The Midea U-Shaped AC - Your Best Option? 

I watched your video yesterday and helped my girlfriend install her Midea-U today. A minute after the unit was turned on, error code 07 appeared on the display. Midea does not list error messages online or in the instruction manual, but Amazon explains the problem that many people have had. A piece of black vibration dampening material is wrapped around the 2 copper pipes next to the condenser coil fan (the section of the unit outside the window). If the material extends too far, it will prevent the condenser coil fan blade from turning, causing an error code 07 . In order to make the unit functional and prevent the error code 07, remove the top cover from the outside portion of the unit (3 screws on top, 2 screws on each side and 3 screws in the front. To remove the 3 front screws, a stubby screwdriver is necessary). On the left side, by the compressor are 2 copper pipes with the black material between the pipes. Trim or push the black material away from the fan blade so it spins freely, then install the cover and screws. It is easiest to test the unit before installing it in the window to be sure it functions properly so you can make the repair if needed. The fan on the inside part of the unit did not have a problem and worked normally.

I live in a doublewide mobile home , my central unit went out , with no job and having only soc. sec. i can not afford to buy a new central unit , i was able to buy this midea window unit , i installed it in the smallest room of my house and just moved EVERYTHING into that room ( tv , computer , game console , bed , everything ) now that is the room i exist in , the only room in the house with a/c , i am very happy with this a/c unit , very energy efficient and keeps me cool even tho outside temps are hitting 110 F or 43 C in the shade . it is hot , even at night it stays above 80 F / 27 C so the a/c unit runs 24/7 and my electric bills run under $100 / mo ; i just LOVE my midea a/c .

I have an Midea 8,000 btu U-shaped window a/c unit that I bought on Amazon and I love it. Unless I run it on full blast to quickly cool down the room, the machine is whisper quiet. It's nice that you can turn off the lights and display on the front panel of the unit as well as the beeps when you make a change to one of the settings. The remote that comes with the unit is very nice and has it's own little LED display that shows you everything you need to know about what settings you are using on the unit. And if that isn't enough, you can download an App. that turns your smartphone into a remote control that you can use anywhere as long as the window unit is connected to your wifi and your phone has internet access. I love it. I find myself using my phone more often than I use the remote that came with the unit. And the best part is that it sips electricity instead of guzzling it like the old a/c units do. This a/c unit is one of the best investment that I have ever made. There are people who are buying several of these Midea window a/c units and shutting off their central a/c system because these window units are way cheaper to operate than the central a/c system. 🙂👍

This will be my 3rd Summer and I have 2. They really are at 42 db. I have a 8k BTU in bedroom and one 12K BTU in lower level where I have no central air! I got a 12K BTU for my Son. All working really well!

Your review about Midea is the best so far to all I've watched over the fast few day. I'm planning to purchased one of this, and thankful I 've watched your video.

Installed two of these in a tenants unit and she didn't even know they were both running when she walked in. I would absolutely buy again

Had this for a few years, no problems,no as heavy as my old one, easy to keep clean because it doesn’t have the standard outlets for air that collect dust,one large cover that closes when off.the app is great,has control functions as well as inside and outside temperatures and even the forecast for your location,

Just put mine in yesterday. I think the bracket legs should slide to lengthen or shorten. It would solve a lot of people's problems. The legs were an issue for me. I silicone glued one inch thick wood to each pad. Worked like a charm. My unit is very quiet. And draws very little electricity compared to my other smaller btu unit.

Excellent craftmanship. I've own 1 of these AC unit for 1 year now, I was just searching how I can mount this for my other windows that are similar to yours. The double hung window with dual pane makes a huge noise reduction when it is use. Plus the fact that is an smart inverter also makes it efficient. This is so quiet sometimes I do not realize it is on and running regardless if it is on eco mode or not.

Good review I agree their bracket arms are a bit short and I added a 2x6 where they hit, but honestly I hate the extra length at the ends which is unnecessary and looks goofy. Otherwise I think the bracket design is a winner. I also thought the noise level is higher than advertised and one unit I bought is noisier than the other more recent purchase. The first one is not as balanced, the second one is quieter and smoother.

