A home appliance company whose window air conditioners were chosen as the New York Times’ best units has recalled 1.7 million of the devices due to possible mold growth leading to sickness.

The New York Times (NYT) listed the Midea U Window Air Conditioner as the number one contender on the newspaper's list of six best air conditioners of 2025, while the U+ model won runner-up. The units were recently recalled because pooled water in the air conditioners may not drain quickly enough, leading to mold growth and possible health issues.

“Mold exposure poses risks of respiratory issues or other infections to some consumers,” according to Midea.

The recall was issued on June 5, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). About 1.7 million of the devices have been recalled, and about 45,900 were sold in Canada, according to the announcement.

There have been at least 152 reports of mold in the air conditioners, including 17 reports of customers suffering from respiratory infections, allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing or sore throats from mold exposure, Midea said.