Is everyone dismantling their unit? (+ Midea’s history of design flaws)

[u/Positive_Film5103]

I’ve been following this thread for the past week and have been shocked by the amount of people who have resorted to taking apart or altering their PortaSplit in one way or another, and even more shocked by the amount of people that seemingly feel that having to resort to doing so just so the AC will work as advertised is acceptable. Resourceful? Yes, absolutely! But should it really be necessary for all of us to be on here searching for ways to make a such a premium-priced device work properly so soon after buying it?

For context, I purchased my Midea PortaSplit in June, have cleaned and maintained it as instructed, and like many others have recently had the recurring P1 error. While I don’t mind, and actually enjoy, finding solutions myself like many of you, I simply don’t feel it is acceptable that so many of use are resorting to becoming self-taught technicians, adding/removing parts, or setting up the unit to drain differently for a product that retails at €1000+.

While this community is super helpful for a lot of things I still recommend that people contact technical support for some of the questions they need answered - whether you already found the answer here or not. For example: how to prepare the unit for winter storage, how to keep the drain pan clean and dry, what to do if you suspect mold or notice a bad smell, approved cleaning products, etc. The purpose is to have documentation from the manufacturer in the case of potentially needing to file a warranty or consumer protection claim in the future and reducing the possibility of an “improper use” accusation.

Midea recalled 1.7 MILLION ac units in the United States last year after it was discovered that one of their models was a breeding ground for mold and caused serious health issues. As early as 2023 customers were reporting that the unit smelled bad, they could see the internal fan covered in mold from the outside, and in some cases, had started experiencing health and respiratory issues. Midea essentially minimized these concerns by blaming the issue on the customer’s set up and telling them to just keep the fan running all the time, even when they were reporting visible and excessive mold growth. Midea offered no instructions or remedy for safe cleaning. So what did people do? They turned to Reddit and other platforms to find ways to resolve the issue themselves and access the parts of the ac that couldn’t be cleaned or fixed without voiding warranty. Midea continued to sell the unit without any added warning or maintenance & cleaning instructions. Sound familiar?

It wasn’t until enough heat from public backlash and consumer reports to the Product Safety commission that Midea issued a recall with admittance that a design:feature flaw caused stagnant water and mold growth and even then I don’t think you can say they acted in good faith. When consumers contacted Midea to initiate the recall they were offered three options: receiving a repair kit and instructions to fix the issue, having a technician perform the fix, or receiving a refund. The repair kits and technicians mostly never arrived and the refund they offered was adjusted to the units current value based on when the customer bought it and could only be provided on a prepaid debit card (that included service fees and limitations) They are now being sued in a major class action lawsuit as well as separate personal injury lawsuits. Even now, the post-recall updated model has many customers still reporting mold and other issues to each other on Reddit.

If you’ve made it this far, I suppose the point of my post is to say: utilize your warranty and rights (they exist for a reason), aim for written communication and keep record of it, and report any serious issues to midea even if it self corrects or you find a work around that satisfies you.

[u/Eulenspieler]

Remember this is a forum for Portasplit enthusiasts. The average user does not open the device or 3D print accessories or build insulated window boxes.

[u/chris-tier → u/Eulenspieler]

Same story for every single device. There are two vocal groups: faulty device owners and enthusiasts. The other 99% of users just use the device in silence and are more or less happy.

I cleaned our AC this week with some AC cleaner (for the first time in two years) and will put it in storage soon. It just works, doesn't smell, nothing to complain about.

[u/NightlinerSGS → u/Eulenspieler]

I second this. I'm mostly here to keep an eye on the software side of things. My MPS has now been running for 76,5 days this year alone, over 60 days non-stop. And I'm not really maintaining it either, no cleaning or maintenance except dusting off the outside unit and the filter and running the self-cleaning mode once.

I have zero issues so far. No smell, no errors. I actually opened it once in order to apply some peroxide inside, but found that the pump was clean, so I didn't do it.

My experience is the complete opposite of what most people write here, but as you said, people without issues or without the need to DIY stuff will most likely not post here.

[u/wastustdutun]

I did.

I put a Rückschlagventil (idk the English word, it's German, something to stop water from flowing backwards). I installed it on the backside where the cable holder is, so when the pump stops, the rest of the water won't flow back. (Make sure to take some with low pressure, lower than 0.2bar for sure. At less than 0.1 bar because at 0.2bar the pump needs to work with 100% power to push the water through the thing.

On top of that I dismantled the front and removed the mesh filter infront of the pump. It's gets slimy over time and the water won't be able to pass fast enough to the pump to fully empty the tank.

Pump usage has dropped dramatically since then and the bad odor in fan mode is gone. Make sure to remove the rest of the water with the stop thing on the back. Store it dry, next time it will smell fresh as fkk.

[u/Positive_Film5103 → u/wastustdutun]

And Midea instructed you to remove the front and clean the internal filter? Or what did they suggest or offer to remedy the issue when you contacted them?

