Midea Air Conditioner Recall (2026): Complete Guide

If you own a Midea U-shaped or U+ window air conditioner, this article explains everything you need to know about the Midea air conditioner recall announced through the CPSC. We cover which models are affected, the mold risk, how to get a refund or repair, and the exact steps to take right now.

Our team has tracked this recall since it was first announced, pulling details from the official CPSC notice (Recall Number 25-320), forum discussions from real owners, and reporting from Consumer Reports and Wirecutter. Whether you bought your unit last summer or several years ago, this guide walks you through what to do.

The recall affects roughly 1.7 million units sold under nine different brand names between March 2020 and May 2025. That means millions of households could be running an AC with a hidden mold risk right now. If you want a broader look at alternatives, check our guide to the best window air conditioner brands for replacement options.

What Happened: The Midea Air Conditioner Recall Overview

The Midea air conditioner recall was announced on June 5, 2025, through an official CPSC notice numbered 25-320. Midea recalled approximately 1.7 million U and U+ window air conditioners because the units can accumulate pooled water that fails to drain quickly enough, creating conditions for mold growth inside the unit.

This is a voluntary recall, which means Midea initiated it rather than being forced by a government order. The CPSC worked with Midea to coordinate the announcement and the remedy program. You can read the full official notice on the CPSC website.

The issue centers on the drainage system. The U-shaped design that made these units popular for their quiet operation and window-friendly shape also created a drainage problem. Water collects in the base pan and, instead of draining out, sits long enough for mold to develop on the barrel-shaped fan and internal components.

According to the CPSC, Midea received at least 152 reports of mold in these units. Of those, 17 consumers reported symptoms they attributed to the mold exposure. The symptoms ranged from coughing and sneezing to sore throats and allergic reactions.

Which Models Are Affected: Complete Model List by Brand

The recall covers Midea U and U+ window air conditioners sold under nine brand names. This is one of the most confusing parts for consumers, because the units look different but share the same internal design manufactured by Midea.

Not every unit sold under these brands is affected. The recall applies only to specific U-shaped and U+ models with certain model numbers. Here are the brands included in the recall:

• Midea – the primary brand, including the popular Midea U and U+ series
• Comfort Aire – rebranded Midea U-shaped units
• Danby – select U-shaped window models
• Frigidaire – certain U-shaped models manufactured by Midea
• Insignia – Best Buy’s house brand, specific U-shaped units
• Keystone – select U-shaped models
• Mr. Cool – certain U-shaped window units
• Perfect Aire – select U-shaped models
• Sea Breeze – specific U-shaped units

The affected units were sold in multiple BTU capacities, including 8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 BTU ratings. These cooling capacities cover small bedrooms up through larger living spaces.

The recall covers units sold between March 2020 and May 2025. They were available at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and through Midea’s own website. Prices ranged from roughly $200 to $500 depending on BTU rating and features.

To confirm whether your specific unit is affected, you need the model number and serial number. Both are printed on a label on the side or back of the unit. You can also check the recall registration website at MideaUrecall.expertinquiry.com using your model and serial number.

The Health Hazard: Understanding the Mold Risk

The core hazard in this recall is mold exposure. When the drain system in these U-shaped units fails to move water out of the base pan fast enough, that standing water becomes a breeding ground for mold. The mold grows on the barrel-shaped fan and other internal components that stay damp.

When the AC runs, air passes over the moldy fan and carries mold spores into your room. This is the same air you and your family breathe. Over time, especially with daily summer use, that exposure adds up.

Reported symptoms from the CPSC notice include respiratory infections, allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing, and sore throats. People with asthma, allergies, or compromised immune systems face higher risk from mold exposure. Children and elderly adults are also more vulnerable.

Several users on Reddit reported visible mold growth on the fan behind the grille. Some described a musty smell coming from the unit before they noticed visible mold. Others reported persistent coughs that cleared up after they stopped using the affected AC.

The tricky part is that mold growth happens slowly. You might run the unit for an entire summer before noticing anything. By that point, the mold has had weeks or months to spread across internal surfaces. Forum users noted that cleaning the fan is difficult because the grille design limits access to the barrel-shaped component.

How to Check If Your Midea AC Is Affected

Follow these steps to determine whether your unit is part of the recall:

1. Locate the model number. Check the label on the side or back of your unit. It is usually a sticker or metal plate near the power cord entry point.
2. Find the serial number. This is on the same label as the model number. You need both numbers to verify eligibility.
3. Check the brand. If your unit is sold under Midea, Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire, or Sea Breeze and has a U-shaped design, it may be affected.
4. Verify online. Go to MideaUrecall.expertinquiry.com and enter your model and serial number. The site confirms whether your specific unit is included.
5. Check your purchase date. Units sold between March 2020 and May 2025 fall within the recall window.

