
Air conditioner voted New York Times best of 2025 recalled over mold
"Mold exposure poses risks of respiratory issues or other infections to some consumers," according to Midea.
The recall was issued on June 5, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). About 1.7 million of the devices have been recalled, and about 45,900 were sold in Canada, according to the announcement.
There have been at least 152 reports of mold in the air conditioners, including 17 reports of customers suffering from respiratory infections, allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing or sore throats from mold exposure, Midea said.
Read more: USA TODAY's recall database
Where were the recalled air conditioners sold?
The recalled air conditioners were made in China and Thailand and sold under brand names such as Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire and Sea Breeze.
The units were sold at Costco, Menards, Home Depot, Best Buy and other stores nationwide and online at Midea.com, Amazon.com, Costco.com, Menards.com, HomeDepot.com, Lowes.com, Walmart.com, BJs.com, BestBuy.com, and other websites between March 2020 and May 2025. The unit prices were listed between $280 and $500.
"This U-shaped Midea air conditioner is the quietest model we've ever tested, and it's designed in a way that still allows you to open your window. But the installation process isn't fun," the New York Times wrote about the U model.
Regarding the runner-up U+ model, the NYT said the "Plus has improved efficiency and some minor feature upgrades. A redesigned bracket improves the installation process (slightly)."
The NYT added an editor's note once the paper got wind of the recall.
How to determine if you have a recalled air conditioner?
The recalled air conditioners were designed to fit in windows, and they were sold in three sizes of cooling power, including 8,000, 10,000 and 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTU).
The air conditioners measure about 22 inches wide and 14 inches high, and the model number can be found on a label on the front right side of the unit, Midea said. The units have remote controls and can also be controlled with a mobile app.
Impacted model numbers include:
Comfort Aire: RXTS-101A, RXTS-121A, RXTS-81A
RXTS-101A, RXTS-121A, RXTS-81A Danby: DAC080B6IWDB-6, DAC080B7IWDB-6, DAC100B6IWDB-6
DAC080B6IWDB-6, DAC080B7IWDB-6, DAC100B6IWDB-6 Frigidaire: GHWQ125WD1, GHWQ105WD1, GHWQ085WD1
GHWQ125WD1, GHWQ105WD1, GHWQ085WD1 Insignia: NS-AC8WU3-C, NS-AC8WU3
NS-AC8WU3-C, NS-AC8WU3 Keystone: KSTAW12UA, KSTAW10UA, KSTAW08UA
KSTAW12UA, KSTAW10UA, KSTAW08UA LBG Products: QB-8K CO
QB-8K CO Midea: MAW08AV1QWT, MAW08AV1QWT-C, MAW08U1QWT, MAW08V1QWT, MAW08V1QWT-S, MAW08V1QWT-T, MAW08W1QWT, MAW10U1QWT, MAW10V1QWT, MAW10W1QWT, MAW12AV1QWT, MAW12AV1QWT-C, MAW12U1QWT, MAW12V1QWT, MAW12V1QWT-M, MAW12V1QWT-S, MAW12W1QWT
MAW08AV1QWT, MAW08AV1QWT-C, MAW08U1QWT, MAW08V1QWT, MAW08V1QWT-S, MAW08V1QWT-T, MAW08W1QWT, MAW10U1QWT, MAW10V1QWT, MAW10W1QWT, MAW12AV1QWT, MAW12AV1QWT-C, MAW12U1QWT, MAW12V1QWT, MAW12V1QWT-M, MAW12V1QWT-S, MAW12W1QWT Mr. Cool: MWUC12T115, MWUC10T115, MWUC08T115
MWUC12T115, MWUC10T115, MWUC08T115 Perfect Aire: 1PACU8000, 1PACU12000, 1PACU10000
1PACU8000, 1PACU12000, 1PACU10000 Sea Breeze: MWAUQB-12CRFN8-BCN10, WAU310YREX, WAU312YREX, WAU38YREX
What is Midea doing to fix the issue?
Customers with recalled air conditioners must contact Midea, the company said, for a free repair or a full or prorated refund based on the purchase date or the date the product was made.
Customers who want a refund will have to send the unit back to Midea using a free shipping label or submit a photograph showing that they cut the unplugged power cord of the unit.
Those who want their units repaired must contact Midea so a technician can install a new drain plug or send customers a repair kit that includes a new drain plug and bubble level, depending on the unit model.
