Costco Wholesale has for its
Members:
Midea 12,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner with MShield (MAW12AV1QWT-C) on sale for
$329.99.
Shipping is free.
Thanks Community Member
neomatrixviper for sharing this deal
Note, Non-Members may purchase but are subject to a 5% surcharge
Features:
- For Spaces up to 550 Sq. Ft. and Easy Installation with Included Snap in Bracket
- Energy Star Certified
- Inverter Technology Delivers 35% Energy Savings Compared to DOE Minimum CEER Requirement
- 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
Top Comments
there is only one problem and it's huge after awhile
the blower fan is nearly impossible to clean
I don't keep the AC in the bedroom window all year, so the process of install and pulling it is important. While both are somewhat heavy, the Midea one always felt like it would flex and collapse on itself when lifting it out of the window. The HiSense feels much more compact and rigid. I haven't checked, but it also seems smaller/lighter. My wife is really sensitive to light in the room when we sleep, and one challenge with the Midea one is that in order for the room blind to black out the room, it would have to slide behind the room side of the AC unit (in between the ac and the window). For the HiSense, this is not an issue since the blinds can come down to the top of the room side of the unit, and then the sides are blocked out with the included foam. We use a roller shade, so it was thin enough to fit between the AC and window on the Midea, but if we had other options like mini-blinds or slats, we would have had a lot of light in the room with the Midea.
Since we mostly keep the blinds down in our room, the other benefit of the HiSense is aesthetic - there is only a small footprint on the room side of the AC unit.
Again, this is not to say there is anything wrong with the Midea as long as they've fixed the mold. It was really great as well. In terms of function, they both seem to be pretty equal. The HiSense ones had several sales last year through Costco. As it is getting hotter, I wouldn't wait to get one, but if you get one Costco, be sure to watch out for a drop in price in the 30 days after since they will honor the price adjustment as long as you request during the time it is on sale and within 30 days of purchase.
Community Reviews
This Midea 12,000 BTU smart inverter window air conditioner is praised for strong cooling, quiet operation, and efficient power use, with smart app energy tracking on some units. Installation is usually described as manageable, though the unit is heavy and may take two people, and it works well for bedrooms and other single rooms. The main cautions are the earlier mold recall history, occasional drain plug and energy reporting quirks, and possible breaker trips on crowded circuits. It is a solid fit when you want window AC performance without portable AC noise.
Common Questions (6)
Warehouse pricing is commonly reported around $299-$300, while online pricing is higher because of shipping. Several comments also mention past seasonal drops to about $199-$125, so the best price often comes later in the season or in-store.
Yes. It is repeatedly described as very quiet and more efficient than portable units because the compressor sits outside the window and it uses inverter tech. Several comments also note it can cool bedrooms and larger rooms effectively, though very hot rooms may make it run nearly nonstop.
The model number matches the recalled line, but the updated units are described as having a redesigned drain plug and being fixed after the recall. Some owners report years of use with the recall repair kit and no mold issues afterward.
When the room is already cool, it can draw roughly 200-600 watts, with peak draw around 1,000-1,200 watts when the room is hot or it is struggling to keep up. That makes it efficient for normal cycling, but it can still trip a weak or overloaded circuit.
Installation is generally described as manageable but heavy, often taking about an hour and sometimes needing two people to lift. The included instructions cover both lipped and non-lipped windows, and several people recommend following YouTube guides for the easiest setup.
Yes, if the circuit cannot handle its peak draw. It usually runs below its maximum, but comments note that older AFCI breakers or heavily loaded circuits can trip, while a dedicated or updated circuit often solves the problem.
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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112 Comments
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- Removal is simple and the cut foam pieces can be reused which makes install number 2 go faster.
- Once removed, suggest cleaning the outside fins before storing for the window. They can collect a lot of dirt, grass, etc. during use and stop the air flow needed to run efficiently.
I agree... i was reading this thread thinking the same. the Mideas were discounted alot here and there for the past few years, (before the issues w/ mole became conversation as well as during) as well as your yearly end of season sales.
i used to own the 12k btu unit but i got the 8k unit last fall, and tested it out. same sized chasis however, maybe cuz it's a 3yr newer unit, it's even more quiet during use, might be due to having the smaller diameter fan while having the same big metal chasis to absorb its vibrations.
Amazed how quiet this unit is. This is replacing a portable AC unit on wheels that got crazy loud when it was 90+ out, drove me crazy in the summer waking up to the AC unit working over time.
U shaped AC units that are outside the window are a game changer if you're putting this in a bedroom. Doesn't take up as much space as a portable AC unit too.
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better deal than the other Big Box stores with this kind of AC and very efficient machine. haven't installed yet, but wanted to get rid of my old leaky window unit and all the noise. seems this one will work better than my old 8,000 btu one could ever dream of.
1) Added a prefilter to keep dust out of the evaporator limiting any food for mold. Remove and clean filter weekly.
2) Removed foam strip behind the evaporator coils.
3) Installed unit with an aggressive tilt.
4) Keep the air flap open/running the fan 24/7.
5) Spraying the fan assembly/evaporator with botanical Decon 30 after cleaning filters.
I have the original recalled unit so I had to drill holes in the corners to allow the water to drain. I believe the new units have drain plugs you can remove.
The unit itself so far has been great. I got mine for my master bed/bathroom at nighttime so I don't have to run the whole house (downstairs as always is a lot cooler than upstairs). Tested a few times and it worked great for the space I have.
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