LG Portable Air Conditioner Troubleshooting (9 Issues Solved!)

The flexibility of an LG portable air conditioner is incomparable, as you can move with your AC without worrying about the unforgiving heat or cold. But before anything, it’s worth knowing basic LG portable air conditioner troubleshooting just in case your unit malfunctions.

This guide will help you troubleshoot your portable LG air conditioner when it won’t turn on or off, blow cold or warm air, or drain or evaporate water. You can also fix it when its remote or compressor won’t work or when the latter keeps shutting off. 

Moreover, the guide will enable you to troubleshoot the various error codes that might pop up on your LG unit. So, I’ll discuss all those issues, indicating what you can do to fix your portable air conditioner DIY. 

Hopefully, you’ll manage it without calling experts and save time and money. Let’s jump into the troubleshooting guide for your LG portable air conditioner!  

In a rush? Find below nine portable LG air conditioner issues and their fixes.

Quick LG Portable Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Guide

So, How Do I Fix My LG Portable Air Conditioner?

Generally, you can only fix your portable LG air conditioner if you know what’s wrong with it and what to look for. Below is an LG portable air conditioner troubleshooting guide that answers that.

1. LG Portable Air Conditioner Not Turning On

Several issues could stop your portable air conditioner from turning on, and they include:

• Power outage – Unless you have an alternative means of powering your LG air conditioner, you cannot do anything about an outage. So, confirm if there’s power or not. If there is, consider the reasons below.
• Bad outlet – You may need to plug another appliance into the electric outlet to see if the outlet is in working condition. If the appliance does not power up, the outlet is faulty and needs replacing. 
• Tripped breaker – There is also the possibility that a tripped breaker could be preventing the AC from turning on. So, you need to check it in the breaker box and reset it if it’s off. 
• Loose or faulty power plug – Confirm that the power plug is properly plugged into the socket. If it is not, plug it in. if the AC still won’t turn on, test the power plug with a multimeter and replace it if it lacks electrical continuity. 
• Bad AC unit – If you still cannot find out why your LG AC won’t turn on, it could be because the unit itself is defective. So, you can also consider getting another unit. 

2. LG Portable Air Conditioner Not Turning Off

What if your portable air conditioner turns on but won’t turn off? If so, then it’s likely because of the following:

• Dirty condenser coils – If the condenser coils are dirty, the AC will work extra hard to compensate for their failure. That, unfortunately, may cause it to run nonstop. So, inspect the coils for dirt and check them.
• Defective thermostat – Once the thermostat malfunctions, it may provide the compressor or the fan motor with uncontrolled voltage, causing them to run nonstop. So, consider checking its continuity with a multimeter to determine if it’s faulty and needs replacing (when it lacks continuity).
• Defective thermistor – A bad thermistor fails to detect the room’s temperature changes, causing the AC to run nonstop. Thus check its continuity to determine if it’s faulty and needs replacing. 
• Bad temperature control board – Like a bad thermostat, a bad temperature control board may provide voltage to the compressor and fan motor nonstop. However, you need an expert to help you check and replace it. 
• Bad relay board – You may also need an expert to help you check the relay board for faults and replace it, which could be why the AC won’t turn off. 

LG Portable Air Conditioner Not Blowing Air

If your LG portable AC won’t blow any air, warm or hot, it’s essential first to confirm that it’s the right size. Below is a table matching residential room sizes to portable AC sizes you can use. 

If your portable AC is the right size, but it still won’t cool or heat, consider the issues shared below.

3. LG Portable Air Conditioner Not Cooling

As far as an LG portable air conditioner failing to cool goes, there are several possible reasons behind it. They include:

• Wrong temperature setting – Your AC will only cool if it’s on Cool Mode or the lowest temperature setting. So, ensure that’s the case. 
• Leaky vent – The vent shouldn’t be loose, cracked, or torn, as cold air will leak out and warm air in. So, inspect the vent and replace it if it shows such signs. 
• Leaky windows, doors, or walls – If there are cracks on the windows, doors, or walls, they will leak hot air in and prevent the AC from cooling. So, you need to seal them if present. 
• Lack of clearance – Your AC needs a clearance of around 20 inches around it to cool properly. So ensure that’s the case. 
• A dirty filter, vent, or condenser coils – If the filter, air vent, or condenser coils are dirty, they’ll prevent the flow of cold air. So, you need to inspect the three and clean them.
• Unstable room temperature – If your room temperature is inconsistent, the best you can do to enable the AC to cool is to raise its temperature.