Customers who continue using the air conditioners while awaiting a repair should visit www.MideaUrecall.expertinquiry.com for instructions on how to inspect their unit prior to continuing use.
What should I do if I have one of the recalled units?
Consumers have multiple options to contact the company, including:
Calling Midea toll-free from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET at (888) 345-0256.
Emailing midea4028@midea.com.
Visiting https://mideaurecall.expertinquiry.com
By visiting www.midea.com/us and clicking "RECALL INFORMATION" for more information.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia - the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

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The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Air conditioner voted New York Times best of 2025 recalled over mold
"Mold exposure poses risks of respiratory issues or other infections to some consumers," according to Midea. The recall was issued on June 5, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). About 1.7 million of the devices have been recalled, and about 45,900 were sold in Canada, according to the announcement. There have been at least 152 reports of mold in the air conditioners, including 17 reports of customers suffering from respiratory infections, allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing or sore throats from mold exposure, Midea said. Read more: USA TODAY's recall database Where were the recalled air conditioners sold? The recalled air conditioners were made in China and Thailand and sold under brand names such as Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire and Sea Breeze. The units were sold at Costco, Menards, Home Depot, Best Buy and other stores nationwide and online at and other websites between March 2020 and May 2025. The unit prices were listed between $280 and $500. "This U-shaped Midea air conditioner is the quietest model we've ever tested, and it's designed in a way that still allows you to open your window. But the installation process isn't fun," the New York Times wrote about the U model. Regarding the runner-up U+ model, the NYT said the "Plus has improved efficiency and some minor feature upgrades. A redesigned bracket improves the installation process (slightly)." The NYT added an editor's note once the paper got wind of the recall. How to determine if you have a recalled air conditioner? The recalled air conditioners were designed to fit in windows, and they were sold in three sizes of cooling power, including 8,000, 10,000 and 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTU). The air conditioners measure about 22 inches wide and 14 inches high, and the model number can be found on a label on the front right side of the unit, Midea said. The units have remote controls and can also be controlled with a mobile app. Impacted model numbers include: Comfort Aire: RXTS-101A, RXTS-121A, RXTS-81A RXTS-101A, RXTS-121A, RXTS-81A Danby: DAC080B6IWDB-6, DAC080B7IWDB-6, DAC100B6IWDB-6 DAC080B6IWDB-6, DAC080B7IWDB-6, DAC100B6IWDB-6 Frigidaire: GHWQ125WD1, GHWQ105WD1, GHWQ085WD1 GHWQ125WD1, GHWQ105WD1, GHWQ085WD1 Insignia: NS-AC8WU3-C, NS-AC8WU3 NS-AC8WU3-C, NS-AC8WU3 Keystone: KSTAW12UA, KSTAW10UA, KSTAW08UA KSTAW12UA, KSTAW10UA, KSTAW08UA LBG Products: QB-8K CO QB-8K CO Midea: MAW08AV1QWT, MAW08AV1QWT-C, MAW08U1QWT, MAW08V1QWT, MAW08V1QWT-S, MAW08V1QWT-T, MAW08W1QWT, MAW10U1QWT, MAW10V1QWT, MAW10W1QWT, MAW12AV1QWT, MAW12AV1QWT-C, MAW12U1QWT, MAW12V1QWT, MAW12V1QWT-M, MAW12V1QWT-S, MAW12W1QWT MAW08AV1QWT, MAW08AV1QWT-C, MAW08U1QWT, MAW08V1QWT, MAW08V1QWT-S, MAW08V1QWT-T, MAW08W1QWT, MAW10U1QWT, MAW10V1QWT, MAW10W1QWT, MAW12AV1QWT, MAW12AV1QWT-C, MAW12U1QWT, MAW12V1QWT, MAW12V1QWT-M, MAW12V1QWT-S, MAW12W1QWT Mr. Cool: MWUC12T115, MWUC10T115, MWUC08T115 MWUC12T115, MWUC10T115, MWUC08T115 Perfect Aire: 1PACU8000, 1PACU12000, 1PACU10000 1PACU8000, 1PACU12000, 1PACU10000 Sea Breeze: MWAUQB-12CRFN8-BCN10, WAU310YREX, WAU312YREX, WAU38YREX What is Midea doing to fix the issue? Customers with recalled air conditioners must contact Midea, the company said, for a free repair or a full or prorated refund based on the purchase date or the date the product was made. Customers who want a refund will have to send the unit back to Midea using a free shipping label or submit a photograph showing that they cut the unplugged power cord of the unit. Those who want their units repaired must contact Midea so a technician can install a new drain plug or send customers a repair kit that includes a new drain plug and bubble level, depending on the unit model. Customers who continue using the air conditioners while awaiting a repair should visit for instructions on how to inspect their unit prior to continuing use. What should I do if I have one of the recalled units? Consumers have multiple options to contact the company, including: Calling Midea toll-free from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET at (888) 345-0256. Emailing midea4028@ Visiting By visiting and clicking "RECALL INFORMATION" for more information. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia - the 757. Email her at sdmartin@


The Independent