I have this exact model and I love it. Its a super cool AC unit (no pun intended). I live in a cape cod that was built in the 50s so I have a bunch of obsolete window sizes and shapes. Typically I have only been able to use a 5k or 8k BTU unit because of my window size but the 12K BTU unit fits and what a difference it makes. It punches above its cooling ratings. I found the install job to average. Here is what I can tell you: 1) I really like the bracket. No more wood blocks or bricks slid underneath for support. Nice clean easy bracket install 2) Its really quiet as advertised. Just enough soft white noise for sleeping. The display lights on the unit can be turned off 3) I live in the mid west and humidity can be a killer here so when I say it blows out cold air……..I am talking serious cold air 4) I dont know how but it blows air that reaches all the way across the room. Way further than any previous owned unit 5) I am not using the voice activation system (Alexa) but I did install the app. Just scanned the code and thats its. Works perfect 6) I ran into the same issue as the guy in the video. Had to make additional surround parts. It doesnt look bad but not great either 7) My surround looks ok but I can tell you that its light years ahead of dealing with those accordion style side panels. Those suck 8) I love the fact I can open my window if I want too 9) It lets in so much more light thru your window. Nice feature when you want some sunshine or just drop the shades to keep it darker cooler if you prefer I have noticed this unit does not have any weep/drain holes. I have also noticed this on the last 2 units I have bought. I guess they dont make them like that anymore. Not of a fan of that myself but just wanted to mention that. I paid $500 for this unit at a local hardware store and its easily the best looking and functioning window AC unit I have ever owned. Its not perfect because nothing is but I most definitely do recommend it if you can afford it. They also sell a 8K BTU unit that less expensive retails for around $330. E

Great video! Do you have instructions on how to build the frame? I have vertical sliders as well. I really like the clean look of your installation.

Thank you for posting how you did a sliding window install. I will be doing the same thing and had very similar ideas on how to do it.

I have an 8k and a 12k. I live in SW Fl and we are currently under an “excessive heat warning” with a feels like temp of 105. I use these to cool two bedrooms. I have central A/C and we keep the thermostat set to 79 around the clock. We use the Mideas when we go to bed so that we can keep bedrooms at 74. We also have two dehumidifiers that we run to keep the house at around 48% humidity. Usually only one dehumidifier is running until summer rains and humidity begin. (Like a rain forest here in Cape Coral in the summer) Comparing this year’s energy consumption to last year’s is showing we have dropped our kWh a considerable amount! I will have a better picture of the difference the Mideas and the dehumidifiers make once the humidity reaches the normal summer range of around 70%. As for installation, I thought it was pretty straightforward. I am kind of a moron when it comes to figuring out things but if you just read the directions they send you will work through it without too much issue.

I’m guessing to approach the 42 db you need to have it installed in a modern double hung dual pane glass windows. A lot of the claimed quietness comes from having a modern window with good sound insulation

I just bought the 12,000 btu unit today, and I'm already loving it. ❤

Aaron's Test Lab I just got my Midea 12K btu U-shaped inverter window ac and its a great start. I hope in the future other manufacturer's will start making Window ACs with inverter compressors, (I know LG makes one also but thats about all I can find) second, I hope others start making the U-shaped window ac as I think it works GREAT with added bracket to allow you to be able to open the window. I hope others will make the inverter, U-shaped window acs in a heat pump configuration, that way it can be even more efficient and come with heat, and maybe add an additional electric heater for added heat in cold areas. The more others start to make these the more efferent and the more the price will come down, and the more options we will have. Only having 1 company (Midea and Mr Cool are both owned by Midea) making the U-shaped, inverter, window unit limits you options.

the 60 degree lowest setting is what has me interested in this unit. i sleep very hot and ill take every thing i can get

I want to put this in a small RV. I wish it had heat setting, heat pump options. This would make it perfect for my application.

we have had our 10k unit for about one month, love it so far, especially the low noise level

Any way you could make the custom window frame. ? I'll happily pay for it. 😁

Thankyou for a nice review! Especially like the time you spent showing operation!. Question for you please, The drain plug underneath the unit is supposed to remain in place during operation and only removed to drain any residual water when storing unit for winter etc. Where does condensate water drip/drain from during normal summer use? Or is it absorbed by unit some how? appreciate it!