Other Reasons for an LG Portable Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cool Air

• Frozen coils – A frozen evaporator deters your AC from venting out warm air, and as a result, no cool air blows. You may need to leave your AC turned off for a while to thaw out the coil.
• Low-speed fan – If you want your AC to cool, then the fan should be set at high speed. So, do that if it’s at a low speed. 
• Direct sunlight – If the sunlight directly shines on the AC, the AC won’t cool. You’ll need to move it away from sunlight. 
• Low refrigerant – If your AC is on low refrigerant (probably due to a leak), it won’t cool. You’ll need an expert to help you detect and fix the leakage. 
• Bad compressor – If the compressor doesn’t run, the AC won’t cool. You need to replace it if that’s the case, and an expert can help you. 
• Bad exhaust fan – Check the fan for wear and breakage and replace it, as it could be why the AC won’t blow cold.

4. Portable LG Air Conditioner Won’t Heat

Now, if your portable LG air conditioner won’t heat, it’s highly likely because of the following:

• Faulty fan motor – Your air conditioner won’t blow hot air if the fan motor is defective. You’ll need to check it for wear or breakage and replace it if that’s the case. 
• Burnt circuit board – The AC will also fail to heat your space if the circuit board is burnt. That may happen following a power surge. But before replacing the circuit board, have an expert inspect it. 

5. LG Portable Air Conditioner Not Draining

Sometimes the air conditioner won’t drain water, and the water may even flow backward. In such a case, consider these issues:

• Disconnected or blocked drain line – If the drain line is disconnected or dirt blocked, your air conditioner won’t drain. So, you must check and fix it if it’s disconnected and use a thin wire to unclog it if it’s dirt-clogged. 
• Dirty condenser coils – The AC may also fail to drain if the condenser coils are dirty. So, you need to examine them and clean them if they are dirty.
• Bad condensate pump – Lastly, consider replacing the condensate pump if the above fixes don’t work. The pump could be faulty.

6. LG Portable Air Conditioner Not Evaporating Water

If your LG portable air conditioner won’t evaporate water or keeps filling up with water quickly, it’s most likely due to one of these reasons:

• High humidity – If the humidity level is high, especially during the summer, the AC won’t evaporate adequate water. You may need to supplement the AC with a dehumidifier if that’s the case to lower the humidity.
• Dirty filter – A dirty filter can also prevent the AC from evaporating water. So, inspect the filter and clean it if it’s messy.
• Poor drainage – If the water doesn’t drain, it won’t evaporate either. That means you should inspect the drain lines for clogging and clean them. 
• Bad condensate pump – Inspect the condensate pump for breakages, wear, and clogging and replace it if that’s the case. A faulty condensate pump won’t pump out water.

7. LG Portable Air Conditioner Remote Not Working

The remote control of an LG air conditioner rarely fails. So you have to consider these possibilities carefully:

• Dead batteries – Replace the batteries, as they could be dead, especially if older than a year. Ensure they are correctly installed. 
• Long range – The remote might not work if you hold it more than 10 feet away. If so, you should move closer. 
• Dense barriers – If there is a thick barrier, especially a wall, avoid it. It could be blocking the remote’s signal. 
• Faulty remote – The remote itself could be faulty. So, consider operating without it, and if the AcCwork, replace the remote.
• Bad main control board – If the remote won’t work even after replacing it, replace the main control board of your AC, as it could be faulty. 

8. LG Portable Air Conditioner Compressor Not Working

Lots of the AC’s functions, including cooling, depend on a working compressor. So, it must work. Sometimes it doesn’t – mostly when one of these components fail:

• Temperature control board – If the unit’s temperature control board is bad, it may cut off the compressor s voltage supply and prevent it from running.
• Thermostat – A faulty thermostat may turn the fan motor alone, not the compressor. 
• Overload – The overload which protects the compressor from overheating and burning could have blown up (if it lacks continuity), thus resulting in a nonworking compressor.
• Thermistor – Since the thermistor detects temperature changes, it may fail to turn on the compressor if it is faulty (lacks electrical continuity).
• Capacitor – If the capacitor is burnt out, the AC compressor won’t work. Check it with a multimeter to determine if it needs replacing. 
• Main control board – The main control board could also be why the compressor is not working. So, have an expert check it. 
• Compressor – Sometimes, the compressor itself could be faulty, and you can tell if it doesn’t make any sound indicating it’s running. 
• Others – Other components that could be faulty and prevent the compressor from running include the relay board, start relay, and selector switch.  

