What Does E5 Mean On a Hisense Portable Air Conditioner?

What Does the E5 Error Code Mean in Hisense Portable Air Conditioner?

If your Hisense portable air conditioner is flashing the E5 error code, then it simply means that the water collection tank needs to be drained. While this is an easy fix, frequent E5 errors may indicate an underlying problem with your unit.

The water collection tank, or drain pan, is meant to catch the condensate dripping from your unit. The drain pan may fill up from time to time, especially if you live in an area with high humidity in the air. However, if you find yourself frequently draining the water collection tank, check for any problems or issues with your unit.

What Causes E5 Error Code in Hisense Portable Air Conditioner?

	Explanation	Solution
Full Drain Pan	When the drain pan is full, there’s a risk that the water will overflow and cause several issues in your AC.	Locate the drain pan and empty it.
Clogged Drain Line	When uncleaned for long periods of time, the drain line can become clogged with dirt and debris.	After detaching the drain line from your AC, remove any dirt and debris inside before thoroughly cleaning it.
Dirty Air Filter	The air filter can become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, which can inhibit air flow inside your unit and cause a wide range of problems.	Remove the air filter from your portable AC unit and clean it with soapy water.
Frozen Evaporator Coils	When evaporator coils freeze and eventually thaw, the resulting water production can trigger the E5 error code.	Let evaporator coils thaw before cleaning them with soapy water.
Refrigerant Leak	A refrigerant leak can compromise the internal processes of your AC and lead to frozen parts. When the formed ice mels, it can trigger this error code.	Have your portable AC serviced and checked by a professional HVAC technician.

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#1 Full Drain Pan

The drain pan collects the condensation that is naturally produced during your portable air conditioner’s cooling process. If the E5 error code is flashing on your unit, then it could simply mean that the drain pan hasn’t been drained in a while and is starting to overflow. Here’s how you can empty the drain pan:

Shut off your Hisense portable air conditioner by pressing the power button.
With the help of your user manual, locate and remove the drain pan from the unit.
Empty the drain pan by throwing out the water.
Create a cleaning solution by adding a few drops of dish soap or mild detergent to a bucket or bowl of water. Optionally, you can also add some white vinegar for additional disinfection.
Dampen a soft brush, sponge, or cloth with the cleaning solution and scrub the drain pan thoroughly, making sure that no buildup or debris is left.
When you’ve cleaned your drain pan, rinse it with some clean water to remove any remnants of the cleaner.
Dry the drain pan properly before reinstalling it in your unit.

#2 Clogged Condensate Drain Line

The condensate line delivers the condensation from the unit to the water collection tank. However, it can become dirty and clogged over time. When this happens, the collected moisture can re-enter the portable air conditioner, causing leaks and compromising the unit's performance and operation. To unclog your drain line, follow these steps:

Power off your portable air conditioner and unplug it from the electrical socket.
After locating the drain line of your unit, detach it from the air conditioner and inspect the inside to check for any blockages.
Place a vacuum cleaner at the end of the drain line to remove any loose particles and debris that may be clogging up the line. If needed, hold some rags at the other end to create better suction.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water to create an easy homemade cleaning solution, or proceed with a commercial drain line cleaner.
Pour your chosen cleaner into the drain line and let it sit for around 30 minutes.
After the 30 minutes have passed, feel free to use a flexible brush or pipe cleaner to scrub away any stubborn stains inside before flushing down the line with water.
Reassemble the drain line as instructed.

#3 Dirty Air Filter

The air filter removes all the impurities from the air before it’s released into your living space, but it can become clogged with dirt, dust, and bacteria, especially when left uncleaned for long periods of time. A dirty air filter can negatively affect the air circulation inside your unit, which can lead to a wide range of problems that’ll result in a less than satisfactory cooling experience.

Here’s how you can clean your portable air conditioner’s air filter:

After turning off and unplugging your air conditioner, locate the air filter before carefully removing it.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any loose particles and debris, making sure to cover both sides of the filter.
Fill a sink or container with water and mix in a small amount of dish soap or mild detergent.
Submerge the air filter in the soapy water solution and leave it to soak for a few minutes. This will soften up any stubborn areas and make them easier to clean.
Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the filter and remove all the remaining dirt and debris.
Rinse the filter thoroughly to get rid of any remaining soap and let it air dry completely before reinstalling it back into your portable air conditioner.

Helpful guide: How to Clean Aircon Filters

#4 Frozen Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils of your portable air conditioner play a crucial role in your overall cooling by absorbing the heat from the air and lowering its temperature. Over time, these coils may accumulate a significant amount of dust and dirt, negatively affecting their performance and resulting in frozen coils. Eventually, when this ice melts, it can drip down into your unit’s drain pan and fill it up much more quickly, triggering the E5 error code.

Here’s how you can clean frozen evaporator coils:

Shut down and unplug your portable air conditioner. If you think that the evaporator coils are frozen, then leave your unit for a few hours to thaw. Feel free to place towels or cloths around your unit to soak up any leaks.
Locate the evaporator coils and use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any loose dirt and debris.
Create a cleaning solution by combining water and a small amount of mild detergent in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can also use a commercial coil cleaner for this.
Spray the coils with your chosen cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes.
Gently scrub the coils with a soft brush, making sure to not damage any surrounding parts.
Rinse the coils with water to remove any remaining cleaner.

#5 Refrigerant Leak

A refrigerant leak can be a serious issue with your Hisense portable air conditioner. The AC unit relies on refrigerant to operate, and regulate the temperature within the room. Without refrigerant, your air conditioner cannot sufficiently cool down the area. Aside from that, a refrigerant leak can also cause problems by freezing certain parts inside your air conditioner. When this happens, the condensation will gather in the drain pan and become full more quickly.

If your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak or other more advanced and complicated issues, it’ll be best to book an appointment with an HVAC technician and have your portable AC professionally checked and inspected. Not only will this ensure accurate diagnoses, but you’ll also be able to resolve the issue much more quickly and easily with the help of the technician’s recommendations.

More Error Codes

Not the right error code for your Hisense portable air conditioner? Check out our full list of Hisense error codes on our blog, or have one of our professional aircon technicians fix the issue for you! At Luce, you can trust we'll enhance your air conditioner experience with top notch cleaning, maintenance, and repair services!

Check out our guide on troubleshooting Hisense portable aircons