Your portable air conditioning unit does not turn on!

First it is not too bad idea to check the power of the unit! Restore it carefully in order to make sure there is no a power failure. The next possible cause is improperly performance of the plug of the unit. Perhaps it is not properly inserted into the socket; therefore make sure to insert it correctly. If the unit still does not turn on then check the performance of the line fuse, breaker or automatic switch and make sure they have not been tripped. So try to turn the breaker back on, change the fuse and flip the switch. This issue also can be caused by a lot of appliances drawer power on one circuit, therefore try to move some of those appliances onto different circuit.

Next, take a look at the power supply voltage. Too low power supply voltage can cause your portable air conditioner don’t turn on. So, make sure you use the correct voltage! Don’t forget also to check the LCDI plug (make sure it is not tripped by pressing the reset button on the plug of your unit) and power cord (make sure it is not damaged; if it is damaged then call an authorized service)! And if the unit still cannot turn on, probably it needs service so thus you have to call a professional service!

Compressor doesn’t turn on (there is no cooling although the fan works)

Before discussing this problem, if your unit doesn’t turn on, read first simple guide right here! Well…One of important components of a portable air conditioner is compressor. If it cannot work properly then the entire system can work improperly. This case is associated to the condition when the fan runs but there is also not enough cooling. So, how to troubleshoot it? Before considering other unspecific causes, it is better first to ensure you use the unit on the right temperature level. You should understand as well that most portable air conditioners are usually designed and purposed to work in the right ambient temperature level, around 63.9 Fahrenheit to 89.9 Fahrenheit. So if your unit works at outside level of the operational tolerance then it cannot cool the air properly (poor cooling performance).

Then what you should do after ensuring the ambient temperature in your local area is inside the operational tolerance of your portable air conditioning unit, but there is still no cooling?

1. Check the cooling mode and make sure it is on! This is basic and important procedure, especially for units that have dual cooling & heating system (HVAC portable units). Find the Mode button and press it so thus you will see that the cooling icon will be shown on the control panel of the unit.
2. The second possible cause is the compressor. If you find it is not turned yet then try to wait around 3-5 minutes after you press the cooling mode because there are some compressors that require time delay before running.
3. Consider the temperature level that you choose, it may be too high for your unit. So, try to reset it properly!
4. The other possible cause is due to the full condition of the internal water. This issue usually can be checked through the water level indicator that is usually located on the control panel of the unit. If you find it is lit then there are two options, you can let your unit to dry itself (exhaust the water automatically) or you can try to drain the water manually, and then the cooling will resume.
5. For other various factors that can lead to this problem, contact consumer service or hire a professional technician to service the unit.

Poor cooling (weak airflow volume or the air coming out is not powerful)

What you should do to fix this problem? The following are some basic & simple steps for your DIY guide:

1. In many cases, the frequently possible cause of this problem is due to the poor performance of dirty air conditioner filter. So make sure the unit uses a proper clean filter. In addition, the duration of cleaning or even replacing for the filter is dependent on the local weather condition and the quality of the filter itself.
2. Poor cooling performance also can be caused by the obstructed air intake! Therefore it is not too bad idea to ensure first that there is at least 19.9 inches of clearance on the front of the unit (from the air intake)!
3. Other possible cause is too long exhaust duct! This situation also can make the unit run more hardly when cooling the air. So, it is better and even so recommended to make and set as short as possible of the exhaust duct that you use.
4. Check once again the performance of the exhaust system. Make sure it is not obstructed and try to remove any obstructions.
5. Don’t forget once again to ensure that you have set your unit in the cooling MODE, because perhaps the unit is in dehumidifying MODE!
6. Other possible cause is because of low level of fan speed! So try to set it to high fan speed.
7. And for other factors (more complex possible causes), like Freon leak or else, contact a local professional service for further information.

The room is not COLD enough although the unit has run for a long time!

1. First, consider the condition of the room itself! Perhaps there are doors or windows that are open so can reduce the energy efficient when the unit is running. Make sure to close all doors & windows! And it is much better if you also install adequate insulation to improve the energy efficient. If the room is kitchen then you may require another unit because this area usually has higher temperature than the others average rooms of the house.
2. The next possible cause, you use the wrong size (especially lower size). Perhaps the room is too large for your unit. Moreover, perhaps there are too many users or individuals in the room. For the solution of this case, choose to use a higher size unit or you may require another unit!
3. Another issue that can be a possible cause; the room gets direct sunshine. Use blinds or curtains on the windows to reduce the amount of direct sunlight!
4. In addition, too many home electrical appliances in your room also can make the unit work more hardly.

Portable air conditioner is too noisy!

1. Wrong size (especially lower BTU size) can make the unit be noisier than actually it is! So once again, it is so important to make sure you use the right size for the right large room.
2. Dirty air filter of the unit can add noise when the unit is running. So check and clean the filter.
3. Your unit has bad compressor, for this issue contact consumer service.
4. Portable air conditioner is moveable unit and can be installed & re-installed much easily than window units or CACs (central air conditioners). But there are some people who still don’t understand on how to install it properly. Improper installation also can lead to bad performance of the unit either less efficient or noisy! Therefore, make sure you have installed the unit properly and read your owner manual’s guidelines if necessary!
5. Another possible cause is the uneven floor underneath for the installation. So, use an even surface of the room floor to locate and install the unit.

Your unit is leaking water onto the room floor!

1. One of frequently possible causes is because of poor performance of the rubber drain stoppers or even they are not installed yet! Installed it properly as well as your owner manual’s guidelines.
2. Another cause is due to your unit is not level or was tilted!

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Tags: portable air conditioner, troubleshoot