Hisense Air Conditioner Use and Installation Instructions
Models: AW1221DR3W, AW1521CW1W, AW1821CW3W, AW2521CW3W
For questions about features, operation/performance, parts or service, call: 1-877-465-3566
Air Conditioner Safety
Safety is crucial for you and others. Always read and obey all safety messages provided in this manual and on the appliance.
The safety alert symbol ⚠️ indicates potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others. Follow instructions when you see "DANGER" or "WARNING".
DANGER: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't immediately follow instructions.
WARNING: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't follow instructions.
Important Safety Instructions:
- Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
- Do not remove the ground prong.
- Do not use an adapter.
- Do not use an extension cord.
- Unplug the air conditioner before servicing.
- Use two or more people to move and install the air conditioner.
Disposing of the Unit
Dispose of packaging material responsibly. If pipes are removed incorrectly, refrigerant may escape and cause injury or environmental damage. Never store or ship the air conditioner upside down or sideways to protect the compressor. This appliance is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience, unless supervised. Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
Risk of Fire or Explosion (Flammable Refrigerant)
- Do not use means to accelerate defrosting or cleaning other than those recommended.
- Store the appliance in a room without ignition sources (e.g., open flames, gas/electric heaters).
- Do not pierce or burn refrigerant tubing. Refrigerants may be odorless.
- Keep ventilation openings clear of obstructions.
- When handling, installing, and operating, take care to avoid damage to refrigerant tubing.
- Do not drill holes in the unit.
- Maintenance and service should only be performed by qualified technicians.
- Dispose of the air conditioner in accordance with Federal and Local Regulations for flammable refrigerants.
- Store the appliance to prevent mechanical damage.
Installation Requirements
Electrical Requirements
Ensure proper electrical connections and grounding. Consult a qualified electrician if needed.
Wiring Requirements:
- 208/230 V (187.2 V min. to 253 V max.): 18 A time-delay fuse or circuit breaker for 12K cooling and heating.
- 115 V (103.5 V min. to 126.5 V max.): 15 A time-delay fuse or circuit breaker for 15K cooling only.
- 208/230 V (187.2 V min. to 253 V max.): 15 A time-delay fuse or circuit breaker for 18K cooling only.
- 208/230 V (187.2 V min. to 253 V max.): 20 A time-delay fuse or circuit breaker for 25K cooling only.
Power Supply Cord
The power supply cord is equipped with a reset button and a test button. Test the cord regularly by pressing the TEST button, then the RESET button. The Reset button must be pushed in for proper operation. Replace if it fails to trip or reset. Do not use the cord as an on/off switch.
Tools and Parts
Gather the required tools before starting installation. Check that all parts are included in the package.
Tools Needed:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Scissors
- Cordless drill and 1/8" bit
- Level
- Pencil
Parts Supplied:
A. Adhesive seal, B. Foam seal, C. Side curtains (2), D. Top channel and PE foam seal, E. PE foam seal, F. Baffle (2), G. EVA Foam (2), H. Angle Brackets (2), I. Lock frame (for Vinyl-Clad windows) (2), J. Sash lock, K. EPDM foam seal (2), L. 3/4" screws (8), M. 1/4" screws (10), N. 3/4" Long Flat Head Bolt and Locknut (2), O. 12" Long Bolt and Locknut (4), P. Washer (2), Q. Left and Right Support Brackets (2), R. Lock frame, S. Air conditioner, T. Remote control.
Note: F. Baffle (2), G. EVA Foam (2) are not provided for 12K cooling and heating. R. Lock frame is only provided for 12K cooling and heating.
Unpack the Air Conditioner
WARNING: Excessive Weight Hazard. Use two or more people to move and install. Remove and dispose of/recycle packaging materials. Remove tape and glue residue from surfaces using mild soap and water; avoid sharp instruments or flammable fluids. Handle the air conditioner gently. Remove the top rail from packaging.
Location Requirements
Read instructions carefully. Save for local inspector's use. Observe governing codes and ordinances. Ensure the location provides free movement of air and a large enough opening. Cabinet louvers must not be obstructed.
Window Installation:
Follow dimensions for your model. Ensure all supporting parts are secured to firm wood, masonry, or metal. The electrical outlet must be within reach of the power cord.
Diagram Description: Illustration showing window opening dimensions (A and B) for different BTU models. A is the minimum width, B is the adjustable width. A diagram also shows the side curtain panels attached to the unit within the window frame.
If AC is Blocked by Storm Window: Add wood or remove the storm window. Ensure drain holes/slots are not caulked or painted shut.
Diagram Description: Illustration showing a storm window frame obstructing the AC unit. It indicates adding wood to create a proper pitch for drainage.
