The Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT is a window-mount A/C unit with an inverter compressor. It's designed for medium-sized to large spaces, with a 12,000 BTU cooling capacity and an advertised coverage of 550 ft² (51 m²). It offers Wi-Fi connectivity for full remote operation through its Midea Air smartphone companion app or voice commands made with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant devices. However, it also comes with a remote control. Its unique U-shaped design allows you to open your window while it's in place, though as a result, installation is more involved than other window units.
Note: In June 2025, Midea issued a voluntary recall for this model and all other U and U+ shape units due to mold issues, giving users the option of a refund or repair of their units. See Midea's website for a full list of impacted models. The unit has since been updated with a bundled repair kit and is back on sale.
Our Verdict
The Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT is a great option for large rooms. Its high capacity enables it to cool large, open spaces quickly. Meanwhile, its inverter compressor can be run at a lower setting to maintain desired conditions, reducing power consumption compared to a non-inverter model with a similar capacity. This also has the added consequence of lower operating noise and more consistent humidity and temperature levels.
Low overall operating noise.
Impressive overall efficiency.
U-shaped design allows you to open windows while unit is installed.
Substantial cooling capacity.
Inverter compressor minimizes swings in temperature.
Installation is more complicated than other window A/Cs.
Despite its large size, the Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT is very well-suited for use in small rooms. Its generous capacity allows it to cool most rooms quickly, and its inverter compressor technology also makes it suitable for use in smaller spaces since its compressor won't have to cycle between an off state and max power. This helps reduce noise, so it won't keep you up at night, and power consumption, all while also helping to minimize swings in temperature and humidity levels. However, it's somewhat bulky and heavy, and its unconventional U-shaped design requires the installation of additional support brackets. This design allows you to open or close your window without moving the unit.
Low overall operating noise.
Impressive overall efficiency.
U-shaped design allows you to open windows while unit is installed.
Inverter compressor minimizes swings in temperature.
Installation is more complicated than other window A/Cs.
Bulky and heavy for a window unit.
The Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT's overall efficiency is very good. While it isn't drastically more efficient than similar non-inverter units in cooling a room to a desired level, its inverter compressor really shows its worth when it's time to maintain that desired temperature. The compressor can run at an intensity that more closely matches the required load, rather than having to cycle between an on and off state.
Excellent efficiency while cooling.
Good efficiency while maintaining desired temperature.
The Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT is effective at maintaining a set of ambient conditions in a variety of room sizes. Its inverter compressor allows it to run at a lower setting instead of cycling on and off to maintain a constant temperature, at least in theory. The compressor can modulate slightly in real-world conditions, causing minor swings in perceived humidity.
Inverter compressor minimizes swings in temperature.
Compressor modulations can cause minor fluctuations in humidity.
The Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT is a very quiet unit. It's hardly any louder than a whisper in its lowest fan speed setting. Even at its highest fan speed with its compressor kicked on, operating noise is far below that of most other non-inverter units with similar overall capacity, and it'll be mostly masked by a TV playing nearby, or if you have headphones on. That said, neighbors in an adjoining apartment might be annoyed by the infrequent high-pitched chatter from the outside portion of the unit.
Low overall operating noise.
Performance Usages
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT is only available in one color variant: 'White.' For those interested, here's the product label. It's also sold as the MW12MSWBA5RCM in the Canadian market: outside of the different model names, these two models share the same overall specifications.
Let us know in the comments if you come across another variant of this air conditioner.
Popular Air Conditioner Comparisons
The Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT is a high-end window A/C with an inverter compressor. Its unconventional U-shaped body requires a bit more effort when it comes to installation compared to other window-mount units, like the otherwise similarly designed Midea MAW12HV1CWT, but the flip side of this design is that you can open your window when it's in place. In terms of actual performance, it's a very well-rounded performer in its niche as a high-capacity window-mounted unit, offering lower power consumption, quieter operating noise, and more stable performance than a non-inverter model with similar capacity, like the Hisense AW1422CW1W.
It's worth noting that in June 2025, Midea issued a voluntary recall of this model and all other U and U+ shape models due to mold growth issues. Users can choose to have their units repaired or refunded. You can visit Midea's website for a full list of recalled models, and consult the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's website or the Canadian Government's website for more information.
Since that issue was recalled, Midea has brought the unit back on sale, bundled with a repair kit to mitigate mold growth.
Unsurprisingly, the Midea MAW12HV1CWT and Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT deliver all but identical performance, with both being inverter ACs with an advertised output of 12,000 BTU. The main difference lies in their designs. The MAW12V1QWT unconventional u-shaped design makes for a more demanding installation process since you'll need to install additional anti-tip brackets, but also allows you to open the window when it's in place. Beyond that, the MAW12HV1CWT is equipped with a heating mode, which the MAW12V1QWT lacks. It's worth noting that only the U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT is affected by a recall due to mold buildup.
The Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT and Friedrich Chill Premier Inverter CCV08A10A are both high-end window-mounted ACs with inverter compressors, but they're best suited for different room sizes. The Midea is the one you want for rapidly cooling truly large spaces, like whole apartments or huge open-concept living spaces; the Friedrich can cool these places too, just not nearly as quickly. That said, the Friedrich unit's lower cooling output works to its benefit in smaller rooms, where, unlike the Midea, its compressor won't have to constantly work in its lowest band, improving efficiency. The Friedrich is even quieter to boot, though it's not as though the Midea is exceptionally loud either. Lastly, it's important to note the Midea unit is the subject of a product recall due to mold growth issues.
The Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT is a better overall window-mount A/C than the Hisense AW1422CW1W. The Hisense's slightly higher capacity does allow it to cool rooms fractionally faster, but in almost every other respect, the Midea pulls ahead. This is largely due to its inverter compressor, which can be modulated in increments rather than cycling on and off to maintain your desired temperature. This lowers energy consumption and minimizes swings in temperature and humidity as it runs. This inverter compressor also runs noticeably more quietly, even at max load. Finally, it's worth noting that the Midea is affected by a product recall due to mold buildup.
Test Results
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