Midea Recalls AC Units Over Mold Risk, Leaving Customers Frustrated - The New York Times


AI Summary Hide AI Generated Summary

Midea Air Conditioner Recall

Midea is recalling its U-shaped window air-conditioner units due to a potential mold problem. The recall affects units sold since 2020, which have gained popularity for their design.

Customer Frustration

Customers, like Clare Conroy, a New York City resident, are facing frustration due to the recall. Ms. Conroy discovered the recall through social media and found mold in her unit after disassembly.

Recall Details

The recall highlights the issue of mold growth, especially in units that are not stored properly during the off-season. The article focuses on the inconvenience faced by apartment dwellers with limited storage space, highlighting a common issue for city residents.

Cleaning and Next Steps

Ms. Conroy attempted to clean the mold with bleach, but the article does not detail long-term solutions or the extent of the recall process. The lack of convenient storage is discussed as a contributing factor to the problem.

Sign in to unlock more AI features Sign in with Google

Last Thursday, Clare Conroy turned on her window air-conditioner for its inaugural run of the season.

A few hours later, she learned that her appliance, a U-shaped Midea unit that has exploded in popularity since it was introduced in 2020, had been recalled over a potential mold risk. The window units, which are gracefully rounded, have become the air-conditioner of choice for many design-conscious New Yorkers, partly because of their distinctive shape that allows the window to close and light to enter on either side of the unit.

Suddenly, the air-conditioner no longer sounded so chic. Ms. Conroy learned about the recall on Instagram, where the handyman who had installed her unit posted to alert his clients.

β€œHe was like, β€˜I know at least 50 of you have them because I installed them,’” Ms. Conroy, 39, said, laughing.

Ms. Conroy, an attorney who lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, said she had purchased the Midea U, which retails for $330 to $480, in 2021 on the recommendation of a friend. Ideally, window units are seasonal devices that are stored in a dry place during the colder months. Ms. Conroy lives in a one-bedroom apartment and, like many city dwellers, does not have the luxury of storage space.

When she disassembled her unit after the recall, Ms. Conroy said she found black spots she believed to be mold. She did her best to clean it thoroughly with bleach and paper towels, but said she had not decided what she would do long term.

Was this article displayed correctly? Not happy with what you see?

Tabs Reminder: Tabs piling up in your browser? Set a reminder for them, close them and get notified at the right time.

Try our Chrome extension today!


Share this article with your
friends and colleagues.
Earn points from views and
referrals who sign up.
Learn more

Facebook

Save articles to reading lists
and access them on any device


Share this article with your
friends and colleagues.
Earn points from views and
referrals who sign up.
Learn more

Facebook

Save articles to reading lists
and access them on any device