Hi Mr Unbiased, did you forget that your window is not sliding upward and instead of sound-proofing window panel, you are just using a wood board to separate from the outside condenser?

They are much quieter than normal window units. I put two in just to get ready in case my central unit quits. They are much quieter than my central unit. But I had lots rather have the old square box instead of the U shape. To me the old style is much easier to install. If the bottom of the U was straight, flat, and smooth it would be much much better. You have to be very careful to keep rain from wanting to flow inside. And there is no really good way to seal it except with foam which just soaks up water. The window does knock some of the sound I guess. And I am not interested at all about opening the window after it is installed. And ventetian blinds will not work with it; just not enough room. Especially with curtains. If I was to do it again I would probably go with a unit like the LG dual inverter or something.

I bought this ac, lasted about a year maybe a few months more, still blew cool but wouldn't keep cold, worked amazing in the beginning tho

I was looking at this AC, but it was out of stock everywhere I saw. Ended up purchasing a 22K BTU LG dual inverter, best thing ever.

You can still adjust the tilt. There are three screw holes where the arms attach to the window sill bracket that provide additional adjustment to the tilt.

It is good while it works. I purchased two 12000-BTU and both worked for two years only. The code that came up , loss of refrigerant. I contacted midea customer service, and they didn't care about it. Their answer was that the units had only one year warranty. Totally waste of time and money. I had no choice but to throw both in the garbage. Incidentally, I have a Sharp unit that is still working for more than 25 years.

Thanks. All my Alexa’s told me the weather in my house when you asked yours lol. I just ordered this same one. I need to keep a kitten from breaking out and this seems much safer than the accordion blinds.

I'm in the midwest, and I think I have the 10k btu version of the 12k btu. I just needed it to do one small room, about 130 sq ft. Now, it's in an upstairs space that gets HOT... and it never breaks a sweat. With it's variable compressor and that it seems to handle that troom so easily, I could picture having a few of them around a house..

Great video. I just bought two 8K units for the bedrooms in my cabin. Both rooms are about 120 square feet. My windows are 48" wide. I will follow your recommendation for wide windows. I am suspect that I will be able to run both units with the fan on low speed. It will be interesting to see if I can run both units off the same 15 amp circuit. Temps generally never get above 90 degrees during the day.

Great video. I couldn’t find the link to the Midea tutorial for installing in a sliding window that you mentioned, can you post it for us? Thanks

I have the 8000 but and it's amazingly quiet. There's times I don't even know if it's running or not because my air purifier on medium is louder than the air conditioner running on medium... I think for your test you should measure at six or eight feet because that's probably the distance the average person is from the air conditioner in a normal home, that's most people might put it at the window to the foot of their bed or to the far side of their bed. Bought mine at Costco for 239.00 and because I had the Costco credit card I get the free extended warranty for a couple years.

Can confirm, installation is still a nightmare.

Nice installation, and great video.

Yes double pain windows insulate both sound and temperature. Guess you could make a double layered air gap to maintain all insulating properties. (Sound and temperature).

True it is a good looking ac. Unfortunately I purchased one 12000-BTU for me and one for my son, and after two years, stopped working. I contacted midea customer service and they didn't offer any help. Their answer was that the units have only one year warranty. I tried to understand, but is this very expensive unit ( $500 each) designed to last two years only. At least in my area no technician is willing to wast time repairing the window units. Therefore, I had to trash both units.

6:28 under the upoer louver, there are two pairs of manually directional outputs 8:00 initial install says run NIDE COOL at 60, then when area is comfortable set temp you prefer. Thanks for sharing about remote etc. 11:55 note homedepot etc coverage does not kick in until end of manufacturer warranty.

Costco sale 80 off of the 12000 btu. Best AC I ever bought.

