Midea Recalls About 1.7 Million U and U+ Window Air Conditioners Due to Risk of Mold Exposure

What was recalled

In a significant safety action announced on June 5, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirmed that Midea is recalling approximately 1.7 million window air conditioners. This extensive recall covers units marketed under the Midea brand itself, as well as a wide array of third-party labels that frequently appear in big-box stores and online retailers. The affected products are specifically the U and U+ series window air conditioners, which were sold across numerous popular retail brands including Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire, and Sea Breeze. If you have purchased a window unit from any of these brands within the relevant timeframe, it is crucial to verify whether your specific model is part of this batch.

The recalled air conditioners are designed to fit directly into standard window frames and were available in three distinct cooling capacities: 8,000 BTU, 10,000 BTU, and 12,000 BTU. Physically, these units are uniform in appearance, featuring a white exterior that measures approximately 22 inches wide by 14 inches high. Each unit comes equipped with a remote control for manual operation and supports connectivity via a mobile app for digital control. The brand name is printed clearly on the body of the unit, but the most critical identifier for this recall is the model number, which is located on a label affixed to the front right side of the air conditioner when you are facing the unit directly.

To help you determine if your specific device is included in this recall, please review the following list of affected model numbers by brand. This list is exhaustive based on the current CPSC report:

• Midea: MAW08AV1QWT, MAW08AV1QWT-C, MAW08U1QWT, MAW08V1QWT, MAW08V1QWT-S, MAW08V1QWT-T, MAW08W1QWT, MAW10U1QWT, MAW10V1QWT, MAW10W1QWT, MAW12AV1QWT, MAW12AV1QWT-C, MAW12U1QWT, MAW12V1QWT, MAW12V1QWT-M, MAW12V1QWT-S, and MAW12W1QWT.
• Comfort Aire: RXTS-101A, RXTS-121A, and RXTS-81A.
• Danby: DAC080B6IWDB-6, DAC080B7IWDB-6, and DAC100B6IWDB-6.
• Frigidaire: GHWQ085WD1, GHWQ105WD1, and GHWQ125WD1.
• Insignia: NS-AC8WU3 and NS-AC8WU3-C.
• Keystone: KSTAW08UA, KSTAW10UA, and KSTAW12UA.
• LBG Products: QB-8K CO.
• Mr. Cool: MWUC08T115, MWUC10T115, and MWUC12T115.
• Perfect Aire: 1PACU10000, 1PACU12000, and 1PACU8000.
• Sea Breeze: MWAUQB-12CRFN8-BCN10, WAU310YREX, WAU312YREX, and WAU38YREX.

If your unit matches any of the descriptions or model numbers above, it is subject to this recall. While the original sales dates are not explicitly listed in the summary provided, the scope of the recall indicates a widespread distribution across multiple retail channels. Consumers who purchased these units should take immediate steps to verify their status and initiate the remedy process outlined by Midea.

The hazard, explained

To understand why this recall is necessary, it helps to look at how a window air conditioner works under the hood. These units are designed to pull warm, humid air from your room over cold coils. As the air cools, the moisture in it condenses into water droplets—much like sweat forming on a cold glass of ice tea. In a properly functioning unit, this pooled water is supposed to drain away efficiently, either evaporating through the heat of the compressor or draining outside via a designated path.

In the specific Midea units covered by this recall, that drainage mechanism fails. The internal design does not allow the pooled water to drain quickly enough. Instead of flowing out, the water stagnates inside the unit. This creates a dark, damp environment that is essentially a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. While we often associate mold with visible black spots on bathroom tiles, in an air conditioner, it grows within the hidden internal components where you cannot easily see it.

The danger arises when the unit is turned back on. The fan blows air across these contaminated coils and reservoirs, effectively turning your window unit into a delivery system for mold spores. These microscopic particles are then circulated directly into your living space. For many people, occasional exposure might cause minor irritation, but for others, it can trigger significant health issues. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that mold exposure poses risks of respiratory issues and other infections.