Fix

Consider getting a replacement for any of the above components if faulty.

9. My LG Portable Air Conditioner Compressor Keeps Shutting Off

Sometimes, the compressor would not turn on but run only briefly. That happens because of the following:

• Overheating – If the AC is overheating, the compressor may keep shutting off. If so, you need to turn off the AC to allow it to cool.
• Dirty condenser coils – The compressor could be turning off because it’s unable to breathe because of dirty condenser coils. If so, you’ll need to clean them.
• Shorted compressor – A power surge could have short-circuited the compressor. If so, have an expert check and replace it. 
• Low refrigerant – A low refrigerant could also cause the compressor to shut off, and you need an expert’s help. 

But How Do I Reset My LG Portable Air Conditioner?

Whether your LG air conditioner won’t turn on or runs nonstop, you can try resetting it, and here’s how to do it:

Option 1 – Press the Test/Reset/Power button on the portable AC’s power plug and wait for the unit to reset. 

Option 2 – Press the control panel’s power switch for a few seconds to reset the control panel. 

Option 3 – Unplug the air conditioner for about 10 seconds. Then press the power button once you plug it back.

LG Portable Air Conditioner Error Codes

Visit LG’s online error code troubleshooting page to get more information about your unit’s error code. But just an overview, here is a quick LG portable air conditioner troubleshooting table for the most typical error codes:

Can an incorrectly sized air conditioner lead to it not maintaining cold air and instead blowing warm air?

Yes, an air conditioner that is not sized correctly can indeed struggle to maintain cold air and instead blow warm air. Proper sizing of an air conditioner is crucial for its optimal performance and efficient cooling capability. If the air conditioner is undersized, it may struggle to cool the space adequately, resulting in warm air being blown out. On the other hand, if the air conditioner is oversized, it may tend to short cycle, meaning it cools the space too quickly and shuts off before removing humidity, leading to the perception of warm air. Therefore, ensuring the air conditioner is adequately sized for the space it is intended to cool is essential to avoid issues with it maintaining cold air.

How can I test the compressor of my LG portable air conditioner?

To test the compressor of your LG portable air conditioner, you can follow these steps:

1. Begin by unplugging the air conditioner and waiting for at least 30 seconds. It’s important to note that the unit’s compressor will not turn on until a minimum of 3 minutes have passed after unplugging.

2. After waiting for 3 minutes, plug the air conditioner back in.

3. Power on the unit and set it to the cool mode with the lowest temperature setting and the highest fan speed.

4. As the air conditioner starts up, listen carefully to determine if the compressor is turning on. You should be able to hear it engaging and then humming steadily.

5. If the compressor fails to turn on, it may indicate a faulty compressor. In this case, it is advisable to contact a professional to have the compressor replaced. A faulty compressor can greatly affect the smooth flow of air in your air conditioner.

By following these steps, you can effectively test the compressor of your LG portable air conditioner.

How can I ensure proper insulation in my room to prevent hot air from entering?

To ensure proper insulation in your room and prevent hot air from entering, you can take the following steps:

1. Seal any gaps or cracks: Inspect the walls, windows, doors, and other openings in your room for any gaps or cracks. Use weatherstripping, caulking, or sealant to seal these areas effectively. This will prevent hot air from infiltrating your room.

2. Windows insulation: Install window film or use thermal curtains to add an extra layer of insulation to your windows. This helps to block any heat transfer from outside into your room.

3. Door insulation: Consider using weatherstripping or door sweeps to seal gaps around your doors. This will prevent drafts and hot air from entering through the door.

4. Insulate the walls: If your walls are not adequately insulated, heat may easily transfer through them. Consider adding insulation material, such as foam boards or fiberglass batts, to the walls. This will help to minimize heat transfer and maintain a cooler temperature inside.

5. Insulate electrical outlets: Install foam gaskets behind electrical outlets and switch plates to prevent air leakage through them. This simple step can significantly improve insulation in your room.

6. Inspect attic and ceiling insulation: Proper insulation in the attic and ceiling can prevent hot air from seeping into the room below. Ensure that these areas are adequately insulated and consider adding insulation material if needed.

By taking these steps to properly insulate your room, you will create a tight seal that prevents hot air from entering, thereby helping your AC system to blow adequately cooled air.

