Midea is recalling about 1.7 million U and U+ Window Air Conditioners sold in the U.S. and Canada due to mold exposure concerns, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The affected units, sold under brands like Midea, Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire, and Sea Breeze, may pool water internally, leading to mold growth due to inadequate drainage. Mold exposure can cause respiratory issues or infections, particularly for sensitive individuals.
Mold in air conditioners is a widespread issue, not limited to recalled units. “Mold is a common issue in AC units because the cooling process naturally creates moisture,” says Omero Flores, CEO of American AC & Heating. Condensation forms when warm air passes over evaporator coils, and if moisture doesn’t drain properly, mold thrives. This can reduce AC efficiency and circulate spores, potentially causing allergies, respiratory irritation, or, in rare cases, serious health issues like hypersensitivity pneumonitis or infections from toxic molds like black mold.
Signs of mold include a musty smell near vents, visible mold on vents or coils, moisture buildup, or allergy-like symptoms (sneezing, watery eyes, coughing) when the AC runs. To clean mold safely:
- Wear protective gear (gloves, mask, goggles).
- Consult your AC’s manual for cleaning guidelines.
- Turn off and unplug the unit.
- Remove filters, vent covers, and drip pans.
- Clean accessible mold with water and mild detergent or diluted bleach, avoiding damage to components.
- Ensure parts are fully dry before reassembling.
- Restart the AC.
For mold in deeper areas like coils or blower motors, hire a professional. To prevent mold recurrence, maintain indoor humidity between 30-50%, clean drip pans and drain lines, wipe down the unit regularly, and consider UV lights or HEPA filters. Routine maintenance is key to minimizing mold risks in any AC unit.