Fire Safety Measures

  • Do not use extension cords, power strips, or outlet adapters, as this increases the risk of fire.
  • Turn the unit off before unplugging it.
  • Do not operate any other high amperage electrical appliances on this circuit or you may trip the circuit breaker/fuse (i.e. other space heaters, hairdryer, vacuum, microwave, etc.).
  • Never remove the third grounding prong of the plug.

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. 
  • Try to clean filters once a week. Vacuum or wipe dust and debris from the filter. DO NOT use any harsh cleaning solution. If water is used, make sure water is lukewarm and be sure the filter grate is fully dry before placing it back into the unit. 
  • Wait at least 5 minutes before turning the unit on again once switched off. Do not unnecessarily power on and off. 
  • Keep the unit on level ground at all times. Never put the unit on its side as this will redistribute the cooling agents inside.
  • When storing or moving your unit, keep all accessories together with the unit.
  • Exhaust hoses should not be bent and cords need to be tucked away safety to prevent any tearing or damage.

Common Troubleshooting Solutions

Please try to follow these troubleshooting steps before contacting the organization that installed your unit. More information can be found on the orange or red PCEF sticker on your unit.

 


UNIT WON'T TURN ON


 Make sure the unit is receiving power and is properly plugged in. 

 Unplug unit, wait 30 seconds, press the TEST button on the plug and then the RESET button. Then, plug the unit back in. 

 Water tank may be full and needs to be emptied. 


AIR BLOWING OUT IS NOT COOL


 If unit is set to cool but blowing out room temperature air, turn off unit for 10-15 minutes and set to a temperature between 65-77 degrees Fahrenheit. 

 Make sure exhaust hose is properly positioned to carry hot air outside the home.


WATER IS LEAKING


 Check that all drain caps are screwed in fully.

 Water tank may be full and needs to be emptied. 

 If the unit is still leaking, contact the organization that installed your unit. Their name and phone number are located on the red Cooling Portland sticker that is on the unit.

Unit Specific Maintenance



Portable AC/Heat Pump units are not a replacement for central heat, but rather a supplemental source of heating. Please note that the heating mode will not work when the outdoor temperature is below 45 degrees.

Drain your unit if full! Your unit may display a “P1” code if the water tank is full.

Step 1: Locate the drain outlet on the bottom of your unit and remove the rubber stopper

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, please reattach the rubber stopper, restart your unit, and use as normal.

/ LINK TO USER MANUAL /



Portable AC/Heat Pump units are not a replacement for central heat, but rather a supplemental source of heating. When the unit is operated in high humidity conditions, you may need to empty the water tank periodically. Drain your unit if full! Your “Bucket Full” LED light will activate if the water tank is full.



Step 1: Locate the drain outlet on the bottom of your unit and unscrew cap, then remove rubber stopper.

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, please replace the rubber stopper, screw the cap back onto the drain outlet, restart your unit, and use as normal.

/ LINK TO USER MANUAL /



Portable AC/Heat Pump units are not a replacement for central heat, but rather a supplemental source of heating.Please note that the heating mode will not work when the outdoor temperature is below 45 degrees. The unit may need to be drained more often in heating mode as the self-evaporating function is not applicable.

If you need a new carbon-activated filter, please contact your installing organization.

Many common issues and solutions are identified in this Whynter troubleshooting page. If you are unable to solve your issue, continue reading.



To Wash the Pre-Filter:

  1. Pull up the pre-filter frame. (Fig. 1a)
  2. Remove the black activated carbon filter.
  3. Wipe away any dust or debris, and rinse with lukewarm water. When dry, replace the carbon filter and insert back into the unit.

Your Whynter unit will automatically drain water out of your unit via the auto-pump feature located on the bottom left of your unit via the auto-pump feature located on the bottom left of your unit. If your unit is leaking water and you have ruled out the three possible causes on the Whynter page:

  • Push the textured circle above the drain hose unitl it pops out, then reconnect. You will hear a "click if it's connected properly.
  • Please also double check that the smaller clear plastic drain hose is fully exiting the window and able to drain. The small hose runs inside the large white plastic exhaust hose.




If your unit is leaking water and you have ruled out the three possible causes on the Whynter page:

  • Push the textured circle above the drain hose until it pops out, then reconnect. You will hear a “click” if it’s connected properly.

  • Please also double check that the small clear plastic drain hose is fully exiting the window and able to drain. The small hose runs inside the large white plastic exhaust hose.

Your Whynter unit will automatically drain water out of your unit via the auto-pump feature located on the bottom left of your unit. If your unit displays the word STOP, please use the steps below to drain the water from your unit.

 

Step 1: Please use a shallow pan and place under unit to catch any water.

Step 2: Locate the drain outlet on the bottom of your unit and  remove the rubber stopper.

Step 3: Water should drain out of the unit. Once done, please replace the rubber stopper.

/ LINK TO USER MANUAL /



Drain your unit if full! Your unit may display a “Ft”  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, please reattach the drain cap.

/ LINK TO USER MANUAL /



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 (show below)



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, please reattach the drain cap.

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



/ LINK TO USER MANUAL /


End of Season Storage

To keep your unit running, follow these steps when storing it after the cooling season ends:
  • Wipe down the exterior with a soft, damp cloth.
  • Drain the leftover water and clean the filter using the instructions above specific to your type of unit.
  • Store in a dry place away from sunlight.
  • Keep all components and accessories with your unit if unit is to be uninstalled and reinstalled throughout the year.

When and How to Call Your Installing Organization

You received an AC unit from Cooling Portland: A PCEF-Funded Climate Resilience Program. This program is a collaborative effort between the City of Portland, Earth Advantage, Inc., and various community distribution partners. Your AC unit should have an orange or red sticker on its surface, with an installation date recorded in the white box.

This identifies your unit as a part of the Cooling Portland program and will direct you to additional resources for troubleshooting, maintenance, and questions.

Please attempt the troubleshooting steps for your unit prior to calling your organization.
 
If you are unable to solve the problem or if you are unable to complete any steps, call the phone number associated with the organization listed in the top right hand corner of your sticker: 
 


 


African American Alliance for Homeownership

503-595-3517  |  info@aaah.org


APANO

971-340-4861  |  goodgrowth@apano.org


Ecumenical Ministry of Oregon (EMO)

503-221-1054 ext 218


Latino Network

503-863-0022


Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA)

503-972-2464


Northwest Native Chamber (NWNC)

503-894-4525  |  coolingpdx@nwnc.org


Somali American Council of Oregon (SACOO)

503-719-7679


Verde

541-397-8834 or 541-936-3743  |  heatresponse@verdenw.org



Housing Provider CDPs

If you live in a housing unit managed by a housing provider in the Cooling Portland Program, contact your property manager for support and troubleshooting.