Power cord is 4.9 ft long. Must have receptacle/socket within reach-- no extension cords and always check that receptacle is properly grounded. Whether you use this video frame adaption, do not use an extension cord. If you don’t own, discuss and ask if building owner is agreeable to moving one close to Midea. 😊 6:35 you configure louver movement on unit. The user manual says beware of trending inhouse humidity at 80%. The DRY mode helps but a very humid climate may need assist of a standalone dehumidifier (not running at same time, of course.) The danby u channel demo is much better than the midea. They are twins. Additional store purchased warranty beyond the limited warranty, only begins after the manufacturer period ends. I do not know if that delayed arrangement is true for Assurion. I don’t trust the durability or long term cleanliness of the styrofoam i see from the top vents of the condenser that sits outside the window. Does Midea have replacements? Inside filter easier to do a clean maybe twice a month. Other users and installers say dirty filters are a main reason the coils freeze up or any air conditioner go bad.

I bought the 12k btu until from Costco for $320 out the door. I'm going to be using it in a 169sqft room. I'm sure this is extremely overkill but it was cheaper than the 8000btu unit and I will be able to use it for a bigger space if needed. Due to the inverter technology there shouldn't be any issues with having an over sized unit, which normally would be a big problem with condenser cycling on a standard ac unit.

We have a slider window as well, 21.5 " max at fully open... as far as what u had to do to get it in? wow bro! such a nice result and workmanship but as a homeowner thats got a drill and a circular saw, the woood work u did was wayyyy beyond the scope of what I or most people could do..who has a table saw like that in their garage? LOL. could I get it in the window if the gap was wide enough? probably ,! but my end result would look like a hack job by comparison! its been tough engough to just adapt a standard window unit into that slider and have it look decent..... FOLLOWUP: well, we swapped out the standard window ac for a midea 8k U shaped unit and put it in the sliding window slot.. yeah my install is not a pretty as urs but it works and the midea is an incredible unit.. we have 2 of them.. one seems decidedly weaker as far as the fan speed and compressor activity and coolness it generates... both are identical 8k units.. we may return the weaker one for another midea... would we still want one of these? heck yeah! they are almost central air silent and certainly more energy efficient than central air.

Nice video. I wonder... if the noise level is effected by the type of window? Just a thought. I just ordered one of these, the concept is revolutionary and I'm mostly hoping for a drastic reduction in noise as our current window unit literally reverberates through our walls and sleeping through it Nevins an exercise in time and the ability to tune it out. Like living next to a train track. Sadly my six cats are not displaying the ability to get used to it as we do. They freak out over it when the condenser kicks in... but I also live in NM where wind and sand are a thing and I'm hoping this will reduce the level of dust that seeps into my room as well. Thanks and I hope this works out for many years for you.

4:31 Holy F Man... I think you almost killed me! Caught me so off guard! I can comfirm, watching a big screen tv with your face right up to it can be very dangerous lol

BTW Aaron, i love your sliding adaptations. Not as handy as you but still admiring the look.

I want to know about the gap width. Would a garage door fit in the gap?

I got a 12000 and an 8000 non u-shaped the inverter with heat pump and dry function I already like them waiting to see what the first electric bill looks like. I've been waiting for an inverter window unit with heat pump.

Finally, someone showed the louver swing door IS able to stay still. (or move automatically). Thanks. Shouldn't your brackets outside be closer to the ac, instead of sticking out farther than the AC bottom?

Window AC Midea -U❤❤❤❤ I love you 😊

This AC is doing a fantastic job on cooling the downstairs half of your over 2000 sq ft home especially when it's designed to cool only a 550 sq ft area.

Does a person have to use the app? Do we have to use Wi-Fi mode? All I want to do is put it in my window, plug it in and use the features without Wi-Fi, without an app on a cell phone/computer! Is that possible with this unit? I need to know before purchase because I don’t want to have to take it and exchange it for a standard window air conditioner because I have to have to use Wi-Fi and an app!! I am referring to the U shape Air conditioner😊

I have 4 of them and trust me they are sub par. My older supposedly less efficient ones did a better job cooling my apartment. Collectively they were lower btu/hr rated but worked way better

A tiny shim would fix the slant if the next hole doesnt allow a down hill angle. A shim on the 2 legs where they meet the house. A piece of rubber glued to the existing pad with silicone. Looks great.

