1.7 million air conditioners recalled over reports of mold growth
(NewsNation) — About 1.7 million window air conditioning units have been recalled in the United States after 17 customers reported getting sick from fungal growth in the appliance.
The Midea U and U+ window air conditioners may fail to drain quickly, causing mold growth that "poses risks of respiratory issues or other infections to some consumers," according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Nearly 46,000 units were also sold in Canada.
There have been 152 reports of mold in the white AC units, including 17 reports of people saying exposure to the fungi made them cough, sneeze or have other allergic reactions.
Units were sold under the brand names:
- Midea
- Comfort Aire
- Danby
- Frigidaire
- Insignia
- Keystone
- LBG Products
- Mr. Cool
- Perfect Aire
- Sea Breeze
The Midea air conditioners fit in windows and resonated with consumers because of their unique design, which allows consumers to close their windows "through" the unit.
The units were sold from March 2020 through May 2025 for $280 to $500 in-store and online at Costco, Menards, Best Buy, Home Depot and more.
Customers who purchased the units can get a free repair or potentially a prorated refund by contacting Midea.
Consumers who choose to use their air conditioners while awaiting a repair can go to www.MideaUrecall.expertinquiry.com to find out how to inspect their unit before continuing to use it.
For more information, consumers can visit www.midea.com/us and click on “Recall Information” or call (888) 345-0256 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Mondays-Fridays.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.