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expiredGp_ww posted Jul 21, 2025 07:16 PM
expiredGp_ww posted Jul 21, 2025 07:16 PM

Costco Members: Midea U 12,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window AC with MShield

+ Free Shipping

$310

$390

20% off
Costco Wholesale
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Deal Details
Costco Wholesale has for their Members: Midea U 12,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window AC with MShield on sale for $309.99. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Community Member Gp_ww for finding this deal.

About this Item:
  • Ultra-Quiet U-shaped Design Allows Closed Window to Block Compressor Noise, 32dBA
  • Inverter Technology Delivers 35% Energy Savings Compared to DOE Minimum CEER Requirement
  • For Spaces up to 550 Sq. Ft. and Easy Installation with Included Snap in Bracket
  • Matter Certified Unit with App & Voice Control: Control from Anywhere with the App and Voice Assistant
  • Mshield Air Ionizer Technology: Reduces Odors, Smoke, and Gases in the Air

Editor's Notes

Written by slickdewmaster | Staff
  • About this Deal:
    • This matches the +55 Frontpage Deal earlier this month.
    • Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars from 73 customer reviews.
    • $80 manufacturer's savings is valid 7/21/25 through 7/27/25. While supplies last. Limit 5 per member.
    • Please see the original post for additional details and give the WIKI and forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by Gp_ww
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Costco Wholesale has for their Members: Midea U 12,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window AC with MShield on sale for $309.99. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Community Member Gp_ww for finding this deal.

About this Item:
  • Ultra-Quiet U-shaped Design Allows Closed Window to Block Compressor Noise, 32dBA
  • Inverter Technology Delivers 35% Energy Savings Compared to DOE Minimum CEER Requirement
  • For Spaces up to 550 Sq. Ft. and Easy Installation with Included Snap in Bracket
  • Matter Certified Unit with App & Voice Control: Control from Anywhere with the App and Voice Assistant
  • Mshield Air Ionizer Technology: Reduces Odors, Smoke, and Gases in the Air

Editor's Notes

Written by slickdewmaster | Staff
  • About this Deal:
    • This matches the +55 Frontpage Deal earlier this month.
    • Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars from 73 customer reviews.
    • $80 manufacturer's savings is valid 7/21/25 through 7/27/25. While supplies last. Limit 5 per member.
    • Please see the original post for additional details and give the WIKI and forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by Gp_ww

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+63
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Top Comments

HeyThatGuy
39 Posts
14 Reputation
This is a mini split without heat. I've purchased and recommended at least a dozen over the past few years. Uses very little energy
He-Man
783 Posts
244 Reputation
You are right. 90% HOAs do not allow these window ACs. Crazy rules! HOAs are just scam organizations set up for making money and put up rules that are way overboard.
BenT2341
14 Posts
10 Reputation
What's up with the big recall on these? I have had three get moldy and I'd need to hear they fixed the root cause before I'd get another.

148 Comments

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Jul 22, 2025 10:19 AM
2,897 Posts
Joined Mar 2008
produkeJul 22, 2025 10:19 AM
2,897 Posts
Quote from MikeAnnon :
Like many window AC units, they splashed condensate water on the condenser coils to increase heat transference and increase efficiency. But unlike many other such AC units, they did not provide the option of opening a drain hole on the bottom outside corner of the back-tilted machine to offer the option of not using that water and draining it out. Big mistake = risk of mold. Now they come with plugs that intended to allow draining.
i usually drill a few small holes 9n bottom on my window AC. always helps. be sure to hold drill steady and avoid entering too deep or hitting refrigerant lines.
Jul 22, 2025 02:21 PM
1,190 Posts
Joined Dec 2008
rjsmith2007Jul 22, 2025 02:21 PM
1,190 Posts
Quote from justye :
Is this good to supplement a central AC system? I think this might be good for those who have a bedroom that doesn't get cold enough even with central AC in AZ (probably because temp is based on living room). Would reduce load on central AC, even keep it at higher temp and sleep with cooler temp in a single room?
I use 2 of these and a fan to cool my ~800 sq ft house.
Jul 22, 2025 03:08 PM
660 Posts
Joined Jan 2006
bostondealseekrJul 22, 2025 03:08 PM
660 Posts
Quote from Protege :
cheaper spending another $60-80 and getting a 9k mini split with heat.
link?
Jul 22, 2025 03:24 PM
22 Posts
Joined Nov 2016
JoeK8177Jul 22, 2025 03:24 PM
22 Posts
Quote from juicemane_ :
DO NOT BUY MIDEA U SHAPED AC UNITS!

