With winter creeping around the corner, many individuals are reaching for their trusty space heaters to ward off the chill. But, for those who have invested in specific models from Govee, there’s major cause to double-check those purchases. A significant recall is underway involving nearly 600,000 GoveeLife and Govee Smart electric heaters. This recall, announced by federal safety officials, has emerged due to alarming reports of these heaters overheating, which raises fire and burn hazards.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) noted the severity of this situation, as they detailed 113 instances where these heaters failed to perform safely. Among these incidents were seven fires and, quite worryingly, one report of minor burns. These troubling figures have prompted the urgent request for consumers to assess whether they possess these potentially dangerous appliances.
Consumers are advised to stop using the heaters immediately and check any recent online purchases, especially those made through major retailers like Amazon and TikTok Shop. If you've got one, the CPSC recommends finding the model number, which is located on the manufacturer's label, usually found at the bottom or underside of the unit. The recalled model numbers include H7130 (and its variation H7130101), as well as H7131, H7132, H7133, H7134, and H7135.
The recall is not just associated with the United States; approximately 48,600 units were sold across Canada, adding to the urgency of the matter. Prices for these heaters ranged from $30 to $150 and were sold from September 2021 through September 2024. That’s quite a hefty batch of heaters out there!
So, what’s behind this recall? Govee has stated these heaters pose serious risks due to their inability to meet industry safety standards, namely the voluntary UL 1278 standard. The CPSC explained these units might overheat, particularly due to issues with their wireless control features. "The risk of overheating and burn hazards is unacceptable," said the CPSC, urging affected consumers to take action.
If individuals identify their contents as part of the recall, they are instructed to cut the power cord to destroy the device and dispose of it appropriately. While it might sound drastic, this measure ensures the appliance can’t be misused or, heaven forbid, end up being sold on the second-hand market.
For those who purchased the heaters, filing for a recall claim is straightforward. The CPSC has set up online resources where consumers can find instructions and be eligible for refund claims, providing some peace of mind after this scare.
Unsurprisingly, the online retail marketplace has come under scrutiny as the responsible parties for ensuring safety. The recall raises broader questions about product safety, particularly concerning third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon. The CPSC has reiterated their stance indicating it is not solely the third-party sellers who should be held accountable, but also the platforms facilitating the sales.
"Consumers should feel safe purchasing products online, knowing there’s accountability if things go wrong," the CPSC stressed. For its part, Amazon has begun notifying customers about the recall, primarily those who directly bought affected units from their platform.
The potential consequences of the heater overheating are severe. There have been too many examples where faulty appliances have drawn flames, leading to property damage and personal injury. Just last year, the CPSC reported over 500 fatalities linked to home structure fires, many of which involved heating equipment. Those numbers serve as sobering reminders of the importance of product safety.
Given the time of year, the timing of this recall couldn’t be more pertinent. Individuals who count on space heaters for warmth should guarantee theirs are safe. With colder months on the horizon, taking precautionary steps can prevent disastrous outcomes. Govee customers are encouraged to stay informed, and as the old saying goes, it’s always best to be safe rather than sorry!
For any additional inquiries or concerns surrounding the recall, GoveeLife can be directly contacted at 833-772-5360 between 9 AM and 5 PM ET, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, detailed information, including product specifics and refund instructions, can be viewed on the CPSC recall website.
Recall notices like this underline the importance of remaining vigilant about the safety of household products. With the winter months likely to draw consumers indoors, familiarity with appliance recalls could be the key to ensuring your home remains warm without any unwarranted dangers.