This is not just about a musty smell; it is about biological contamination. According to the recall records, there have already been at least 152 reports of mold found in these specific air conditioners. More concerning are the reports from consumers who experienced actual physical symptoms after using these units. These include respiratory infections, allergic reactions, persistent coughing, sneezing, and sore throats. Individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic lung diseases like asthma, or those who are elderly or very young are generally at higher risk for severe reactions to airborne mold spores.

The mechanism of harm is straightforward but insidious because the source is hidden. You might not notice the mold growing inside until you start feeling unwell or detect an unusual odor. By then, you may have already been inhaling high concentrations of spores over days or weeks. This is why the remedy involves immediate inspection and repair or replacement. Continuing to use a unit with pooled water is essentially continuing to expose your household to a potential biological hazard that is difficult to remove without professional cleaning or, in this case, a full unit replacement.

Who is most at risk

While this recall affects approximately 1.7 million households across the United States, the potential health consequences of mold exposure are not uniform. The primary danger stems from the accumulation of pooled water within the air conditioner’s internal components, which creates a damp environment ideal for mold proliferation. When you turn on the unit, these microscopic spores are circulated throughout your living space, turning a cooling device into a source of airborne allergens and irritants. Understanding who is most vulnerable to these specific health risks helps clarify why this recall is taken so seriously by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The reports filed with Midea and reviewed by the CPSC indicate that at least 17 consumers have already experienced direct health symptoms linked to mold exposure from these units. These symptoms include respiratory infections, allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing, and sore throats. However, the people most at risk extend beyond those who are currently symptomatic. Individuals with compromised immune systems, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or people living with HIV/AIDS, face a significantly higher risk of developing serious fungal infections. For these individuals, even low levels of mold exposure can lead to conditions that are difficult to treat and potentially life-threatening.

Children and the elderly also fall into high-risk categories for several physiological reasons. Children’s respiratory systems are still developing, and they breathe more air relative to their body size than adults do. This means they inhale a greater concentration of mold spores per pound of body weight. Furthermore, children spend more time indoors and closer to the ground, where heavier spores may settle before being recirculated by the unit’s airflow. The elderly, particularly those with pre-existing lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or emphysema, are also highly susceptible. For them, mold exposure can trigger severe asthma attacks, worsen chronic breathing difficulties, or lead to secondary bacterial infections in already inflamed airways.

People with known allergies to mold or dust mites should also exercise extreme caution. Even if you do not have a diagnosed immune deficiency, allergic individuals may experience intense inflammatory responses to the spores released by these units. Symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe respiratory distress. If you live in the same household as any of these vulnerable groups, or if you fall into one of these categories yourself, it is critical to stop using the unit immediately until it has been repaired or replaced. The risk is not just about comfort; it is about preventing serious respiratory injury or infection. Please check your model number against the recalled list and contact Midea right away to arrange for a free repair or refund.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you own a window air conditioner that fits into your home’s window frame, it is crucial to verify whether your specific unit is part of this recall involving approximately 1.7 million Midea products. Because these units were sold under many different brand names, simply looking at the logo on the front might not be enough if you are unsure which manufacturer originally built it. The recalled products are U and U+ Window Air Conditioners manufactured by Midea but distributed under several well-known retail brands. These include Midea, Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire, and Sea Breeze.

To confirm if your unit is affected, start by checking the physical label attached to the appliance itself. The brand name should be printed directly on the unit. More importantly, you need to find the model number, which is located on a label on the front right side of the unit when you are facing it. The recalled units typically measure about 22 inches wide and 14 inches high and are white in color. They were sold in three cooling power sizes: 8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 BTU. If your unit matches these dimensions and is one of the following specific model numbers, it is part of this recall.