The "updated" model is the old model, with a drain and some extra plugs. It also includes a nice disclaimer (that I'm assuming most of you didn't read,) which clearly states "This unit MUST BE CLEANED EVERY TWO WEEKS." Yes, every two weeks you need to take the unit OUT OF THE WINDOW to properly clean it per the manual. It takes about 45 minutes to clean it (not counting the removal/reinstall time.)

The "updated" model will grow mold, same as the old unit. The water pooling in the interior side of the unit has NOT BEEN FIXED. The water gets trapped inside the front of the unit, and DOES NOT DRAIN OUTSIDE. This is by design.

Do yourself a favor and stay far away from this headache and mold infestation.

BTW - I had two units recalled, opted for cash (they paid me $380 per unit) - I used the e-gift cards to purchase two "Updated" models. The FIRST thing you see when you open the new units is the giant legal disclaimer saying "Clean me and you cant sue us." I returned both units and picked up some GE Clearview units (they work well, but are pricey.)

I'm pretty sure the 2 week cleaning is for the lint/dust filter, and it takes maybe 2 minutes to rinse and wipe off. I just installed one at my parent's house and I cannot find anything in the manual about disassembling the unit to clean it every two weeks.

Water will pool if the unit is installed incorrectly - it needs to slope to the outside. The new model includes a bubble level, and it is different from the old ones. The bracket is a different design, the bottom of the new unit is flatter.

I own 4 of these in my home, just bought another new (updated) one. I installed two of them in my parent's house, two in my sister's, yada yada…

Only one of mine grows mold, it is an old one, it was installed incorrectly by me, it does not slope to the outside, I will rectify it…
Jul 22, 2025 03:26 PM
145 Posts
Joined Nov 2022
engi_nerdJul 22, 2025 03:26 PM
145 Posts
FYI Costco doesn't count these as an appliance so it has an unlimited return window, which is a god-tier benefit for anything HVAC related. I don't care if it molds - it will just go back to the store 🤷 this is even what Midea had Costco customers do for the recall rather than cut the chord or mail it in. If you're in the market for a window AC this is a no brainer… even if you have to pay for a new Costco membership just to purchase it.
Last edited by engi_nerd July 22, 2025 at 08:28 AM.
1
Jul 22, 2025 03:37 PM
2,659 Posts
Joined Nov 2008
sHockz_atxJul 22, 2025 03:37 PM
2,659 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank sHockz_atx

Quote from boartstarr :
They just changed the drain plug to drip a bit and added a tiny level item to make sure the installation tilts outwards. Same kit you get when you file a recall claim. Or you can wait forever and get money back on your existing one.
Took less than 2 weeks to file my claim, take the pictures, have them approve the pictures, and get my pre-paid credit card from the company via email.

Got $423 back, and know how to deal with the power cable. Drilled some drain holes, cleaned out the inside (which wasn't moldy), and we're back in action.

