1.7 million air conditioners recalled just as summer heat hits

Fast Company

11 hours ago

Before you install that window AC unit to beat the summer heat, it's worth taking a closer look: Yesterday, the appliance manufacturer Midea, who makes units for a number of brands including Frigidaire and Insignia, recalled more than 1.7 million AC units due to the risk of mold exposure.
The news comes as, according to industry experts, AC units are expected to get significantly more expensive this summer due to tariff-based supply chain issues. Here's what you need to know about the recall:
What is the reason for the recall?
On June 5, Midea issued a voluntary recall for about 1.7 million window AC units sold in the U.S. and another 45,900 sold in Canada, according to a notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
According to the notice, the reason for the recall stems from potential mold growth inside the affected units: 'Pooled water in the air conditioners can fail to drain quickly enough, which can lead to mold growth,' it reads. 'Mold exposure poses risks of respiratory issues or other infections to some consumers.'
Further, the report notes that Midea is aware of at least 152 reports of mold in the air conditioners so far.
Which products are being recalled?
The recall involves U and U+ window AC unit models made by Midea. These models were sold under a variety of brand names, including Midea, Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire, and Sea Breeze. Affected units were sold in three sizes of cooling power: 8,000, 10,000 and 12,000 BTU.
Customers can find a full list of impacted model numbers, organized by brand name, on the CPSC webpage.
Where were the recalled units sold?
The recalled units were sold at a number of big box stores, as well as a wide variety of online retailers. The physical retailers include:
Costco
Menards
Home Depot
Best Buy
The affected units were also available online at retailers including:
Midea.com
Amazon.com
Costco.com
Menards.com
HomeDepot.com
Lowes.com
Walmart.com
BJs.com
BestBuy.com
Each unit sold within the span of March 2020 to May 2025 for between $280 and $500.
Have the recalled units hurt anyone?
Unfortunately, yes. Midea has received 17 reports so far of consumers 'experiencing symptoms such as respiratory infections, allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing and/or sore throats from mold exposure,' per the CPSC.
What should I do if I have a recalled unit?
If you have a recalled unit, do not use it. Instead, you can contact Midea for a free repair or a full or prorated refund.
The company told The New York Times that all Midea U buyers will be eligible for a refund (although the amount will depend on how long you've had your air conditioner) or it will mail a free DIY kit to anyone who would prefer to fix their unit. For those who have attempted to repair the unit at home, Midea will still offer refunds or fixes.