• Midea: MAW08AV1QWT, MAW08AV1QWT-C, MAW08U1QWT, MAW08V1QWT, MAW08V1QWT-S, MAW08V1QWT-T, MAW08W1QWT, MAW10U1QWT, MAW10V1QWT, MAW10W1QWT, MAW12AV1QWT, MAW12AV1QWT-C, MAW12U1QWT, MAW12V1QWT, MAW12V1QWT-M, MAW12V1QWT-S, and MAW12W1QWT.
• Comfort Aire: RXTS-101A, RXTS-121A, and RXTS-81A.
• Danby: DAC080B6IWDB-6, DAC080B7IWDB-6, and DAC100B6IWDB-6.
• Frigidaire: GHWQ085WD1, GHWQ105WD1, and GHWQ125WD1.
• Insignia: NS-AC8WU3 and NS-AC8WU3-C.
• Keystone: KSTAW08UA, KSTAW10UA, and KSTAW12UA.
• LBG Products: QB-8K CO Mr.
• Mr. Cool: MWUC08T115, MWUC10T115, and MWUC12T115.
• Perfect Aire: 1PACU10000, 1PACU12000, and 1PACU8000.
• Sea Breeze: MWAUQB-12CRFN8-BCN10, WAU310YREX, WAU312YREX, and WAU38YREX.

These air conditioners were sold with remote controls and are compatible with mobile apps for operation. Since they have been sold through various retailers over time, checking your purchase receipt or credit card statement can help confirm the brand if the label has worn off. If you cannot locate the label or are unsure about the model number, do not guess. Contact Midea directly for assistance in identifying your unit.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have confirmed that your window air conditioner is part of this recall, the good news is that Midea has established a straightforward remedy to make things right for you. You are not stuck with a potentially hazardous appliance, nor are you expected to pay for the inconvenience. The company is offering two primary paths forward: a free repair or a full refund. In certain circumstances, depending on when you bought the unit or when it was manufactured, you may also be eligible for a prorated refund. This means you could receive a partial reimbursement that reflects the value of the unit over time, rather than the original purchase price. The specific amount will be determined based on your purchase date or the date of manufacture, so having your receipt or proof of ownership handy will be helpful when you contact them.

To get started, you need to reach out to Midea directly. They have set up dedicated channels to handle these inquiries efficiently. You can call their toll-free number at 888-345-0256 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to communicate in writing, you can send an email to midea4028@midea.com or visit their dedicated recall website at www.MideaUrecall.expertinquiry.com. You may also navigate to www.midea.com/us and click on the "RECALL INFORMATION" section for additional details. When you contact them, be ready to provide the model number found on the label on the front right side of your unit.

Your choice between a repair and a refund depends largely on your personal preference and how quickly you need cooling. If you choose a refund, Midea will ask you to send the unit back to them. To make this as easy as possible for consumers, they are providing free shipping labels for the return. Alternatively, if you prefer not to wait for shipping logistics, you can submit a photograph showing that you have cut the unplugged power cord of the unit. This serves as proof that the unit is no longer in use and has been safely deactivated, allowing you to receive your refund without returning the physical appliance. If you opt for a repair, Midea will arrange for the necessary fixes at no cost to you.

It is important to handle this process promptly. While you are waiting for instructions or for the remedy to be processed, do not simply ignore the issue. If you must continue using the air conditioner before it is repaired or replaced, visit www.MideaUrecall.expertinquiry.com immediately for specific instructions on how to inspect your unit prior to continuing use. This ensures you minimize any potential exposure to mold while you navigate the remedy process. By taking these steps, you ensure that your home remains safe and comfortable without the health risks associated with the recalled units.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to disconnect your air conditioner, especially as summer temperatures climb and the comfort of a cool home feels essential. However, continuing to use a recalled Midea U or U+ window unit after learning about the mold hazard is not just an inconvenience—it poses a tangible health risk that can escalate quickly. The core issue with these specific models is not that they fail to cool your room, but that their internal design allows water to pool rather than drain efficiently. When you leave this equipment running, you are essentially creating a stagnant, damp environment inside the machine. Mold and mildew thrive in exactly these conditions: dark, moist, and undisturbed. Without proper drainage, that pooled water becomes a breeding ground for microbial growth, which then circulates directly into your living space every time the fan pushes air out.