I'd say it's a far cry from "wait forever and get money back." Took no time at all. In fact I wish all recalls/reimbursements were like this.
2
2
Jul 22, 2025 03:49 PM
117 Posts
Joined Jan 2020
WaygzhJul 22, 2025 03:49 PM
117 Posts
Quote from justye :
Is this good to supplement a central AC system? I think this might be good for those who have a bedroom that doesn't get cold enough even with central AC in AZ (probably because temp is based on living room). Would reduce load on central AC, even keep it at higher temp and sleep with cooler temp in a single room?
I have this.
It's focused on efficiency, so it's super cheap to run. But part of that makes it form mold. In AZ it won't be an issue, but for safety I'd still angle the unit so it tilts out and pull the back drain plug so it doesn't hoard water as a mold nidus. If you do turn it off, make sure to run the fan 30 minutes or so to let the unit dry out first. Easy enough, there's a WiFi app you can do it from anywhere.
As long as it fits your window, I love the little guy. Pretty easy to set up. We use two of them in a 5000 SQ ft house to keep it at a reasonable temp (we live in a VERY Temperate climate) during the dog days of summer. They are quiet and do a good job and also look pretty good.

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Jul 22, 2025 03:52 PM
39 Posts
Joined Mar 2018

This comment has been rated as unhelpful by Slickdeals users.

Jul 22, 2025 03:59 PM
706 Posts
Joined Dec 2006
yankees4lifeJul 22, 2025 03:59 PM
706 Posts
Quote from produke :
i usually drill a few small holes 9n bottom on my window AC. always helps. be sure to hold drill steady and avoid entering too deep or hitting refrigerant lines.
I usually hit the area, that I want to put the hole at, with a small screwdriver to create a dimple. It's easier then to pop the dimple and not hit a line, which I have done.
2
Jul 22, 2025 04:05 PM
20 Posts
Joined Jan 2022
TenseMammoth877Jul 22, 2025 04:05 PM
20 Posts
This is the best unit I've had, and if you install correctly, you won't have a mold issue. The hysteria was mostly driven by poor installation, not cleaning the air filter, and not drying the unit out when storing it.

Every other unit I've used has had mold and rust issues because most dont have drain plugs and are hard to angle correctly in old windows.
Jul 22, 2025 04:55 PM
458 Posts
Joined Sep 2013
DannyD2637Jul 22, 2025 04:55 PM
458 Posts
Quote from zain27288 :
aren't they recalled recently?

Read any of the comments posted before yours.
1
Jul 22, 2025 04:56 PM
39 Posts
Joined Mar 2018

This comment has been rated as unhelpful by Slickdeals users.

Jul 22, 2025 05:09 PM
5,810 Posts
Joined Dec 2004
CaleoJul 22, 2025 05:09 PM
5,810 Posts
Quote from justye :
Is this good to supplement a central AC system? I think this might be good for those who have a bedroom that doesn't get cold enough even with central AC in AZ (probably because temp is based on living room). Would reduce load on central AC, even keep it at higher temp and sleep with cooler temp in a single room?
Absolutely.
I'm not in AZ with regular 100-110f+ temps, but it does handle keeping my whole upper floor reasonable on 85-95f days. I have it in my master bedroom, and it has a straight shot down the hall to my office. Only uses like 90-110W into the evening/night when it doesn't have to cool very hard & throttles itself down.

My central air struggled keeping the upper floor cool. With this window unit, I virtually never even run my central air anymore because it keeping the upper floor cool does a pretty decent job keeping my whole house cool.
Jul 22, 2025 05:17 PM
518 Posts
Joined Jun 2023
brownedpantsJul 22, 2025 05:17 PM
518 Posts
Quote from justye :
Is this good to supplement a central AC system? I think this might be good for those who have a bedroom that doesn't get cold enough even with central AC in AZ (probably because temp is based on living room). Would reduce load on central AC, even keep it at higher temp and sleep with cooler temp in a single room?
Yes. Living in a ranch-style home in PA I actually have one in the bedroom and one in the kitchen. I have been mostly running these and not the central AC; just saving the main system for times when I need to cool the whole house quickly. Saves on electric and maintenance.

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Jul 22, 2025 06:06 PM
553 Posts
Joined Sep 2018
ProtegeJul 22, 2025 06:06 PM
553 Posts
Quote from bostondealseekr :
link?
its the urlhasbeenblocked here on sd

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