Hisense air conditioner FC code: clean the filter on a wall split

What FC means

On a Hisense R32 wall split, FC on the indoor unit’s temperature display is a reminder to clean the air filter. Hisense says it appears after 200 hours of use. It isn’t a fault code. Switch the unit off, cut the power, open the front panel and wash the filter. Then, if your unit has one, press the filter reset button (botón de restablecimiento del filtro) behind the front panel to clear FC.

The manual calls the reset button optional, so not every unit has one. It doesn’t say how to clear FC on a unit without the button. The source is Hisense Chile’s Spanish user manual, which prints no model numbers. The English names here are our translations, with the Spanish words from the manual in italics.

Before you start

• Switch off before you cut the power. Turn the unit off with the remote first, then cut the power at the plug or the unit’s power switch. Hisense says not to switch the unit off by tripping the breaker or pulling the plug while it’s running.
• Units with a UV-C lamp: some Hisense splits contain a UV-C germicidal lamp. Disconnect the power before opening any panel marked with the UV radiation symbol, and don’t clean or replace the UV-C part yourself. Hisense prohibits that.
• Children may only clean the unit under supervision.
• You’ll need warm water, a mild detergent and a shaded place for the filter to dry.

Clean the air filter

1. Switch the unit off and cut the power (Detenga el electrodoméstico, corte la corriente).
2. Lift the front panel open (Abra el panel frontal).
3. Press the filter’s handle (asa) gently from the front.
4. Hold the handle and pull the filter out.
5. If you can see dirt on it, wash it in warm water with a little detergent.
6. Let it dry in the shade (déjelo secar en la sombra).
7. Refit the dry filter and close the front panel.
8. Restore the power.

Clear FC with the filter reset button

1. With the filter refitted, open the front panel again if you’ve closed it.
2. Look behind the front panel for the filter reset button. The manual marks it “(opcional)” and doesn’t show where it is.
3. Press it. Hisense says this resets the display, so FC should go and the indicator should show the set temperature again.
4. Close the front panel.

If you can’t find a reset button, or FC is still showing, the manual offers no other method. Hisense’s separate remote-control manual for your unit may cover it; otherwise ask Hisense or the dealer. We haven’t reviewed that manual, so we can’t give remote steps here.

How often to clean the filter

Don’t wait for FC. In the maintenance section, Hisense says the filter needs cleaning after about 100 hours of use, half the time after which FC appears. In a very dusty room, clean it every two weeks (cada dos semanas). A dirty filter is also the first thing the manual’s troubleshooting table checks when the air coming out isn’t cold or warm enough.

Clean the front panel

You can clean the front panel at the same time.

1. Switch off and cut the power, as above.
2. Hold the panel at the points the manual marks “a”, at both ends, and pull upward to take it off.
3. Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. If it’s very dirty, use a soft, damp cloth.
4. Don’t use volatile substances such as petrol or polishing powder.
5. Refit the panel and press it at the points marked “b” until it’s held.

Never spray water directly onto the indoor unit. Hisense warns it can cause an electric shock.

If FC or the problem stays

• FC stays after cleaning: press the reset button if your unit has one. Without one, see the remote manual or contact Hisense.
• Air still not cold or warm enough: check that nothing blocks the air conditioner’s air inlets and outlets, and that the set temperature is right.
• Anything beyond the filter and panel: Hisense says not to repair the unit yourself. Inside parts, the outdoor unit, wiring and refrigerant are for a qualified technician.