Latest news with #Midea
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Midea and AHRI Deepen Global HVAC Alliance with Landmark Visit to China Headquarters
AHRI Leadership Visits Midea to Strengthen Global Standards Collaboration GUANGDONG, China, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 12, Stephen Yurek, President of the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), alongside the AHRI management team, visited Midea Air Conditioning Headquarters. The delegation shared AHRI's global organizational structure and mission, discussing future collaboration with Midea to advance regional energy efficiency standards and streamline regulatory pathways for market access across global regions. AHRI also recognized Midea for achieving 100% compliance in AHRI's three consecutive years of certification testing in VMAC, PTHP, PTAC and other categories. Midea attendees included Louis Zhao, President of the Residential Air Conditioning Division; Vincent Chou, Vice President of the Residential Air Conditioning Division; and Dennis Lee, Vice President of Midea Building Technologies Division International Business. The meeting with AHRI leadership represents a pivotal step toward co-developing global standards and advancing international collaboration in high-performance HVAC solutions. With over 330 member companies in North America alone, AHRI standards cover 95% of HVACR products in the region. With its global service framework expansion, it establishes localized efficiency standards and market access rules, ensuring high-efficiency products enter markets smoothly. Choosing Midea as the first stop of its China visit reflects AHRI's recognition of Midea's leadership in driving energy efficiency upgrades and standard development globally. During the closed-door meeting, both parties explored collaboration frameworks for three market types: Developing Markets: Accelerate electrification and inverter technology adoption through high-efficiency solutions Extreme-Climate Markets: Jointly develop practical efficiency and quality standards based on local usage insights Markets Without Unified Standards: Build foundational regulatory systems to foster healthy competition The discussions focused on leveraging AHRI's expanding footprint (including new Singapore/Dubai offices) to accelerate regulatory harmonization. This alignment ensures Midea's advanced systems qualify for key incentive programs like federal/regional heat pump rebates tied to high-efficiency standards. Stephen Yurek outlined AHRI's global structure, highlighting offices in the U.S., China, India, UAE, and Mexico. He praised Midea's heat pumps delivering up to 100% heating output at -31°F and up to 100% cooling output at 140°F, expressing interest in deeper global collaboration. "Midea commits to pioneering heat pump innovation for unprecedented efficiency and environmental adaptability, while tailoring localized solutions to meet global efficiency regulations," said Louis Zhao, President of Midea's Residential Air Conditioning Division. "We're honored to support AHRI's worldwide strategy by combining our technical expertise with market experiences." Midea Enhances Standards Leadership in North America and Supports AHRI's Global HVAC Frameworks Through Targeted InnovationAHRI's visit elevates the strategic partnership between both parties to new heights. For over a decade, the two organizations have been trusted allies in advocating for high-efficiency, low-carbon transformation. Since 2017, Midea has collaborated with AHRI to actively participate in developing standards for multiple projects including high-efficiency low-temperature heating, eco-friendly refrigerants, and CVP, jointly advancing industry energy efficiency models using the new R454B eco-friendly refrigerant. Midea also actively participates in key leadership and technical forums, including standing committees on Certification and Global Services and a broad range of working groups. This active involvement culminated in a major landmark: Midea became the first Chinese brand admitted into AHRI's Central Ducted Systems Unitary Section Leadership Council. Leveraging AHRI's influential global platform and standards expertise alongside Midea's technological innovation capabilities and market insights, this collaboration will create greater value for global users and inject strong momentum into sustainable industry development. Advancing Heat Pump Innovation to Lead in Performance, Versatility and Market GrowthMidea's technical leadership in the HVAC industry is anchored by its sustained focus on heat pump innovation. Midea has also expanded its heat pump offerings with new product categories such as Packaged Window Heat Pumps (PWHP) for urban retrofits and Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH), with an impressive efficiency rate of up to 400%. The June 12 meeting was designed to further explore strategic pathways for strengthening Midea's leadership in the North American market through deeper technical alignment, ensuring Midea's products continue to meet evolving standards tied to regional and federal electrification and sustainability goals, and expanded certification collaboration with AHRI. Contractors and companies that are interested in becoming a Midea heat pump distributor or consumers seeking to upgrade to Midea's heating and cooling solutions should call 1-888-MIDEA-NA (1-888-643-3262). For more information, visit CONTACT FOR CONTRACTORS AND DISTRIBUTORS: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Midea Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Independent
12-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Signs your air conditioner is making you sick
Harmful mould growth in air conditioning units, especially with increased AC use during hotter months, poses health risks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 1.7 million Midea window air conditioners due to potential mould growth, which can cause respiratory issues or infections. Common indoor moulds like Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems; black mould can cause eye irritation and worsen asthma. The CDC notes that mould can cause symptoms ranging from cold-like symptoms, a skin rash, or burning eyes to severe reactions like fever and shortness of breath, especially in immune-compromised individuals. Experts recommend regular AC maintenance, proper ventilation, and cleaning to prevent mould growth, and advise wearing protective gear like gloves and masks when removing existing mould.