Installation Instructions
Prepare Air Conditioner for Installation
Remove Air Conditioner from Cabinet: Locate and remove front panel screws. Push metal cabinet side inward to release plastic tabs on the front panel. Remove the front panel. Remove shipping screws from the top and sides/base. Add foam inserts to top cabinet holes.
Install Top Angle Rail and Side Retainers: Attach foam gasket to the bottom of the top angle rail. Insert screws from inside the cabinet to secure the top angle rail. Insert screws from inside the cabinet to attach side baffles.
Window Air Conditioner Installation
Assemble Window Filler Panels:
Place cabinet on a surface. Slide window filler panel into side retainers. Insert top and bottom legs into channels. Insert locking screws and washers into top leg holes; do not tighten fully yet.
Place Cabinet in Window:
Open window and mark the center of the inner sill. Place cabinet in window, seating the cabinet bracket over the inner sill edge. Bring window down temporarily behind the top angle rail. Shift cabinet left or right to align with the center line. Fasten cabinet to the window inner sill using screws (3/4" hex head for wooden windows, or safety locks and screws for vinyl-clad windows). Remove protective strip from adhesive side of Bottom Rail Foam Seal and apply it.
Diagram Description: Shows placing the cabinet in the window, aligning it, and securing it with screws. Details on fastening for wooden and vinyl-clad windows are provided, along with the application of the bottom rail foam seal.
Install Support Bracket:
Hold support bracket flush against the outside of the sill and tight to the bottom of the cabinet. Mark positions. Attach sill angle brackets to support brackets with flat head bolts and nuts (hand tighten). Insert bolts through cabinet bottom and into support brackets, tightening lock washer nuts. Adjust sill angle bracket height for a 3° downward tilt for proper water drainage. Tighten nuts. Place frame lock between base and cabinet sill with a 1/4" screw (Note: this lock frame is only for 12K models).
Diagram Description: Illustrates marking and attaching support brackets and sill angle brackets, showing bolt placement and the required 3° tilt for drainage.
Extend Window Filler Panels and Attach to Top Angle Rail:
Raise window to expose filler panel locking screws on the top angle rail; loosen screws. Close window behind the top angle rail. Drill a hole through the top angle rail into the window frame and drive a 3/4" locking screw.
Diagram Description: Shows raising the window, loosening screws, and attaching the top angle rail to the window frame with a screw.
Attach Window Filler Panels to Window Frame:
Pull the left-hand curtain out to the window channel. Drill a starter hole through the top rail. Insert a 3/4" screw through the left-hand curtain and into the window sash.
Attach the EVA Foam:
Place EVA Foam on the curtain housing for insulation and to minimize air leaks. Measure the inner width of the side curtain, mark and cut the EVA Foam accordingly, then attach it.
Diagram Description: Shows attaching EVA foam to the curtain housing and measuring the inner width of the side curtain to cut the foam.
Install Window Sash Seal and Safety Lock:
Insert foam seal behind the top of the lower window sash and against the glass of the upper window. Attach the right angle safety lock to the top window sash. Trim weather seals if necessary.
Diagram Description: Illustrates inserting foam seal and attaching a safety lock to the window sash.
Install Air Conditioner into Cabinet and Install Front Panel to Unit
Lift the air conditioner and slide it into the cabinet. Ensure it is firmly seated. Reconnect electronics plug if present. Position the vent control lever. Hook the front panel top tabs into cabinet slots, rotate the panel down, and snap side tabs into place. Insert the previously removed screws through the front panel. Insert the air conditioner filter. Reinstall the front grille.
Complete Installation
Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet. Press the RESET button on the power supply cord.
Electrical Shock Hazard: Follow all safety instructions regarding grounding, adapters, and extension cords.
Air Conditioner Use
Operating your air conditioner properly ensures best results.
Starting Your Air Conditioner
Press the power button to turn on the unit. The display will show the current temperature and run in ECO control. After cleaning the filter, press the POWER button to reset the FILTER light.
Select mode (Fan, Dry, Cool, Eco, Heat). Select fan speed (High, Med, Low). Set temperature using UP/DOWN buttons. The temperature range is 61°F to 86°F (16°C to 30°C). To convert between °F and °C, press MODE and DOWN simultaneously for 5 seconds.
Mode Descriptions:
- Fan: Circulates air only. Select High, Med, or Low fan speed.
- Dry: Dries the room; fan runs on Low speed only.
- Cool: Cools the room.
- Eco: Cools the room and saves energy. The fan may run after the compressor shuts off to improve efficiency.
- Heat: Heats the room (for heating models).
Fan Speed: High for maximum cooling, Med for normal cooling, Low for quieter cooling. Fan speed selection is available for Cool, Fan, or Power Saver modes.
ECO Mode: In ECO mode, the fan runs at low speed when the compressor turns off. The fan may run after the compressor shuts off for a period, then cycle on and off until the room temperature is above the set temperature.
