How To Check Your Midea AC for Mold – Safety Tips and Legal Guidance

Jason Turchin, Esq.

If you own or use a Midea U or U+ window air conditioner, it’s important to check your unit for signs of mold buildup, especially if you’ve experienced health symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or sore throats. On June 5, 2025, Midea recalled 1.7 million units in the U.S. due to the risk of mold exposure caused by defective drainage.

Whether you live in a house, apartment, or dorm—and whether or not you purchased the unit yourself—knowing how to check your Midea AC for mold could help prevent serious health issues. This guide walks you through the inspection process and explains what to do if you find mold.


Why Midea AC Units Were Recalled

Midea recalled its U and U+ series window AC units because pooled water inside the units can fail to drain properly, leading to internal mold growth. When the air conditioner is turned on, it may circulate mold spores into your indoor air, potentially causing:

  • Respiratory infections
  • Sinus and throat irritation
  • Skin rashes
  • Asthma attacks
  • Allergic reactions

These risks can be especially dangerous in humid environments and for young children, the elderly, or people with asthma or immune issues.


Step-By-Step: How To Check Your Midea Air Conditioner for Mold

✅ Step 1: Confirm Your Model Is Recalled

Before inspecting your unit, determine if it’s one of the models included in the June 2025 recall.

How to Find Your Model Number:

  • Look on the front right side of the unit (when facing it).
  • The label should list the model number, brand name, and BTU rating.

Common Affected Brands:

  • Midea
  • Frigidaire
  • Danby
  • Insignia
  • Comfort Aire
  • Mr. Cool
  • Keystone
  • Sea Breeze
  • Perfect Aire
  • LBG Products

To check the full recall list, visit:
👉 www.MideaUrecall.expertinquiry.com


✅ Step 2: Power Off and Unplug the Unit

Safety first: Always turn off and unplug the air conditioner before inspecting it to avoid electrical shock.

Place the unit on a flat surface (or safely leave it in the window if securely installed), and wear gloves and a mask to avoid direct exposure to mold spores.


✅ Step 3: Remove and Inspect the Filter

  • Open the front panel and remove the air filter.
  • Examine the filter for:
    • Black or green spots
    • Damp areas or discoloration
    • Unusual odor (musty, earthy, or mildew-like)

If the filter is moldy, it may be circulating contaminated air into your room.


✅ Step 4: Check the Internal Drain Area

Midea AC units have internal drainage channels that may pool water. Carefully examine:

  • The drain tray (if accessible)
  • The base of the unit near the fan or blower
  • Around the evaporator coil

Signs of mold or water damage include:

  • Visible black, green, or grayish discoloration
  • Wet sludge or debris
  • White powdery buildup (sometimes mold residue)
  • Foul, musty odor

✅ Step 5: Look at the Vents and Housing

Check the air vents, fan blades, and inside the housing:

  • Use a flashlight to illuminate hard-to-see spots.
  • Mold often hides inside plastic crevices and ventilation slats.
  • Shine a light into the unit and look for condensation or mold streaks.

If mold is visible or suspected in any area of the unit, it may be unsafe to use.


✅ Step 6: Document Your Findings

Take clear photos of any mold, wet spots, or damage. Also photograph:

  • The model/serial number tag
  • The full unit (to show condition and placement)
  • The moldy filter or interior mold buildup

This documentation may help if you need to file a recall remedy request or a legal claim for injuries caused by mold exposure.


What To Do If You Find Mold in Your Midea Air Conditioner

If you detect mold in your Midea AC unit, take these immediate steps:

🚫 1. Stop Using the Unit

Do not turn it on again—mold spores can quickly contaminate the air.

🧼 2. Don’t Try Deep Cleaning Yourself

Surface mold on a removable filter may be cleaned temporarily, but mold inside the coil housing or internal tray should only be addressed by professionals. Improper cleaning can make the problem worse. Take photos of any visible mold in and around the unit, vents and walls.

⚖️ 3. Speak With a Mold Injury Attorney

If you or someone in your home developed symptoms like chronic coughing, sinus issues, or skin irritation after using a Midea AC unit, you may be entitled to compensation. Our office can help evaluate your case and file a Midea mold injury claim.


Why Mold in AC Units Is Dangerous

Mold exposure from air conditioners is especially concerning because:

  • It is blown directly into your breathing space
  • It spreads rapidly in humid environments like Florida, New York, and New Jersey
  • It may affect young children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals even at low levels

Health effects may appear gradually or suddenly, and many people don’t realize their air conditioner is the source of their illness.


Signs Your Midea AC May Be Spreading Mold

Even if you don’t see mold, your AC may still be contaminated. Warning signs include:

  • Musty or mildew smell coming from the unit
  • Increased allergy symptoms when AC is on
  • Sinus pressure, headaches, or throat irritation
  • Dust buildup near vents that’s hard to remove
  • Condensation or water leaking from the unit

If these symptoms improve after stopping use of the unit, the AC may be the culprit.


Yes. If you used a recalled Midea U or U+ air conditioner and developed health issues, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages from missed work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Home mold remediation costs
  • Replacement of the defective unit

You do not need to own the unit to file a claim—renters, students, or office workers may also qualify if they were exposed.


Frequently Asked Questions – Checking Your Midea AC for Mold

Do all Midea AC units have mold?

No. But many recalled models have been linked to mold growth due to poor drainage design. If yours is included in the recall, it’s wise to check it immediately.


Can I clean the mold myself?

You can clean surface-level mold on filters, but internal mold may require professional remediation. Improper cleaning can make the situation worse and expose you to more mold spores.


What if I don’t see mold but have symptoms?

You may still have a mold problem. Some mold hides in inaccessible parts of the unit. A musty smell, increased respiratory symptoms, or condensation inside the unit can all be red flags. Consider a mold test.


Can I get sick from mold in an air conditioner?

Yes. Mold exposure from an AC unit can cause respiratory infections, sinus issues, allergic reactions, and other serious health problems.


Not necessarily. If you have documentation (e.g., photos, medical records, proof of model number), you may still file a claim even if the unit was discarded.


Concerned About Mold Exposure? We Can Help.

If your Midea air conditioner shows signs of mold, or you’ve been experiencing unexplained health symptoms, don’t wait. Mold exposure can affect your quality of life—and the manufacturer may be liable.

📞 Call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755
💬 Use our live chat for a free consultation
💼 We work on contingency, so you don’t pay unless we win

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