The Independent
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Your AC can get moldy. Here's how to protect yourself
As the calendar heads toward the Dog Days of the summer, it's getting hotter. But, turning up the AC may come with some unintended repercussions that affect the health of you and your family. Moisture that sits inside air conditioning units for an extended time can result in the growth of harmful mold. Exposure to that mold may lead to respiratory issues or other infections. Recently, 1.7 million Midea window air conditioners were recalled due to this risk. 'Pooled water in the air conditioners can fail to drain quickly enough, which can lead to mold growth. Mold exposure poses risks of respiratory issues or other infections to some consumers,' the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned. But, what should homeowners know and how great is the risk? Here's what the experts say... The mold is around There is always some mold, which grows where there is moisture. Also found around doors, windows, and other spots, the most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. Their spores can act as allergens. Most species of Cladosporium aren't harmful to your health, but reactions can potentially cause fungal infections in the lungs. A case of fatal pneumonia caused by Penicllium infection was reported by researchers in in 2013. Aspergillus can cause aspergillosis, a life-threatening disease primarily affecting the lungs. Black mold is also common, causing eye irritation, congestion, and worsening asthma symptoms. Breathing in black mold causes an allergic reaction, if you have black mold allergies. You can't get rid of these allergies, but you can treat your symptoms with drugs such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants, according to t he Cleveland Clinic. 'Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems,' the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes. 'Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, and pets can and be carried indoors.' The health effects vary 'It seems likely that some dampness-related microbiologic exposures will turn out to be the cause of the health problems, but we just don't know for sure yet,' Dr. Mark Mendell, a former air pollution research specialist at the California Department of Public Health and former staff scientist and epidemiologist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, told The New York Times. Exposure to such mold can lead to a variety of health effects – or none. People who are immune-compromised or are allergic may have worse reactions. For some, mold can result in a cold symptoms, a skin rash, or burning eyes. Recent research has suggested there's a potential link of mold exposure to asthma development in children, according to federal health authorities. 'Severe reactions, such as fever or shortness of breath, may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay,' the CDC warns. The climate plays a role Warming global temperatures mean an atmosphere that can hold more moisture. As cities become increasingly hot and humid – cities that are nearly 10 degrees warmer than suburban areas on their borders – the risk of mold development also rises. 'Fungi are relatively under-researched compared to viruses and parasites, but these maps show that fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future,' Norman van Rijn, a climate change and infectious diseases researcher at the University of Manchester, told CNN in May. So, what do I do? Not having air conditioning can be more dangerous. Clean your filter to help prevent growth. Assure that your unit is properly ventilated and regularly maintained. Cleaning your space is also a good idea.
New York Times
11-06-2025
- General
- New York Times
They're Chic, They're Quiet, and They Might Be Filled With Mold
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. 'He was like, '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. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
New York Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- New York Times
Do You Need to Be Worried About Mold in Your Air-Conditioner?
Air-conditioners can save lives and keep us comfortable on blistering days. But they may also carry health risks — namely, those related to mold. This was highlighted again last week, when the manufacturer Midea voluntarily recalled about 1.7 million air-conditioners because of a design flaw that encouraged mold growth. While that flaw made mold growth more likely, any air-conditioner can get moldy, no matter how well designed it is. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk. Why do air-conditioners get moldy? It's simple: moisture. Whether you have a window unit or central air, the basic process is the same. Air-conditioners work by repeatedly converting a refrigerant from gas into liquid, and back to gas. As the refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs heat from the air via a cold component called the evaporator coil. A fan blows over the coil, pushing cool air into the home, while hot air is pulled back outside and the refrigerant is condensed back into liquid to restart the process. As warm air cools, it produces condensation. Think of the way water droplets form on the outside of a glass when you pour cold water into it. In air-conditioners, a drain pan collects this water, and well-designed systems allow it to flow outside rather than remaining stagnant. But those systems can malfunction, or simply be imperfect. That means moisture may sit inside your air-conditioner for an extended time, leading to mold growth, said Mark Mendell, a former air pollution research specialist at the California Department of Public Health and former staff scientist and epidemiologist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