I was curious, does this unit turn off when it reaches the temp you set on the unit? So if you set it to 72 and the room hits 72, does it then shut off then kick back on if the temp rises again? Or is the temp setting on the unit only for how cold you want the air to blow out?

5:12 According to their website it is test standard ISO 3744 but you'd have to read the test standard to understand the set up. Sometimes tests are set up that don't really reflect actual use cases but are rather designed to be able to tease out the differences between the test subjects. I am looking for a new window AC unit and stumbled upon your video, super helpful with this product, thanks.

Wish they had a 15000btu in this design, the 12k one doesn't quite cool my Apt as well because the living room kitchen and hallway are continous with no doors seperating. My old 15k frigidaire was noisy as hell.

I just installed mine. It's quiet, however the fan does not blow air very hard. I have fan on high. I see some brands saying they can blow air up to 20 feet. Not this one lol

THE BRACKET SHOULD NEVER BREAK OR HAVE AN ISSUE IT SHOULDN'T LAST THE LIFE OF THE MACHINE!! I don't know why that would be an issue. The warranty is not 5 years I don't know where you got that!! The warranty is only one year. Which really stinks. If you look at the life of the unit they give you that information THEY SAY THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF THE UNIT IS 6 TO 8 YEARS.. I don't know if that's good or bad My old 12,000 BT unit made by AMANA LASTED ME 14 YEARS EVEN THOUGH I HAD TO CLEAN THE MOLD OUT OF IT. AND I SOLD IT RECENTLY FOR $100 WORKING PERFECTLY!!. Just a little bit old and rusty but worked

Just bought this unit and i am having trouble connecting. My connect button doesnt go to AP when i hold it. Any advice?

Hi, how do you mount the other side of the bracket since it is sliding window? I know one side screw to the wall but how about the other side?

11:47 says LIMITED❤ warranty. Also keep in mind the box store protection offers from Home Depot etc only kick in AFTER the manufacturers warranty, not concurrent and neither covers all labor, parts, etc. Be certain to honor user manual install, cleaning routine, etc. Otherwise might bust warranty and go from limited to no coverage.

Midea is actually a quite popular in asia and tropical countries

Thanks for the detailed review

With such custom work the unit could have been pre-mounted in a framed assembly, and the entire vertical assembly mounted in the window opening.

Installation was easier than any other window unit for a normal window install

What happened to the link to Midea's video and tutorial you mentioned at 2:13 in the video?

Can someone tell me how deep that front is? Like how far does it stick out from the window itself? I have a desk that is very close to the window about 7" away and want to know if that would be an issue. I can move my desk but it would be a MASSIVE undertaking!

I want to install this unit in 51 Inch wide window. Concerned about using and fastening the bracket. I plan on filling open spaces with wood or similar. Any ideas?12:54

THANK YOU ...EXCELLENT REVIEW !!!!!

So, if I have sliding windows I need to own a table saw and a work shop? Maybe the company should provide a slide window kit.

​ @aaronstestlab Could you pls post a link to the Midea tutorial for sliding windows that you mentioned at 2:12

Compare to its twin made by Danby. It’s bracket very similar. Midea might be OEM for it. But not yet discovered in my searvh

Have two units, one being used for a second summer season and they are both super quiet and cools nicely (got them from Amazon both times). But one weird thing happening for the last few months (since June) is that it switches on its own to Celsius with temp down to 16C (60F) when turning on every now and then (but with no rhyme or reason, just happens quite often). I already chatted with their customer service rep and was asked to reset (on the plug) and reinstall the app but this did not fix it and there was not other option. Anyone else having this issue? We really love these units but having to switch back to F and raise temp when this happens is getting old real fast.

Great Video! Great Wood Skill! What kind of Alexa device is that ? Thanks !

if you have a regular fan about 10 feet from the AC to help ventilate the cold air to back to the farthest part of the room. thanks for the post, will do exact that frame set up for this summer.