If you no longer have the unit but purchased one during the recall period, you may still be eligible. Check your original purchase receipt or retailer order history for the model number.

Your Options: Refund or Repair

Midea offers two main remedies for owners of recalled units. You can choose either a free repair or a prorated refund based on how long you have owned the unit.

Option 1: Free Repair

The repair involves installing a new drain plug and drain assembly that allows water to exit the base pan more quickly. Midea provides a free repair kit that includes the replacement drain plug, a small bubble level to ensure proper installation angle, and instructions.

You have two paths for the repair. You can install the kit yourself using the provided instructions, or you can request a technician visit at no cost. The technician option is good for anyone who is not comfortable doing the work themselves.

Some forum users reported that after installing the repair kit, mold still returned. This is a concern raised repeatedly on Reddit’s MideaUOwners community. If the repair does not resolve the mold issue, contact Midea customer service again to discuss the refund option instead.

Option 2: Prorated Refund

The refund amount depends on how long you have owned the unit. Midea uses a tiered calculation:

• Within 36 months of purchase: You receive a higher refund percentage, closer to the original purchase price.
• 37 to 72 months of ownership: The refund is reduced to reflect usage over time.
• 72 months or longer: The refund is 50 percent or less of the original price.

The exact refund amount is calculated based on your original purchase price and the age of the unit. You will need proof of purchase, such as a receipt or order confirmation. If you do not have a receipt, Midea may accept credit card statements or retailer order histories as verification.

Multiple Reddit users reported long wait times for refund processing, with some waiting 32 days or more. Patience is required, but if your refund is significantly delayed, follow up with Midea customer service directly.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Own a Recalled Unit

Here is the exact process to follow if your Midea U or U+ unit is part of the recall:

Step 1: Stop using the unit. The CPSC recommends discontinuing use until the issue is resolved. This is the safest approach, especially if you have already noticed mold or a musty smell.

Step 2: Document your unit. Take clear photos of the model number label, serial number, and any visible mold if present. You will need these for the recall registration process.

Step 3: Register your claim. Visit MideaUrecall.expertinquiry.com to start the process. Enter your model and serial numbers to confirm eligibility, then follow the prompts to select your preferred remedy.

Step 4: Choose repair or refund. Decide whether you want the free repair kit or a prorated refund. If you choose repair, Midea ships the kit to your address. If you choose refund, you will submit purchase documentation.

Step 5: Complete the process. For repairs, follow the included instructions or schedule a technician. For refunds, ship the unit back if required and wait for processing.

Step 6: Contact Midea if issues arise. Call Midea customer service at 888-345-0256 if you have problems with registration, repair, or refund delays. Be persistent, as call volumes have been high since the recall announcement.

If you decide to dispose of your recalled unit instead of returning it, check our guide on proper AC disposal and recycling to handle it safely.

Real User Experiences from Forums

We dug through Reddit communities including r/MideaUOwners and r/AirConditioners to find out what real owners are saying about the recall process. Their experiences offer a window into what you can expect.

One common theme is frustration with the recall website. Several users reported registration glitches and confusion about the photo validation step. Midea requires photos of the unit and model number to verify eligibility, and some users had to submit multiple times before approval.

Users who already drilled their own drainage holes before the official recall were relieved to learn they remain eligible for refunds. Midea confirmed that modified units still qualify, though the photo validation process may flag modifications for review.

On the positive side, many users appreciated the repair kit design. The included bubble level is a nice touch that helps ensure the unit sits at the correct angle for proper drainage going forward.

Several users noted that Costco and other retailers continued selling units even after Midea knew about the mold issue. This has been a point of frustration, especially for people who purchased units shortly before the recall announcement.

If you are looking for help with other cooling issues, our troubleshooting air conditioning units guide covers common problems across different AC types.

Conclusion

The Midea air conditioner recall affects approximately 1.7 million U and U+ window units sold under nine brand names between March 2020 and May 2025. If you own one of these units, the most important step is to stop using it and register your claim at MideaUrecall.expertinquiry.com or call Midea at 888-345-0256.

You have two clear options: a free repair kit that addresses the drainage problem, or a prorated refund based on how long you have owned the unit. Both remedies come at no cost to you. The key is taking action before mold becomes a health issue in your home.

For ongoing updates and replacement options, bookmark our complete Midea air conditioner recall guide and check back as new information becomes available throughout 2026.