More than 45,000 air conditioners sold in Canada have been recalled due to a risk of mould exposure, Health Canada says.
The recall issued June 5 involves U and U+ Window Air Conditioners made by Midea, which were sold under various brand names including Midea, Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire, and Sea Breeze.
“Pooled water in the air conditioners can fail to drain quickly enough, which can lead to mold growth,” Health Canada said in its recall notice. “Mold exposure poses risks of respiratory issues or other infections to some consumers.”
Midea received five reports in Canada of mold in air conditioners as of June 3, while no symptoms had been reported yet, the recall said.
The affected units were sold between March 2020 and May 2025, the notice said.
The China-manufactured air conditioners are white with the brand name printed on them, and are said to be around 56 centimetres wide and 36 centimetres high. Consumers can find the model number on a label that is located on the front right side of the unit, Midea said.
The air conditioner units, which were designed to fit in windows, were sold in three different cooling power sizes, including 8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 BTU. The recall says that these air conditioners were sold with remote controls and can also be controlled through a mobile application.
Health Canada says exposure to mould could lead to health risks including eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, mucous build-up, wheezing, shortness of breath, worsening of asthma symptoms, and other allergic reactions.
Children, seniors, and people with medical conditions such as asthma and severe allergies could be more susceptible to the health effects of mould, while those with very weakened immune systems could experience severe lung infections, the federal agency says.
“Consumers should immediately contact Midea for a free repair or a full or prorated refund, which will be based on the purchase date or date of manufacture,” Health Canada’s recall notice said.
Midea says that if a consumer wishes to have their air conditioner repaired, the company will have a technician install a new drain plug directly, or the company may mail a “repair kit” to consumers who can then repair the unit themselves. The kit would include a new drain plug and bubble level, depending on the model, the company said.
While waiting for a repair, consumers are advised to visit Midea’s recall online for instructions on how to inspect their air conditioner before continuing to use the unit.
To receive a refund for their air conditioner unit, consumers are asked to either return the unit to Midea through the mail using a free shipping label, or provide a photo as proof that they have cut the unplugged power cord.
Around 1.7 million Midea air conditioner units have also been recalled in the United States. The company has received at least 152 reports of mould in its air conditioners in the United States, as well as 17 reports of symptoms such as “respiratory infections, allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing and/or sore throats from mold exposure.”
