Dyson’s Hot + Cool Air Multiplier fan heaters are being recalled worldwide, for a safety fix after a small number of units short-circuited and caught fire. Apparently up to a million heaters are up for repair; the “potential safety issue” has Dyson offering any customers a free repair including postage to and from Dyson’s Australian workshops, and a brand new two year warranty upon the devices’ return.
The fix order affects Dyson’s AM04 and AM05 heaters, sold in 45 countries around the globe. A website has been set up to handle the temporary returns process, although all the necessary info is also available through the ACCC’s Product Safety Recalls website.
Sold since March 2012, the Hot + Cool fan uses an internal fan and heater element to project room-temperature or warmer air through its oval- or circular-shaped Air Multiplier surfaces, supposedly offering better airflow than a conventional fan without the buffeting of spinning blades.
Given the not-so-cheap cost of postage around Australia, as well as Dyson’s own labour and parts costs, this recall would have to cost Dyson a lot of money. It’s good to see the company being proactive, though, and reaching out to accomodate its customers wherever possible. [Dyson Recall – Australia]