I was wondering, how do you like this a year later? Second question.... Hows it look on the inside? Every year I have to take my window units apart and flan off the "blanket" that formed the previous year on the inside of the condenser. So how easy is this one to get into to clean? Got any pictures/video of a lid removal....

I have double hung windows and when mine is on, I do not have to increase the volume of the TV. That is the true test of quiteness.

How did you install the anti-tip brackets while using this frame?

For anyone who might be hesitating to buy this model because of other comments saying the installation process is hard, DONT! There is dozens of youtube videos showing in detail how to install it. It took me about 15 minutes.

I would like to see and hear the difference in noise, measured in db, while the unit is running and then the compressor kicks on. That is my biggest concern when purchasing any window AC unit, especially since it will be in my bedroom.

Did you extend the anti-tip bracket for the window track? By the look of it it's only be possible to extend to the right side since the left has the window

I just bought the 12,000 BTU Midea unit today, and I must be having a totally different experience than everyone else. I've been running it for 3 hours, and it hasn't cooled my room at all, despite blowing very cold air (I have it set all the way down to 60 degrees). It's nowhere near as effective or powerful as my Soleus 12,000 BTU unit, which I'm using in another room. With the Soleus, I can feel the cold air 10 feet away; with the Midea, I have to right near it it to feel anything. I'm just trying to understand what's wrong.

How well does the heater work? And how do you use it

Mini split that identifies AZ a window unit 😆 🤣 golden

How's this AC holding up for you two years later? I have an area maybe 1.7x larger than yours, do you think two of these units, one on each end of the house, would keep it cool during the summer?

I feel bad for that small unit cooling that big of a space plus it's bad for the inverter system as well as compressor because they're running at full tilt most of the time. (we own 5 inverter ACs from Hitachi and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries that are over 5 years old and still running smoothly) Inverter air conditioners work best if they're slightly oversized for the space so the compressor slows down faster = saving power and gives out more cooling for the amount of energy they use. Get a second one if you want to save energy and cool that space efficiently, not to mention, keep your air conditioners 'alive' for years to come.

Not too big with digital thermostats. Cools my room quick and not too loud. One thing I wished it had is an app or Alexa, because I keep misplacing the remote!

Great video… good explanation of the u it and all but I have to say… if I’d have to go through some much trouble to replace a window unit for another… I’d rather get their in house mini split system and place the unit wherever my hearts content. Window units are Mega 70’s and I think we need to move to the future. Btw… these units are only sold in the USA by majority as the rest of the world uses in house mini split systems.

All my windows slide left to right. I also live in Seattle. I don’t have a table saw, if I got you dimensions what would you charge for a mounting kit like yours

Great video, great air conditioner.

Does it bring in outside air? What about wildfire smoke? Is there a way to seal the cracks well enough where air doesn’t come in?

Can you help me. I've had my air for a year. But it stopped working, the window doesn't open when I turn it on. I do not know what to do now.

I like it but wish you could turn the beep off while pressing the buttons.

Hey Aaron. Thanks for the great video. Question: Must the mounting bracket extend all the way to the sides of the widow? Couldn't you just secure a length of it the same width of the unit to the windowsill with screws? Even if you need to shim it? Asking because I have a 36" wide window and really do not see the need to go all the way to the walls regardless of the window width. Would look a lot neater too. Thoughts?

When it rains does water comes in from the bottom sides foam, or it seals good ?.....no drain hole

Would you have to go through all that to install a regular window air conditioner? That might be the drawback for windows that would require such a thing.

The increase in noise is b’cos of your polycarbonate. Acts as a sounding board, it would’ve been quieter if you had used glass

This is the quietest a/c unit I have ever owned. It's whisper quiet. I don't know why yours was so loud. when it's on... unless you have it running at full tilt... you almost can't hear it.

ECO vs. COOL mode question - In cool mode, the fan never turns off unless you just turn off the unit, correct? So the only way to get it to "act" like a central AC is ECO mode, but then you've got all that extra fan activity in addition to the cooling. Is that all accurate to say? So there's no way to have it just turn off when it's at proper temp and turn back on when it's too hot?

Can I just insert the Midea to an existing window box of our old a/c? Tnx