What Does E5 Mean on Hisense Air Conditioner?

Hisense air conditioners are a growing percentage of the market due to their lower price point and portability.

These air conditioners are very effective but prone to an e5 error code. What does this mean? How do you fix it? Is it dangerous?

This article contains everything you need to know about the e5 error code and how to resolve it.

7 Reasons for an e5 Error Code

There are two types of Hisense air conditioners; window and portable units. The unit you have will make some of these problems more or less likely, which I’ll mention as I go.

1. The Reservoir Is Full

This is the go-to answer when seeing an e5 error code on a Hisense model. Emptying the reservoir usually makes the error go away.

If the reservoir is empty when you check, or the problem keeps reoccurring, move on to the other options on the list.

Solutions

You can empty the reservoir by removing the drawer on the back of the machine. Pull outward gently, dump it into a sink, and replace it.

2. Improperly Connected Drain Hose

Many new models of Hisense air conditioners are self-evaporating and don’t require a drainage hose. However, older models lack this feature.

As such, they steadily drain water into the reservoir and require frequent emptying.

Checking for This Issue

If you open up the machine and find that the reservoir is empty, but there is condensation in the machine, then a poorly connected drainage hose could be the problem.

Ensure that the drainage hose is securely fastened and not wrapped around itself.

3. Clogged Drain Hose

If you determine that the hose is properly installed, you should consider if it has a clog.

Pour a small amount of water into the drainage hose, and observe how quickly it comes out. A clogged drainage hose will have poor or nonexistent performance.

Solutions

To clear the clog, you can:

• Use pressurized water to loosen the debris.
• Use a wire straw-cleaning brush (or similar) to remove internal buildup.
• Replace the hose (the manufacturer sells replacements here).

4. High Humidity

While most models can regulate themselves for extended periods without the reservoir becoming full, you may experience water buildup in humid climates.

If you live somewhere with unusually high humidity, you should expect to empty the reservoir more often.

Solution

This isn’t strictly a problem; simply less convenient. If you empty the reservoir when the error comes up, it won’t damage the unit.

If you are concerned about how humid your home is, you can use a dehumidifier to reduce overall humidity.

5. A Clogged Air Filter

Newer models rely on airflow to avoid a buildup of water. If the filters on your unit are dirty or clogged, this can contribute to high humidity inside the machine.

Solution

To keep your unit working well, filters should be cleaned immediately after they are removed from storage and monthly during active use.

• To clean a filter, rinse it off with a hose or side sprayer on your sink.
• Continue rinsing until the water is clear and the filter is soaked.
• Hard pieces of the filter (such as the cover can be scrubbed with a scouring pad or soft scrub brush.

6. Low Refrigerant Level

This typically isn’t a problem, as the coils stay sealed. However, the coolant can leak if the coil becomes cracked or damaged.

In this case, the unit is broken – it’s probably best to buy a new air conditioner.

7. A Frozen Evaporator Coil

Another less common issue is evaporation coil freezing. If the humidity in the unit is high, ice can form on the evaporating coil, which will trigger an error.

This usually occurs because of one of the above issues but may take longer to resolve.

Solutions

First, you’ll need to fix the reason the coil froze. This is usually because of a clogged filter or hose. Then, waiting for the coil to melt and wiping it dry with a paper towel would be best. Only then will the error go away.

Summary

An e5 error code doesn’t have to be panic-inducing – you can usually resolve it quickly. This code appears when the machine’s inner parts become too wet, which is usually a problem with the drainage hose or filters.

Giving the filters a rinse and emptying the reservoir often solves the issue.

Rarely will the coils become compromised. The unit is probably beyond repair if you notice a crack or fluid leaking from the cooling coil.

If the evaporation coil is frozen, keep the machine open and let it thaw before attempting to restart it.