Timer, Sleep, Filter
The LED light on the control panel indicates Timer, Sleep, or Filter status. Refer to the remote control section for function introductions.
WIFI
WIFI control is available for connected models. Press the CONNECT button for 5 seconds to start flashing. After connecting to the router, the LED stays on. If the LED is off, it means the module is not connected.
Using the Remote Control
Note: Remote control appearance may differ.
Temperature: Use UP (A) to raise and DOWN (V) to lower temperature by 1°F (1°C) increments.
DIMMER: Press to turn off the control panel display. New inputs will return the display to normal.
Sleep Control: In Cooling, Dry, or Eco modes, the set temperature may increase by 4°F (2°C) over 2 hours. In Heating mode, it may decrease by 4°F (2°C) over 2 hours. Press SLEEP to activate; it dims the display. Fan speed is automatically set to LOW. Press SLEEP again or wait 8 hours to turn off Sleep control.
Fan Speed: Press FAN to select High, Med, Low. Fan speed cannot be set in Dry mode.
Mode: Press MODE to select Fan, Dry, Cool, Eco, or Heat.
Diagram Description: Shows the Hisense remote control with buttons for FAN, MODE, DIMMER, SLEEP, TIMER, FILTER, and UP/DOWN arrows for temperature.
Timer and Filter
Timer
To set a 1-24 hour delay on/off operation: Press TIMER on the remote control; the display will flash. Use UP/DOWN arrows to change the delay time. Press TIMER again to confirm. The TIMER indicator light will turn on. Press TIMER again to cancel.
Filter
When the Filter indicator light is lit, remove, clean, and replace the air filter. Press the Power button on the unit or the FILTER button on the remote to reset the filter indicator. The light remains on for 180 hours or until the Clean Filter button is pressed.
Changing Air Direction
Use the Vertical Level Vane to direct air left or right. Use the whole cartridge to direct air up, down, or straight ahead.
Diagram Description: Shows the air vents with labels for Vertical Level Vane (A) and Cartridge (B), illustrating how to direct airflow.
Exhaust Air Vent
Pull out the exhaust air vent control to open it and draw stale air from the room. Push it in to close it for maximum cooling.
Diagram Description: Shows the exhaust air vent control, indicating how to pull it out to open and push it in to close.
Normal Sounds
Sounds may include: droplets hitting the condenser (pinging/clicking), air movement from the fan, thermostat clicks, vibrations, and a high-pitched hum from the compressor.
Air Conditioner Care
Cleaning the Air Filter
The air filter is removable for easy cleaning and is important for efficiency. Check every 2 weeks. Do not operate without the filter.
- Turn off the air conditioner.
- Open the front panel. Grasp the filter by the center and pull up and out.
- Clean with a vacuum cleaner. If very dirty, wash in warm water with mild detergent. Air dry completely. Do not use dishwashers or chemical cleaners.
- Replace the filter and close the front panel.
Cleaning the Front Panel
- Turn off the air conditioner.
- Clean the front panel with a soft, damp cloth.
- Air dry completely.
Repairing Paint Damage
Check for paint damage periodically, especially in coastal areas. Touch up with good grade enamel paint if needed.
Annual Maintenance
Annual maintenance ensures top performance. Call your local authorized dealer to schedule a checkup.
Troubleshooting
Air Conditioner Will Not Operate
- Check if the power cord is unplugged.
- Check if the reset button has tripped; press and release RESET.
- Check if a household fuse has blown or circuit breaker has tripped.
- Ensure the Power button has been pressed.
- Check if local power has failed.
Air Conditioner Blows Fuses or Trips Circuit Breakers
- Too many appliances on the same circuit.
- Incorrect time-delay fuse or circuit breaker capacity.
- Extension cord is being used.
- Attempting to restart too soon after turning off. Wait at least 3 minutes.
Air Conditioner Power Supply Cord Trips (Reset Button Pops Out)
This can be caused by electrical current disturbances, overloading, overheating, cord pinching, or aging. Correct the issue and press RESET.
Air Conditioner Seems to Run Too Much
Newer, more efficient models may run longer. This is normal. Consider room occupancy and heat-producing appliances. A higher capacity unit might be needed for very demanding environments.
Air Conditioner Cycles On and Off Too Much or Does Not Cool
- Room size may be too large for the unit's capacity.
- Filter is dirty or obstructed.
- Evaporator and condenser coils are dirty.
- Excessive heat or moisture in the room; use exhaust fans.
- Louvers are blocked by curtains, blinds, or furniture.
- Room temperature is too hot; allow more time for cooling.
- Windows or doors are open.
- Temperature control is not set low enough.
Water Drips From Cabinet Into Your House
Ensure the air conditioner is properly leveled with a slight downward slope toward the outside for drainage. Do not drill a hole in the base or condensate pan.