The consequences of ignoring this hazard are not merely theoretical. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Midea has already received at least 152 reports of mold being found inside these specific air conditioners. More concerning are the health impacts documented in those reports. There have been 17 confirmed incidents where consumers experienced physical symptoms directly linked to exposure to this mold. These are not minor complaints; they include respiratory infections, allergic reactions, persistent coughing, sneezing, and sore throats. For individuals who spend hours a day with their face near the unit, or for those who keep it running continuously in bedrooms, the concentration of spores and irritants in your immediate breathing zone can be significant.

The severity of these health effects often depends on your individual physiology. While a healthy adult might experience temporary irritation like a scratchy throat or mild nasal congestion, others are far more vulnerable. People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory conditions may find their symptoms worsening dramatically, potentially leading to severe attacks that require medical intervention. Similarly, individuals with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and young children are at a higher risk for developing serious fungal infections or exacerbating existing allergies. The mold in question here is not just visible fuzz on a filter; it is microscopic spores being dispersed throughout your home’s air supply, which can settle deep into your lungs.

Beyond immediate health symptoms, ignoring the recall also allows the problem to compound over time. As mold colonies grow inside the unit, they can clog internal components, further reducing the efficiency of the drainage system and worsening the moisture trap. This creates a feedback loop where the unit works harder, produces more condensation, and harbors even more biological contaminants. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to indoor mold environments is associated with long-term respiratory issues and chronic inflammation. By acting now to get a repair or refund, you are not just following a regulation; you are protecting your household’s air quality and preventing potential medical emergencies that could arise from breathing in contaminated air for weeks or months on end.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in certain Midea units, the underlying issue of moisture management is a universal challenge for anyone who owns a window air conditioner or similar cooling appliance. These devices are essentially dehumidifiers that happen to cool air; as warm, humid indoor air passes over cold coils, water condenses and drips into a pan. If that water does not drain away efficiently, it becomes a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and dust mites. To keep your home environment healthy year-round, consider adopting these broader maintenance habits.

First, prioritize regular cleaning of your unit’s filters and coils. Most window units have washable mesh filters that trap dust and pollen. If these become clogged, airflow is restricted, which can cause the evaporator coils to freeze and then thaw rapidly, creating excess moisture that may overflow the drain pan. A good rule of thumb is to rinse your filters with a garden hose every two weeks during peak cooling season. For the coils themselves, use a soft brush or a vacuum attachment on a low setting to remove accumulated debris. This not only prevents mold but also improves energy efficiency, saving you money on your electric bill.

Second, ensure proper installation and slope. Window air conditioners must be installed with a slight tilt toward the outside (typically about one-quarter inch). If the unit is level or tilted inward, water that does evaporate or condenses may pool inside the chassis rather than dripping out safely. Over time, this standing water can lead to the exact mold exposure risks described in recent recalls. Check your level periodically, especially if you have moved furniture or if the window frame has shifted slightly due to temperature changes.

Third, consider using a dehumidifier in conjunction with your air conditioner during particularly humid days. While AC units remove some humidity, they are not designed to handle extreme moisture loads alone. Running a dedicated dehumidifier can take the strain off your cooling unit, allowing it to focus on temperature control rather than fighting condensation. This reduces the likelihood of overflow and keeps indoor relative humidity levels in the recommended range of 30% to 50%, which is inhospitable to most mold species.

Finally, stay vigilant about product safety beyond just this recall. Sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.saferproducts.gov. This free service allows you to receive notifications when new recalls are issued for products you own or use regularly. Additionally, always register your major appliances with the manufacturer upon purchase. Registration ensures that if a safety defect is discovered in your specific model, you will be contacted directly rather than having to search through news reports to find out.

• Clean filters monthly: Prevents airflow restriction and excess condensation.
• Tilt unit outward: Ensures water drains outside, not into the room.
• Monitor humidity: Keep indoor levels below 50% to inhibit mold growth.
• Register products: Enable direct manufacturer notifications for future safety updates.