4 days ago
- The Independent
Midea recalling 1.7 million of its popular air conditioners due to mold concern
Midea is voluntarily recalling about 1.7 million of its popular U and U+ Smart air conditioners because pooled water in the units may not drain fast enough, leading to mold growth. The news comes as temperatures are rising across the U.S. and the official start of summer rapidly approaches. The Midea air conditioners fit in windows and resonated with consumers because of their unique design, which allows consumers to close their window 'through' the unit. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said that the recall also includes approximately 45,900 units sold in Canada. There's been at least 152 reports of mold in the air conditioners. This includes 17 reports of consumers experiencing symptoms such as respiratory infections, allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing and sore throats from mold exposure. The white air conditioners have brand names including Midea, Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire and Sea Breeze. They were sold in three sizes of cooling power: 8,000, 10,000 and 12,000 BTU. The air conditioners were sold from March 2020 through May 2025 for between $280 and $500 at Costco, Menards, Home Depot, Best Buy and other stores across the country. They were also sold online through various websites including those of Midea, Amazon, Costco and Home Depot. Consumers can contact Midea for a repair or a refund that will be based on the purchase date or manufacture date. Individuals who want a refund will need to send the unit back to Midea with a free shipping label or submit a photograph showing that they cut the unit's unplugged power cord. Those who want a repair should contact Midea to have a technician install a new drain plug or be sent a repair kit that includes a new drain plug and bubble level, depending on the model. Consumers who want to continue using their air conditioners while waiting for a repair should visit to find out how to inspect their unit before continuing to use it. Individuals can visit and click on 'Recall Information' for more information or call 888-345-0256 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.


NBC News
5 days ago
- NBC News
This popular air conditioning unit was just recalled — here's how to tell if yours is impacted
When it comes to air conditioners, our editors have long been fans of Midea's U smart window air conditioning unit, praising it for its quietness and effectiveness. Unfortunately, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has just posted a recall notice on their website for this unit, citing a design flaw that may lead to water pooling within the unit, potentially resulting in mold growth. Below, find more details on what this announcement means, plus a list of air conditioners you can use instead. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Why was the Midea U Smart Air Conditioner recalled? Approximately 1.7 million Midea U and U+ Smart air conditioners have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission due to a design flaw that can cause water to pool inside the unit, potentially leading to mold growth. The commission received 152 reports of mold, 17 of which included individuals experiencing symptoms associated with mold exposure. The recalled units were sold between March 2020 and May 2025 and the smart air conditioners were sold under the Midea name, as well as under other brand names — including Comfort Aire, Frigidaire, Danby and Insignia. Models include 8,000, 10,000 and 12,000 BTU units that were sold in stores and online at Costco, Midea, Best Buy, Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe's, BJ's and Menard's. A full list of impacted models can be found on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's website. If you have an impacted model, Midea is offering repairs or refunds — the type of assistance you are eligible for is based on your purchase date. To get a refund, Midea will send you a shipping label and you'll have to mail the unit back to them. If you opt for a repair, Midea will send a technician to your home. For full details on how to handle a recalled unit, you can call Midea at 888-345-0256, email the company at midea4028@ or go to In previous testing, our editors liked that this unit from July has three fan speeds and four modes: cool, fan, auto and dry. The unit fits in slider, single and double hung windows, comes with a washable filter, and you can buy different colored covers to fit your aesthetic, including wood and fabric covers. Another NBC Select editor favorite, this window unit has a nice aesthetic and cools quickly. You can operate it via the buttons on the unit or through the Windmill Air app. Reviewers also note that this unit is easy to install and is relatively quiet in small rooms. If you have a smaller space, consider this LG unit. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin uses it in her kitchen, which is about 200 square feet and says it cools quickly. It is relatively light and easy to install. One thing to note: It is slightly noisy. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle.