Latest news with #Danby
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- 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@
Global News
3 days ago
- Health
- Global News
Thousands of window AC units recalled for mould risk, Health Canada says
Tens of thousands of window-mounted air conditioner units are being recalled in Canada as part of a broader North American recall over the risk of mould exposure. This comes as summer-like temperatures and wildfire smoke spread across many parts of Canada. The government of Canada recall website says the recall involves several models manufactured by Midea, and sold under brand names including Midea, Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire and Sea Breeze specifically designed to fit in windows. The recall is similar to the notice issued in the United States by the Consumer Product and Safety Commission, which says there are about 1.7 million affected units in the U.S. in addition to nearly 46,000 in Canada. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy According to the recall notice, some of these units reportedly are unable to drain pooled water effectively, which can lead to an increased risk of mould growth. Story continues below advertisement The notice also warns that mould exposure 'poses risks of respiratory issues or other infections.' 3:59 Tenant advocates push for new rules to protect renters from extreme heat Warmer temperatures are leading many Canadians to start cranking their air conditioning for relief from the heat, and as wildfires in parts of the Prairies lead to more time spent indoors to avoid exposure to smoke, many could be exposing themselves to mould if they are using AC units under the recall list. With smoke exposure, some types of air conditioners may protect individuals from the associated risks, but not all types of AC units are effective at filtering out fine particulates found in wildfire smoke. The manufacturer, Midea, says as of Tuesday, it has received five reports from Canadian customers of mould in their air conditioner units, and says the solution may involve a technician repairing or replacing a drain plug or bubble level. Story continues below advertisement Affected customers are asked to contact Midea for a free repair or a potential refund where applicable.
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Midea recalls 1.7 million U-shaped air conditioners over mold concerns
Since its launch in 2020, the Midea U smart window air conditioner has proven very popular for its unique design and performance; indeed, we liked it so much that it earned a spot on our list of the best smart air conditioners. However, a design flaw — which could lead to water pooling and not draining properly — could lead to mold growth. After receiving 152 reports of mold in the air conditioners, including 17 reports of consumers experiencing related symptoms, the company issued a recall of 1.7 million units sold between March 2020 and May 2025. The recall notice was posted on June 5 on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's website. The smart air conditioners were sold under several brand names, including Midea, Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire and Sea Breeze. They were sold at retailers and online sites such as and include the 8,000, 10,000 and 12,000 BTU. Midea Model Numbers Frigidaire Model Numbers Insignia Model Numbers MAW08AV1QWT GHWQ085WD1 NS-AC8WU3 MAW08AV1QWT-C GHWQ105WD1 NS-AC8WU3-C MAW08U1QWT GHWQ125WD1 LBG Products Model Number MAW08V1QWT Keystone Model Numbers QB-8K CO MAW08V1QWT-S KSTAW08UA Mr. Cool Model Numbers MAW08V1QWT-T KSTAW10UA MWUC08T115 MAW08W1QWT KSTAW12UA MWUC10T115 MAW10U1QWT Comfort Aire Model Numbers MWUC12T115 MAW10V1QWT RXTS-101A Perfect Aire Model Numbers MAW10W1QWT RXTS-121A 1PACU10000 MAW12AV1QWT RXTS-81A 1PACU12000 MAW12AV1QWT-C Danby Model Numbers 1PACU8000 MAW12U1QWT DAC080B6IWDB-6 Sea Breeze Model Numbers MAW12V1QWT DAC080B7IWDB-6 MWAUQB-12CRFN8-BCN10 MAW12V1QWT-M DAC100B6IWDB-6 WAU310YREX MAW12V1QWT-S WAU312YREX MAW12W1QWT WAU38YREX Midea is offering consumers a free repair or a full or prorated refund, which is based on the purchase date or date of manufacture of your air conditioner. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. If you want to get a refund, you will have to ship the unit back to Midea (the company will provide a shipping label) or submit a photograph showing that you cut the unplugged power cord of the unit. If you want to repair your unit, you can contact Midea to arrange for a technician to install a new drain plug or have a repair kit sent to your home. You can contact Midea at 888-345-0256 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at midea4028@ or go online to or and click on 'RECALL INFORMATION' for more information. Fortunately, it looks like the remedy is a fairly simple one, so it shouldn't be too difficult to fix. However, if you have respiratory issues and own one of these air conditioners, be sure to inspect it before use.
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Boston Globe
In Burlington, Vt., city living comes with views of Lake Champlain
Advertisement As required, TruexCullins preserved the architectural form of the original home. From the front, it blends with its neighbors. There's a covered porch, Arts and Crafts-style door, and tall double-hung windows. The traditional gable roofline remains intact — albeit slightly raised, so it could be properly insulated. 'The city granted us leeway in order to meet modern building and energy codes by allowing a taller roof and larger second-story windows,' Chafe says. A blocky addition, built onto the back sometime in the 1960s or '70s, was demolished. Since building regulations for the lake side of the house are more relaxed, the team designed a modern, 1,905-square-foot addition featuring deep balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. While the original section of the dwelling has white clapboard siding and a slate roof, the addition is clad in matte-black metal that folds down from the standing-seam metal roof. 'The home is a study in contrasts with two sides that relate to their surroundings in very different but complementary ways,' says principal architect Rolf Kielman. Advertisement The interior of the home is about the light and views. As such, the scheme is spare and clean with natural wood finishes that keep the long, narrow home bright and airy. 'We wanted to express that fine line between modernity and tradition by making it light and contemporary, but not slavishly so,' interior designer Cecilia Redmond says. 'It's warm, with a Scandinavian sensibility.' The lake is visible from the front door. Once through the vestibule and past the guest bedroom, it's two steps down into the open concept addition. For Lesser, who loves to cook, a highly functional, stunning kitchen was a must. A dramatic slab of Danby marble is the backdrop and an island topped with non-distracting white quartz runs parallel. A pantry outfitted with the same simple white oak cabinetry as the kitchen allows the cooking space to stay uncluttered. Underfoot, Redmond opted for textured ceramic tile reminiscent of concrete to counterbalance all the wood. The team retained the footprint of the garage and added an adjacent mudroom. Ryan Bent A fireplace anchors the living area between large windows that pull in southern light. The vibrant painting by local artist Sage Tucker-Ketcham creates even more of a draw. Redmond notes that the feature is an essential antidote to all the glass. 'Windows can turn into big, black screens after dark, especially in winter,' she says. 'The fireplace is the focal point once you pull down the shades.' With a plaster finish that has the feel of raw concrete, it's just as alluring in the daytime. 'Most of the surfaces in the home are very smooth,' Redmond says. 'In late afternoon, there's a wonderful play of light on this rough surface.' The mantel is a sharp-edged, horizontal block of rift-sawn white oak, an element that runs through the house from the windowsills to the treads of the open staircase. Advertisement The west wall of the living space, nearly all glass, frames Lake Champlain and the landscape beyond it. A big old tree in the yard helps block the late-afternoon sun. 'It's always a challenge on the west façade to make a visual connection with the lake while mitigating solar heat gain,' Chafe says. 'The balcony above helps, too.' An oil painting by Vermont artist Anne Cady adds a countryside scene to the primary bedroom, where a Tibetan rug informed the color palette. Ryan Bent That balcony is off the primary bedroom, where enormous picture windows on two walls lend a treehouse effect. A green quilt and area rug further meld indoors with outdoors. The balcony wraps to the side of the home where Lesser grows tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, and more in agricultural tanks. 'Coal dust made growing vegetables in the ground challenging,' she says. Still, she enjoys the flower gardens and that her grandchildren can run around outside; she and Roos have settled into city living. 'With a house just 7 feet away I've learned to focus on relationships,' she says. 'The next-door neighbor took down his fence so now we have a big, shared backyard the way I imagined.' Resources Architect: TruexCullins, Interior Designer: Redmond Interior Design, Landscape architect: Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture, Garden designer: David Grist, Contractor: Northeast Craftsmen, Advertisement More Photos The owners hired architecture and interior design firm TruexCullins to help reimagine the fixer-upper they bought on Lake Champlain. Ryan Bent The homeowner jokes that the pantry, set behind the kitchen, is her favorite room. Ryan Bent 'The lake greets you again at the top of the stairs,' architect Josh Chafe says of the open stairs. Ryan Bent Marni Elyse Katz is a contributing editor to the Globe Magazine. Follow her on Instagram
Sky News AU
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Sky News AU
China's tightening of critical mineral exports is affecting the automotive industry
Former foreign affairs and defence committee chair Michael Danby discusses China's minerals stranglehold. 'Beijing says that it is working with Europeans to speed up these things,' Mr Danby told Sky News host Peta Credlin. 'Half of the exports are held up in Chinese ports, particularly magnets, which you need in cars, which some parts of them are made from these rare earths.'
