1.7 million air conditioners recalled over mold exposure, respiratory issues

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A home appliance company whose window air conditioners were chosen as the New York Times' best units has recalled 1.7 million of the devices due to possible mold growth leading to sickness.
The New York Times (NYT) listed the Midea U Window Air Conditioner as the number one contender on the newspaper's list of six best air conditioners of 2025, while the U+ model won runner-up. The units were recently recalled because pooled water in the air conditioners may not drain quickly enough, leading to mold growth and possible health issues.
'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
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.
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
Danby: DAC080B6IWDB-6, DAC080B7IWDB-6, DAC100B6IWDB-6
Frigidaire: GHWQ125WD1, GHWQ105WD1, GHWQ085WD1
Insignia: NS-AC8WU3-C, NS-AC8WU3
Keystone: KSTAW12UA, KSTAW10UA, KSTAW08UA
LBG Products: 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
Mr. Cool: MWUC12T115, MWUC10T115, MWUC08T115
Perfect Aire: 1PACU8000, 1PACU12000, 1PACU10000
Sea Breeze: MWAUQB-12CRFN8-BCN10, WAU310YREX, WAU312YREX, WAU38YREX
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.
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 [phone].
Emailing [e-mail].
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 [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Air conditioner voted New York Times best of 2025 recalled over mold