How can cleaning the filters and draining the water help resolve the issue of an air conditioner not blowing cold air?

Using the above LG portable air conditioner troubleshooting guide, you can fix your AC when it starts to malfunction. That includes when it won’t turn on or off, drain or evaporator water, cool or heat, or when its compressor or remote control won’t work. So, consider it alongside your LG air conditioner manual before calling an HVAC professional, as most of the issues are DIY-fixable.

To specifically address the issue of an air conditioner not blowing cold air, there are two common fixes that often work:

1. Cleaning the filters thoroughly: Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the filters, obstructing the airflow and reducing the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner. By taking the time to clean the filters thoroughly, you can remove any blockage and ensure that the air conditioner can blow cold air effectively.

2. Draining the water: Portable air conditioners have a built-in mechanism to collect condensation water, which needs to be drained regularly. If the water is not properly drained, it can accumulate and affect the cooling performance of the unit. By ensuring that the water is properly drained, any potential blockage is cleared, allowing the air conditioner to function optimally and blow cold air.

It is also important to note that before proceeding with the suggested fixes, confirm that the hose is on and not blowing warm air. This step is essential as it helps identify any potential issues with the hose, which may require a separate troubleshooting approach.

By following these steps alongside the LG air conditioner manual, you can address the specific issue of an air conditioner not blowing cold air. Remember, most of these problems are DIY-fixable, so it is worth trying these troubleshooting methods before contacting an HVAC professional.

What are the recommended fixes for an LG portable air conditioner not blowing cold air?

“When your LG portable air conditioner starts to malfunction, it’s important to know how to troubleshoot and fix common issues before calling for professional help. One common problem is when the air conditioner fails to blow cold air. In such cases, it’s essential to refer to the LG portable air conditioner troubleshooting guide.

If you encounter the error code E3/CH03, it indicates a no or low refrigerant level. In this situation, it is recommended to consult an HVAC expert for further assistance, as handling refrigerant requires specialized expertise.

However, before reaching out to a professional, it’s worth trying some DIY fixes that can often resolve the issue. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the filters of your air conditioner. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate, blocking proper airflow and hindering the cooling performance. By cleaning the filters, you can restore optimal airflow and potentially fix the problem of your air conditioner not blowing cold air.

Another potential fix is to drain the water from the air conditioner. Accumulated water can cause issues with cooling efficiency. By draining the water, you can ensure that the condensation is properly removed, allowing your air conditioner to function optimally and blow cold air.

It’s also important to ensure that the hose of the air conditioner is properly connected and not blowing warm air. This step should be checked before proceeding with the other suggested fixes.

By following these troubleshooting steps and referring to your LG air conditioner manual, you can often resolve common issues without the need for professional intervention. Remember to exercise caution and safety when attempting any DIY fixes, and if the problem persists or you are unsure, don’t hesitate to contact an HVAC professional for further assistance.”

Is a refrigerant leak a possible reason for the air conditioner blowing warm air and how can it be addressed?

LG Portable AC Won’t Blow Cold Air

If your LG portable air conditioner is not blowing cold air, there could be various reasons for this issue. One possible cause is an incorrect temperature setting, a leaky vent, or obstructions from windows, doors, or walls. Additionally, insufficient clearance around the AC unit, a dirty filter, vent, or condenser coils can also hinder its cooling performance. Moreover, an unstable room temperature, frozen coils, low-speed fan, direct sunlight exposure, low refrigerant levels, or a malfunctioning compressor or exhaust fan can all contribute to warm air blowing from the AC.

To address these potential issues, follow these steps:

1. Check the temperature setting: Ensure that the AC is set to Cool Mode, as a wrong temperature setting may prevent it from blowing cold air.

2. Examine the vents: Look for any signs of leakage and replace any leaky vents. It is crucial to seal any sources of leaks on windows, doors, and walls to maintain efficient cooling.

3. Provide sufficient clearance: Create a clearance of at least 20 inches around the AC unit to ensure proper airflow and ventilation.

4. Clean the filter, vent, and condenser coils: A dirty filter, vent, or condenser coils can restrict airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. Regularly clean and maintain these components to improve performance.

5. Thaw out frozen coils: If the AC’s coils are frozen, turn off the unit and allow the coils to thaw naturally. Once thawed, the AC should resume normal cooling operation.

6. Consider room temperature stability: If the room’s temperature is unstable, try raising the AC’s temperature slightly to prevent it from overworking and blowing warm air.

