Fire and Burn Risks Trigger Friedrich KÜHL Air Conditioner Recall 2026

About 2,000 window air conditioners are being pulled from homes and businesses after the manufacturer confirmed a motor component that can fail and ignite. Friedrich Air Conditioning has recalled its KÜHL Q and KÜHL S window units, warning that a defective control board inside the motor poses a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards.

The recall, announced September 17, 2026, and logged with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission under recall number 26-776, covers units sold through some of the country’s largest appliance retailers. Friedrich says the affected air conditioners were sold at PC Richard & Son, Grainger, and Johnson Supply stores, along with other distributors and retailers nationwide, from January 2026 through August 2026, for prices ranging between $1,300 and $2,000.

Which Items Are Involved?

The recall applies to Kühl Q and Kühl S window air conditioners. Both models share a gray front panel and black air discharge grille, with the Friedrich name and logo printed in the lower left corner. The two lines differ slightly in control layout: the Kühl Q’s front control panel sits in the top left corner, while the Kühl S’s panel is located on the right side below the discharge grille.

The affected model numbers are KCVQ08B10A, KHVQ10B11A, KCVS08B10A, KCVS12B10A, KCVS12B30A and KCVS16B30A. Both the model number and serial number are printed inside the unit, and Friedrich notes that only some serial numbers within these model lines actually contain the recalled motors. Consumers cannot assume their unit is safe or unsafe based on model number alone — the serial number must be checked directly with the company.

What Went Wrong?

According to Friedrich, the control board built into the motor of these units can fail. When that happens, the unit is at risk of overheating to the point of fire or causing burn injuries. The company has already received two reports of a unit’s motor igniting, and in one of those cases the resulting fire caused smoke and property damage inside a residence. Friedrich states that no injuries have been reported so far, but the potential severity of a motor fire is why the recall was issued swiftly under the CPSC’s Fast Track Recall program.

Who Should Be Concerned

Anyone who purchased a Kühl Q or Kühl S window air conditioner between January and August 2026 should check their unit. Because the units were distributed broadly through national retailers and appliance suppliers rather than a single regional chain, the recall’s reach spans households and businesses across the country. Given that the affected units were still being sold as recently as last month, many are likely still in active use as the cooling season continues in parts of the country.

What Consumers Need to Do Now

Friedrich is urging anyone with one of the listed models to stop using it right away, even before confirming the serial number matches the recall. From there, consumers should:

• Locate the model and serial number printed inside the unit.
• Visit ‘www.friedrich.com/product-recall’ or call Friedrich Air Conditioning toll-free at 800-541-6645 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.
• Provide the serial number so the company can confirm whether the unit is included in the recall.
• If the unit is confirmed as affected, follow the instructions Friedrich provides for a free refund or a free replacement unit.

Consumers can also reach the recall page through Friedrich’s main site at ‘www.friedrich.com’ by selecting ‘Recall Information’ at the bottom of the homepage.

From the Agency

The CPSC describes the hazard plainly in its official listing: the control board inside the motor of the recalled air conditioners can fail, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards. The units were imported by Friedrich Air Conditioning Co., based in San Antonio, Texas, and manufactured in Mexico. The commission continues to remind the public that federal law bars the resale of any product subject to a CPSC recall, and it encourages anyone who experiences an issue with a recalled product to file a report through SaferProducts.gov.