Clean the filter and store a TCL portable AC for winter

How to clean the filter and put the unit away

Switch the unit off with its power button, wait a few minutes, then unplug it. Take the filter out from the back of the unit, vacuum it (or wash it if it’s very dirty), let it dry completely and put it back. TCL’s cleaning sections say to do this every week the unit is in use; the safety pages say every two weeks or more often if needed, so weekly meets both.

To store a TCL portable for the winter, drain all the water out of it, clean and dry the filter, take the batteries out of the remote, and keep the unit unplugged; the KA manual adds a cool, dry place. Before you use it again, check the power cord and plug for damage.

Where the filter sits, how to wash it, and whether there’s a filter light to reset depend on the model family, so check the model number on the label on the back or side of the unit first.

Find your model family

Before you start

• Switch off with the button, then unplug. TCL says never to stop these units by pulling the plug. Press the power button (POWER on KA units), wait a few minutes so the unit can finish its shutdown, then unplug it.
• Mind the metal parts. TCL warns that you can cut yourself on the metal parts inside when you take out or refit the filter.
• Don’t run the unit without the filter. TCL says that can damage it, so if you wash the filter, leave the unit off until the filter is dry and back in place.
• Never wash the unit itself with water. Water can get inside and damage the insulation. If water gets into the unit, unplug it straight away and contact TCL customer service.

Clean the filter

1. Switch the unit off, wait a few minutes and unplug it.
2. Take out the filter as described for your family in the table above.
3. Vacuum the dust off the filter. That’s enough for routine cleaning on every family.
4. If it’s very dirty, wash it:
   • TPW and TPC-HA: soak it in warm water and rinse it several times. The water must not be hotter than 104 °F (40 °C).
   • TPC-KA: wash it in warm water with liquid dishwashing detergent, rinse it thoroughly and gently shake off the excess water.
5. Let the filter dry completely. The TPC-HA and TPW08CR19 manuals say putting a wet filter back can damage the unit.
6. Refit the filter (and the intake grille on TPW and TPC-HA units), plug the unit in and switch it on.
7. TPC-KA only: if the Filter light is on, hold FAN / FILTER RESET on the control panel for 5 seconds. The light goes off.

How often

The cleaning sections of all TCL portable manuals say every week of operation. The safety pages say every two weeks, or more often if needed, and the KA troubleshooting table says at least every two weeks. Weekly covers both. Clean it sooner if you notice an unpleasant smell while the unit runs: the TPW and TPC-HA manuals list a clogged filter as the cause.

Clean the cabinet

• TPW and TPC-HA: wipe the unit with a slightly damp cloth, then dry it with a dry cloth. Don’t use petrol, alcohol or solvents, and don’t spray insecticide or similar liquids on it.
• TPC-KA: dust the cabinet with an oil-free cloth, or wipe it with a cloth dampened in warm water and a little mild dishwashing detergent. Wring the cloth out well before you wipe near the controls, because excess water there can damage the unit. Don’t use harsh cleaners, wax or polish.

Store the unit for the winter

1. Drain all the water. On TPW and TPC-HA units, remove the cap on the condenser drain, let all the water run into a basin, then refit the cap. On KA units, drain the tank completely through both outlets and leave the cap and rubber plug out until no more water comes out, then refit them. The step-by-step routine, including where to put the tray, is in Drain a TCL portable AC.
2. Clean the filter and dry it thoroughly before you put it back, as above.
3. Take the batteries out of the remote. All the manuals say to do this when the remote won’t be used for a long time; the TPW and TPC-HA manuals mention winter storage specifically.
4. Keep it unplugged, and store it somewhere suitable. TCL says to turn off and unplug the unit whenever it won’t be used for a long period. The KA manual says to store the unit in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures and excessive dust; the TPW and TPC-HA manuals give no storage location.

The manuals don’t say whether to detach the exhaust hose and window kit for storage, or how to pack the unit.

Before you use it again

1. Check the power cord and plug. They must be undamaged, with no cracks. If the cord is worn or damaged, don’t use the unit: TCL says only a qualified service technician should replace it.
2. Check the filter and the drain cap are in place. The KA manual lists this check. On TPW and TPC-HA units, make sure the condenser drain cap you removed for storage is back on.
3. Put fresh batteries in the remote.
4. Reinstall the unit with the exhaust hose and window kit as your manual’s installation instructions describe, and plug it into a grounded outlet of its own, without an extension cord.
5. Test the plug’s circuit breaker. All the manuals describe TEST and RESET buttons on the plug and say to test it periodically. Press TEST: the breaker should trip. Press RESET to restore power. If it doesn’t trip, or RESET won’t stay in, unplug the unit and contact a service technician.

If something isn’t right

• The Filter light stays on (KA): hold FAN / FILTER RESET for the full 5 seconds; a short press only changes the fan speed. If it still stays on in standby, switch the unit on and try again.
• Water keeps coming out when you prepare the unit for storage: leave the drain open longer. On KA units, tilt the unit slightly by lifting the front until no more water comes out, as the drain guide describes.
• Ft or P1 appears after you start it again: the tank is full. Drain it; see TCL portable AC error codes for what each code means.
• Water got into the unit or onto the controls while cleaning: unplug it at once and contact TCL customer service.
• The cord is damaged, or the plug’s breaker won’t reset: stop using the unit and contact TCL or a qualified service technician. Don’t repair it yourself.