Urgent warning over heat pump dryer risk
Households with specific models of integrated heat pump tumble dryers manufactured by Haier have been urged to stop using them immediately because of a fire risk.
The warning affects dryers sold under several brands, including Baumatic, Candy, Caple, Haier, Hoover, Lamona, Iberna and Montpellier.
Owners are advised to check their model and serial number on the manufacturer’s website and contact Haier to arrange a repair.
The appliance should not be used until this has been completed. If possible, users should unplug the dryer and keep it switched off.
The manufacturer began a corrective action programme earlier this year, covering around 103,000 affected dryers.
However, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) later told Haier to suspend its initial repair scheme due to safety concerns over the first modification.
Following a revised fix, Haier has restarted its programme and is contacting affected consumers again.
The company initially focused on re-repairing dryers that had already received the earlier modification, before turning its attention to about 85,000 remaining owners whose machines still pose a fire risk.
An internal short circuit can develop during normal use, causing the appliance to ignite.
Sue Davies, Which? Head of Consumer Policy, said:
“People with tumble dryers manufactured by Haier will understandably be worried about what this announcement means for them.
“The first step is to check if your appliance is affected by checking your dryer’s model number against those listed on the government website. If it is, stop using the appliance immediately and contact the manufacturer to arrange a repair.
“The Office for Product Safety and Standards needs to ensure affected machines are fixed as quickly as possible and that affected customers are identified and know what to do so they are not left with a fire risk in their home this Christmas.”
The OPSS said the update follows regular reporting from Haier on the progress of its safety programme.
Check if your tumble dryer is affected and contact the manufacturer if it is.
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