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Cooling Portland

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How to Get Help with Your Cooling Unit

If your unit is not working and the troubleshooting steps listed below do not fix it, call 3-1-1 for assistance. Or, if you live in a building owned and operated by a housing provider, call your building's manager to assist you.
 


If your unit has a red sticker with a phone number that is not 3-1-1, do not call that number; after 2026, attempt the troubleshooting steps below for your unit prior to calling 3-1-1.


General Maintenance for Your Cooling Unit

  • Your AC unit should have a clean, unobstructed filter, an empty water tank, and clear access to outside through the exhaust hose. Do not operate the unit without the filter.
  • Do not operate your unit in a humid or steamy environment such as a bathroom or small kitchen, or next to heat sources such as heat vents, ovens, or stoves.
  • Keep at least 20" of space behind the unit for ventilation for optimal performance.
  • Before cleaning filters or draining water, turn your unit off and unplug it. Always turn your unit off before you unplug it.
  • Try to clean filters once every 2 weeks. Be sure to unplug the unit before cleaning filters. Vacuum or wipe dust and debris from the filter. Do not use an overly-wet cloth (but damp is okay), industrial solvents, or oil-based products to clean the unit. If you use water, make sure it is lukewarm, and be sure the filter grate is fully dry before placing it back into the unit.
  • Keep the unit on level ground at all times. Never put the unit on its side, as this will redistribute the cooling agents inside.
  • Avoid abruptly moving or shifting the unit if the water collection tank is full. This could cause spillage.
  • The Whynter unit's supplemental heating function may not work if the outdoor temperature dips below 45°F.
  • Taking good care of your unit can extend its life and keep it running smoothly. It is up to you to regularly clean and maintain your unit.

Reducing Fire Risk

  • Do not use extension cords, power strips, or outlet adapters, as this increases the risk of fire. Only plug the unit directly into a three-prong wall outlet.
  • Never remove the third grounding prong of the plug.
  • The unit should be plugged into a 15-20 amp circuit. Do not operate any other high amperage electrical appliances on this circuit (e.g., other space heaters, hair dryer, vacuum, microwave, etc.), or you may trip the circuit breaker/fuse.

Do not store gasoline or other flammable substances near the unit. The Cooling Portland program is not liable for any damage caused by this cooling unit.

End-of-Season Storage

To keep your unit in good condition, follow these steps when storing it after the cooling season ends:

  • Wipe down the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use an overly-wet cloth, industrial solvents, or oil-based products to clean the unit. Let the unit completely dry before storing.
  • Drain the leftover water and clean the filter using the instructions above for your type of unit.
  • Exhaust hoses should not be bent, and cords need to be tucked away safety to prevent any tearing or damage.
  • Store in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep all components and accessories with your unit if it is to be uninstalled and reinstalled throughout the year.

Unit-specific Troubleshooting

Whynter Troubleshooting

Unit Is Not Powering On

  • Ensure the unit is properly plugged into a dedicated functioning outlet.
  • Press the Reset button on the LCDI plug – does the unit beep?
  • Check for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.
  • Press the power button on the unit to verify operation without the remote – Display lights up?

Inadequate Cooling or Heating

  • Ensure proper clearance around the unit – at least 20" if possible.
  • Ensure the exhaust hose is properly connected and venting hot air outside.
  • Check the exhaust hose for kinks or blockages.
  • Clean or replace the air filters if they are dirty.

Excessive Noise

  • Ensure the unit is on a level surface and not vibrating against walls or furniture.
  • Remove any debris or obstructions near the air intake or exhaust.
  • Clean or replace the air filters if they are dirty.

Water Leaks

  • Empty the water reservoir if it is full, following the instructions in the user manual.
  • Check that the drain plug is secure and not damaged.
  • Check drain hoses for leaking or damage.

Whynter ARC-122DHP User Manual

Whynter ARC-12SDH User Manual
 


Friedrich Troubleshooting

Unit Is Not Powering On

  • IF: Water full indicator lamp blinks: Empty the water tank.
  • IF: Room temperature is lower than the setting temperature: Reset the temperature.

Inadequate Cooling

  • Make sure all the windows and doors are closed.
  • Remove any heat sources if possible.
  • Ensure proper connection of exhaust air hose and/or clean the exhaust air hose.
  • Clean the air inlet.

Excessive Noise

  • Ensure the unit is on a flat, level ground if possible.
  • NOTE: Sound from the flowing of the refrigerant inside the air conditioner is normal.

Water Leaks or E2 Code (Water Tank Full)

Take off rubber stopper and manually drain the water from the unit.

Error Codes

Contact Friedrich at (877) 599-5665 for the following codes:

  • E0 Code: Room temperature sensor failed
  • E1 Code: Condenser temperature sensor failed
  • E3 Code: Evaporator temperature sensor

User Manual for ZCP08SA and ZCP10SA

User Manual for ZCP10SB


AUXAC, Haier, PerfectAire Troubleshooting 

User Manual for AUXAC

User Manual for Haier HPC12XCR and HPC12XHR


PerfectAire Troubleshooting

Cleaning filters

Be sure to clean the filters. This unit has 3 filters: one on the upper grate of the unit, and two for the lower section. Begin by taking off the grate on the back (shown below).

P1 Code

Drain your unit if full. Your unit may display a "P1"code in the display window if the water tank is full.

Step 1: Locate the drain outlet on the bottom of your unit and remove the drain cap.

Step 2: Attach the drain hose. If one was not provided with your unit, a shallow pan works as well.

Step 3: Water should drain out of the unit. Once done, reattach the drain cap.

Step 4: Restart your unit and wait until the P1 symbol disappears from the display window.

User manuals for PerfectAire units are no longer available online.

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