1.7 million air conditioners recalled just as summer heat hits

Midea, a manufacturer of window AC units for various brands, has issued a voluntary recall of over 1.7 million units due to the risk of mold exposure. The recall affects units sold in the US and Canada, with approximately 45,900 units recalled in Canada. The reason for the recall is that pooled water in the air conditioners can fail to drain quickly, leading to mold growth, which poses risks of respiratory issues or other infections to some consumers. Midea is aware of at least 152 reports of mold in the air conditioners and 17 reports of consumers experiencing symptoms such as respiratory infections and allergic reactions. The recall involves U and U+ window AC unit models made by Midea, sold under various brand names, including Frigidaire and Insignia, and were available in three sizes of cooling power. The recalled units were sold at big box stores and online retailers, including Home Depot, Best Buy, and Amazon, between March 2020 and May 2025 for between $280 and $500. If you have a recalled unit, you should not use it and can contact Midea for a free repair or a full or prorated refund. Midea has set up a website and recall hotline number, 888-345-0256, to assist customers with the recall process. The company will offer refunds or fixes to customers who have attempted to repair the unit at home. Customers can find a full list of impacted model numbers on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission webpage to determine if their unit is affected by the recall.