dehumidifier immediately.

Q: What should a consumer do if she/he has a covered dehumidifier?
A: Midea is proactively contacting as many customers as possible. In the meantime, consumers with the covered dehumidifiers should unplug their dehumidifier immediately, and visit the Midea website at www.recallverification.com or contact the Midea Recall Hotline toll-free at 1-877-593-8721 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday. Before you call, write down the model and serial number of your dehumidifier.

Q: Are any of these covered dehumidifiers currently being made?
A: No. The GE brand models were manufactured by Midea from November 2006 through August 2007. The Professional Series brand models were manufactured by Midea in April 2008.

Q: When did Midea stop manufacturing these GE or Professional Series, 30-Pint or 40-Pint Portable Dehumidifiers?
A: August 2007 for GE brand models. April 2008 for Professional Series brand models.

Q: What is different about the GE dehumidifiers manufactured after August 2007?
A: The GE dehumidifiers manufactured after August 2007 were manufactured by a different supplier using a different design. Dehumidifiers manufactured after August 2007 are not included in the recall.

Q: How many incidents is GE aware of? Have there been any injuries?
A: GE has been made aware of 14 reports of property damage involving a burning smell or smoke, including eight fires, six of which caused property damage beyond the product itself. No injuries have been reported.

Q: How can a consumer tell if their dehumidifier is one of the covered models?
A: The serial number is important, as not all dehumidifiers with these model numbers are included in the recall. To determine if your dehumidifier is included in the recall, locate the model and serial number on the back of the dehumidifier.

Q: Did the CPSC force Midea to issue this notice?
A: No. Midea has decided as a precautionary measure to implement a voluntary corrective program with respect to these dehumidifiers that involves a free repair at a local authorized service center. If you determine that your dehumidifier is included in this repair program, you should unplug and stop using your dehumidifier immediately and contact Midea at 1-877-593-8721 or www.recallverification.com.

Q: Are any of the dehumidifiers still being sold on retail floors?
A: The dehumidifiers are three to four years old. Very few will be found on the retail floor or in dealer inventory. If dealers still have any in inventory we have advised them not to sell the dehumidifiers and to contact Midea.

Q: How long is the recall valid?
A: The Recall is open indefinitely.

Q: What if a consumer had a service contract on their dehumidifier?
A: If the consumer calls the toll-free number above and their dehumidifier is one of the models covered, he/she will have their unit repaired at no charge regardless of a service contract.

Q: Who manufactured these dehumidifiers?
A: GD Midea Air Conditioning Equipment, Ltd., of China

Q: Where were these dehumidifiers manufactured?
A: China

Q: Can you identify who owns the 198,000 dehumidifiers? How will those consumers be contacted?
A: Midea will notify consumers of this recall through several channels, including a joint CPSC website press release, and a direct-mail notification to retail customers and certain consumers. GE will post information regarding the recall to its website. Midea and GE also have contact information for certain consumers. Using this contact information, Midea will conduct a direct-mail campaign to consumers notifying them of the recall and potential hazard.

Q: I know a consumer with one of the covered dehumidifiers and he/she hasn't received a letter yet. Why is that?
A: Midea is contacting consumers for whom Midea has records indicating that they purchased the covered dehumidifiers. Midea does not have contact information on every owner so please encourage the person you know to visit the Midea website at www.recallverification.com or contact the Midea Recall Hotline toll-free at 1-877-593-8721 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday.

Q: How much will this cost GE and/or Midea?
A: This recall will be free of charge to consumers. Midea will assume all expenses for replacement parts and service/labor costs associated with the repair of your GE or Professional Series dehumidifier.

Q: What is the problem with the covered dehumidifiers?
A: Midea has determined that a component of the dehumidifier's compressor assembly can short circuit, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Consumers should unplug and stop using their dehumidifier immediately.

Q: What will Midea do to repair my dehumidifier?
A: Consumers will be informed that they should unplug and stop using the dehumidifiers covered by the recall. Midea will provide a free repair of the dehumidifiers at the nearest authorized service center in the network established for the corrective action program.

Q: How much will this cost the consumer?
A: This recall will be free of charge to consumers.

Q: Were these dehumidifiers sold in Canada?
A: Yes.

Q: Were these dehumidifiers sold anywhere else outside of the U.S.?
A: Yes. A small number of these dehumidifiers were sold in Canada and South America.

Q: Where is the nearest Authorized Service Center?
A: To determine the nearest Authorized Service Center, contact the Midea Recall Hotline toll-free at 1-877-593-8721 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.recallverification.com.

Q: What do I do if there is no repair location in my area?
A: If there is no Authorized Service Center located in your area, contact the Midea Recall Hotline toll-free at 1-877-593-8721 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.recallverification.com.

Q: How long will it take for the repair to be completed and the unit returned?
A: For information regarding how long it will take to repair the dehumidifier, contact the Midea Recall Hotline toll-free at 1-877-593-8721 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.recallverification.com.