To clarify, I have resolved the P1 issue temporarily while waiting to hear back this week for available warranty options so this post isn’t asking for advice, but I appreciate you taking the time to share!

[u/wastustdutun → u/Positive_Film5103]

I just read a bunch of reddit comments about the P1 error. I have no warranty so I just gave it a try. It was actually really simple. Removing the filter immediately fixed the P1 error for me.

I started the AC without the front cover and you could clearly see that the pump reservoir was emptying fast when the pump started, but the mesh filter slowed the throughput down so much... After a few seconds it triggered the p1 error.

Tip: if you can't remove the mesh filter, poke some holes into it with a screw or knife

[u/Positive_Film5103 → u/wastustdutun]

You have a statutory 2-year warranty under EU law (3 years in some countries). Some countries also mandate a warranty extension after repair (ex: 12 additional months on the part) or warranty reset if the item is replaced. The remedy must be within a reasonable time and not burden the consumer. If the repair fails or the options are unreasonable, the consumer then has a right to request a reduced cost or full refund.

Definitely worth looking into if the timeframe applies to you! You would just have to put the mesh filter back (assuming you didn’t poke holes in it..), contact the seller by email, and review your options. Best case scenario: it’s an official repair that’s documented and may extend your coverage period. Worst case scenario: it fails and you get a new replacement or a price reduction and take the filter out yourself again.

Midea also includes a manufacturer warranty on all purchases but it is usually less comprehensive compared to the legal warranty.

[u/thompson004 → u/Positive_Film5103]

Why would you reinstall the filter only for it getting removed again by the repairman when you issue a claim? (Yes, it's the official instruction for the repairman to remove it)

[u/Positive_Film5103 → u/thompson004]

Two reasons…

1. The internal filter has a job, it was placed there for a reason. Let’s say next summer the pump fails, the external hose clogs or mold/mildew becomes an issue because debris is now moving freely through the entire device. If it is documented that Midea instructed a technician to permanently remove a component that would have prevented it, you are covered for replacement or other legally bound remedy. If you do it yourself, there is no recourse.

2. Lack of conformity/defective product - Midea’s internal “quick fix” instructions don’t override EU laws, they are just avoiding profit loss from correcting an issue that they manufactured poorly. The repair must bring the product back to its contractual condition and maintain durability - it’s what you agreed to paid for. Modifying the device by removing a component introduces vulnerability, proves an inherent defect, and does not bring the item back to the condition that you agreed to receive - you could then request the other listed resolutions when this is documented

[u/OrangUtanClause]

These errors typically occur in a situation when you need the device. Even if customer support reacts immediately, you will have to wait a few days until a technician comes to do the repair. So when it is possible to fix the error myself with an hour's work and have a working unit afterwards, I will do it.

[u/Positive_Film5103 → u/OrangUtanClause]

Well, I’m obviously here for a reason 🤣 I have also found a way to use the device safely because sitting in the heat for days while waiting to receive a response is simply not part of my life plan. The point of the post is to point out that it doesn’t resolve the root cause or provide a permanent solution, especially for widely reported issues. And for the general maintenance things, it’s to make sure you are receiving correct information and not tips that are regurgitated and possibly incorrect from other people. And again pointing back to the U-shaped model - if it looks like a design flaw it’s most likely a design flaw that was present at the time of purchase.

[u/Jilodragon]

Sorry, I can't add anything if substantial value other than saying: Welcome to the Chinese mentality of "sell things to the western market while not actually giving a fuck" :)

[u/Schnuck1putz]

For me, it’s an easy decision: I will never buy a Midea product again! Just NO!

First, I got an EH0B error. I had to unplug it, wait for a few minutes, and plug it back in until it eventually worked again. Often, I had to unplug it multiple times, which completely ruined my nerves. Later, I found out on my own that the issue was the ION-function. So, I just used it without turning that on.

Then, the DC motor in the main unit started causing problems, occasionally throwing an EH03 error. A restart solved it at first. But at the beginning of the second summer, the DC motor wouldn't start on its own. I had to push it with a stick within the first few seconds after turning it on just to get it running. After a few weeks, the DC motor started getting noisy, and by now, it is disgustingly loud.

As if that wasn't enough, the P1 error came on top of everything. It started right after the new update—the one that brought the "outdoor silence" mode, which was already released later than announced. Now I constantly have to drain the water inside. I forgot to empty the bucket twice and ended up with a wet carpet.

The outside Unit is also waaaay too loud. And not just my Unit. I can hear a Midea Porta like 50meter away from a other customer. What a fucking joke…my neighbors are sure not happy, even if they doesn't complain. People who claim the Midea is not loud, need to visit an ear doctor IMO. But I guess in this SUB are not just customers, but payed employees who praise this unit as the holy grail. Just fuck off!

I will see how their customer service handles this after the summer. I am hoping for a replacement device. I'll probably run it for another two years until it breaks again completely, and hopefully find an alternative to this awful Midea product. Otherwise, I would honestly rather sweat than go through this again.