7. Adjust fan speed: Increase the fan speed to maximize airflow and enhance cooling.

8. Minimize direct sunlight: Avoid placing the AC unit in direct sunlight as it can negatively impact its cooling efficiency. Utilize curtains or blinds to block out direct sunlight.

9. Seek expert assistance: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to contact an HVAC professional. They can inspect the AC unit, check the refrigerant levels, examine the compressor, and evaluate the exhaust fan to identify and address any underlying problems.

By following these steps, you can increase the chances of resolving the issue of your LG portable AC blowing warm air and restore its cooling functionality.

Could the capacity of my LG portable air conditioner be the reason it’s not blowing cold air?

If your LG portable AC won’t blow any air, warm or hot, it’s important to check if it’s the right size for your room. Here is a table that matches residential room sizes to portable AC sizes, which can help you determine if capacity is the issue:

Room Size (Square Feet) AC Size (BTU Rating)
200 sq.ft 7,000 BTU
200 sq.ft 8,000 BTU
300 sq.ft 10,000 BTU
450 sq.ft 11,000 BTU
400 sq.ft 12,000 BTU
500 sq.ft 13,000 BTU
600 sq.ft 14,000 BTU

It’s crucial to note that the capacity of your AC unit plays a significant role in its cooling efficiency. If the AC unit is too big for the room, it may result in short-cycling, where the unit turns on and off repeatedly without effectively cooling the room. Conversely, if the AC unit is too small for the room, it may struggle to cool the space adequately.

To ensure the best cooling performance, compare your room size with the recommended BTU rating in the table. If your portable AC is the right size but still fails to cool or heat, there may be other underlying issues that need to be addressed.

How much clearance should there be around the LG portable air conditioner?

To optimize the performance of your LG portable air conditioner, it is highly recommended to ensure a 20-inch or greater clearance around the unit. This allows for proper airflow and efficient cooling. Additionally, it is essential to maintain the cleanliness of the AC by regularly cleaning the filter, vent, and coils. This simple maintenance task can significantly enhance the overall performance and longevity of your air conditioner. So, remember to create a 20-inch + clearance around the AC and clean any dirty filter, vent, or coils. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your LG portable air conditioner operates at its best, providing you with cool and refreshing air during those hot summer months.

How can I reset my LG portable air conditioner?

What should I do after plugging the AC back in?
After plugging the AC back in, you should retry and see if it starts blowing cold air now.

What happens if I don’t unplug the AC for the recommended minimum of 30 seconds?
If you don’t unplug the AC for the recommended minimum of 30 seconds, the safety switch on the unit will prevent the compressor from turning on for about 3 minutes.

How long should I unplug the AC to ensure a proper reset?
To ensure a proper reset, you should unplug the AC for a minimum of 30 seconds.

What is the easiest method to reset the AC?
The easiest method to reset your LG portable air conditioner is by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

How can I reset my LG portable air conditioner?
The easiest method to reset your LG portable air conditioner is by unplugging the AC for at least 30 seconds.

If you’re facing issues with your LG portable air conditioner not turning on, there are a few possible reasons to consider. First, check if there has been a power outage or if the outlet you’re using is faulty. In case of a tripped breaker, reset it to restore power. Additionally, ensure that the power plug is securely connected to the AC unit to avoid loose connections. If the power plug itself is faulty, it may need to be replaced. If none of these solutions work, it’s possible that the AC unit itself is malfunctioning and may require replacement.

While troubleshooting these potential causes, it’s important to note that resetting the LG portable air conditioner can also be a useful step. To do this, simply unplug the AC from the power source and leave it disconnected for at least 30 seconds. This duration is crucial, as it allows the unit to fully reset. It is worth mentioning that if the AC is not unplugged for the recommended minimum of 30 seconds, a safety switch on the unit will delay the compressor from turning on for about 3 minutes. To ensure a proper reset, observe the 30-second minimum rule. After the designated time has passed, plug the AC back in and try turning it on again. This simple reset process may resolve the issue and restore the functionality of your LG portable air conditioner, allowing it to blow cold air once more.

Closing Thought

Using the above LG portable air conditioner troubleshooting guide, you can fix your AC when it starts to malfunction. That includes when it won’t turn on or off, drain or evaporator water, cool or heat, or when its compressor or remote control won’t work.

So, consider it alongside your LG air conditioner manual before calling an HVAC professional, as most of the issues are DIY-fixable.