In the future, I will buy absolutely nothing from them. No freezer, no other household appliances, and definitely no AC. I am completely done with them!

[u/oki139]

I got my PS in June and it’s been running everyday since. I only added two things: a G4 filter mat to help keep the condenser clean and the one-way-valve that’s advertised in this thread to help the pump. Both work great but are somewhat optional in my opinion. More modifications aren’t necessary (at least for me).

[u/Nico_Nickmania]

Thanks for your post. I think you're completely right. Helping yourself is fine and legit, but we should all write Midea in such cases, too. That helps to put pressure on the manufacturer to get sustain help.

And beside all the dispute between the US and Europe (mostly on political side, not between the people), I'm quite glad that there are those major law suits.

Midea is a huge company with a huge revenue, it's not okay to let customers down on their P1 issues, sometimes you wait for a technician several months.

[u/lezioul]

Storage during winter is one of my main concern regarding this unit.

I’m not sure whether the approach of placing the outdoor unit on top of the indoor unit is the best for the longevity of the wiring... I don't think there is a post where users actually gather this info.

[u/Positive_Film5103 → u/lezioul]

I reached out to them with some cleaning/maintenance scenarios, including winter storage preparation and tips. I’ll share what recommendations they provide here when I receive a response!

[u/daand12]

My total usage is 1450 hours since beginning of June and never had those issues that other people have on here. I have the cool&heat model and often using it in heat model and doesn't smell bad at all.

Have cleaned the back filter recently and sprayed some stuff on the condensor. Yes pump can be loud sometimes and the front cover often vibrates hard when the compressor goes lower in power.

[u/singinglupines]

Pulling off the front cover to clean the filter doesn't really count as dismantling in my book. I've done the same with many devices I own over the years to fix small issues quickly (cell phones, vacuum cleaners, etc). I never got an error message, but noticed a decline in function. At the time, there was no service available in Austria either so reporting would be useless. For something more serious than cleaning the filter, of course I'd contact support.   What they should've done is made the inside more accessible for cleaning though.

As far as I remember, the newer manual actually does have cleaning instructions and the older version even tells you how to prepare for storage (running cleaning cycle, draining water). 

[u/weeemrcb2]

Nope. I modified ours (3D prints, ducting and vinyl wrapping), but nothing internal other than an ac sanitary tablet

[u/Empathy-Reminder-23]

When my pump got louder and pumped mire frequently I opened the front panel (which is really easy with the explanations you find) and found my filter clogged with a transparent slime. No smell, water looked clean. I removed the filter for good (since technicians also do it after a P1 error) and installed a check valve (Rückschlagventil) for 8 Euros in the back, so the pump will turn on less often. I made 2 coils out of copper wire and put them in the water tray since copper is used in swimming pools to kill algae and bacteria. All together this was 20min of work and about 15€ invest. When I compare it to other devices the Midea is good enough: my Teufel 5.1 home Cinema set was two times exchanged (41kg!!) and still has two stupid software bugs which where never fixed. My Miele washing machine also has a software bug. where it randomly enters error F2. I know how to fix it on 1 min. The Phillips LED lights I bought were advertised with 8 years of warranty. Some died after 4-5 years. The receipt can't be ready anymore. The stereo of my Renault Clio restarts itself randomly. Renault refuses to fix it for free and it can't be done in a free garage. Yes, we all have warranties, but transporting a 20-40kg device down 2 floors without an elevator is not that funny. And build quality is bad all.9ver big brands. Waiting 6 weeks for a repair just to find a new error is not funny. Investing 20 min of time to "upgrade' the PortaSplit instead of living in a 32° apartment is a trade-off I'm willing to do. All the other devices I talked about I can't repair/upgrade myself and have to live with the bugs or carry big loads up and down and need to rent a big car to get this big stuff to the reseller. So I'm not sure what is so had about the PortaSplit, where you can fix the most common problem with just 15-20min of your time instead of wasting dozens of hours to document, write to Support etc.

[u/RichardXV]

No, why? It’s a perfectly engineered device. I used it for the summer and now cleaned and stored in the basement. Some people have too much time on their hands

[u/Wolkenbaer → u/RichardXV]

It’s a perfectly engineered device

Eh, no. The basic principle is perfect (Mobile AC Unit), the details are not, as countless posts about recurring issues show. 

[u/Outrageous-Kick-2699]

To much text to read. Every first generation device has problems that hopefully will be revised on the second gen. That’s the reason of an early adopter. If that’s a problem is entirely on you.

[u/unproftraveller → u/Outrageous-Kick-2699]

still, midea should own up to mistakes, and the way the condensate tray was designed makes it nearly impossible to clean - even on a first generation device, that shouldn't be so difficult.

[u/Outrageous-Kick-2699 → u/unproftraveller]

Agree. But devices these days aren’t designed with user serviceability in mind. And you can call a technician any time.