Comfortaire RAH-123 User manual

®
Room Air Conditioner and Heat Pump
Use and Care Manual
RECOGNIZE THIS SYMBOL
AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION
Safety Information
Be sure electrical service is adequate for chosen model of
airconditioner.Completeelectricalratingforunitisfoundon
serialplatelocatedbehindfrontgrille.Electricaloutletmust
be close enough to unit for power cord to reach without
strain. Air conditioner should be the only appliance on
individualcircuit.
For personal safety and to avoid possible damage to appli-
anceorhome,observeallsafetyinstructionshighlightedby
symbol shown below.
Introduction
Room air conditioners cool, dehumidify, and filter air inside
your home. Heat pump and electric heat models offer both
heating and cooling. Opening sections of manual provide
general information for all room air conditioner models.
Operating Controls section describes operation of controls
for each model. After reading the opening sections, turn to
Operating Controls section and find the panel layout that
matches the model of your unit.
Readentiremanualthoroughlybeforebeginninginstallation
andoperationofyournewroomairconditioner.Besureyou
have all necessary tools and materials on hand for the job.
Study illustrations to familiarize yourself with important
details of the installation process. Review manual for oper-
ating instructions.
NOTE
1. Mechanical experience is required to install this air
conditioner.
2. Installation can take from 1 to 3 hours, depending on
installer’s knowledge and skill.
Afterinstallingunit,rereadinstructionstoensureeachstep
iscompleteandthatallpartsarefastenedinplace.Forbest
results and to minimize installation time, perform all proce-
dures in the order shown.
WARNING
!
To prevent heat related illness or death, do not use
this device for unattended cooling of persons or
animals unable to react to product failure. Failure of
unattended air conditioner may result in extreme
heat in area intended for cooling, causing heat-
related illness or death of persons or animals.
Contents
Introduction ................................................................. 1
Safety Information ....................................................... 1
Unpacking .................................................................... 2
Electrical Requirements.............................................. 2
Installation ................................................................... 3
Room Heat Pumps....................................................... 3
Normal Care and Maintenance ................................... 3
General Operating Instructions.................................. 4
Airflow Around Unit..................................................... 4
Drain Cup Installation and Use................................... 4
Switchover Thermostat Control ................................. 5
Operating Controls...................................................... 5
Introduction ................................................................. 7
Air Conditioner Opening Requirements .................... 7
Placement of Outer Case in Opening......................... 7
Installation in Wall Thicker Than "D" Dimension...... 8
When Service Is Required........................................... 8
Warranty Information .................................................. 8
Questions?................................................................... 8
20070004
September 2000 (1)

2
Unpacking
Unpack and visually inspect unit. Immediately report any
damage to delivering carrier. Remove, discard, and/or re-
cycleallpackingmaterial.Onsomemodels,frontgrilleand/
or mounting kit hardware may be packed separately.
Beforecontinuing,pleasecompleteinformationbelow.Model
number, serial number, and manufacturing (P) number, as
wellasratedvoltage,amperage,andcapacity,canbefound
onidentificationplacelocatedbehindfrontgrille.Shouldair
conditioner ever require service, the following information
will speed the process.
Model number: ______________________________
Serial number:_______________________________
Mfgr (P) number:_____________________________
Purchase date: ______________________________
Authorizeddealer: ____________________________
Storecity/state/zip: ___________________________
Store phone # and AC: ________________________
Keep this manual, the warranty, and your sales receipt
together. Save them for future reference or if warranty
service is ever required.
Topreventunnecessaryservicecalls,reviewtroubleshoot-
ing tips in this manual before calling for service.
Electrical Requirements
WARNING
!
To avoid risk of personal injury or death due to
electrical shock:
· Observe all local codes and ordinances.
·Disconnect electrical power to unit before servicing.
·Ground appliance properly.
·Check with a qualified electrician if you are not sure
this appliance is properly grounded.
·DO NOT ground to gas line.
·DO NOT ground to cold water pipe if pipe is
interrupted by plastic, non-metallic gaskets, or other
insulating (non-conducting) materials.
·DO NOT modify plug on power cord. If plug does
not fit electrical outlet, have proper outlet installed
by qualified electrician.
·DO NOT have a fuse in the neutral or ground
circuit. A fuse in the neutral or ground circuit could
result in an electrical shock.
· DO NOT use an extension cord with this appliance.
· DO NOT use an adapter plug with this appliance.
· DO NOT pinch power cord.
·DO NOT REMOVE warning tag from power cord.
Grounding Instructions
For safety, air conditioner must be grounded. All air condi-
tionershaveapowersupplycordwithathree-prongground-
ing plug. To minimize possible electrical shock hazard,
power cord must be plugged only into matching grounding
wallreceptacle,inaccordancewithNationalElectricalCode
andany applicable localcodesandordinances.Ifappropri-
atewallreceptacleisnotavailable,consumer’sresponsibil-
ityisto have properly groundedwallreceptacle installed by
qualified electrician.
Electrical Connection
A separate (dedicated) circuit is required for units labeled
“UseOnSingleOutletCircuitOnly.”Refertounitnameplate,
fuse instruction label, and table shown below for exact
voltage requirements and fuse or circuit breaker ratings.
Do not use an extension cord or an adapter plug. If air
conditionerpowersupplycorddoesnotreachwithoutstrain,
orifplugdoesnotmatchintendedwalloutlet,havequalified
electricianinstall, replace, ormove appropriate receptacle.
Receptacle Wiring
Receptacle wiring must be of adequate size for unit. Refer
to unit identification plate for exact power requirements.
Minimum size of wiring, based on power requirements, is:
Units up to 20 amps: ___________________12 gauge
20–30 amp units: _____________________10 gauge
Use copper wire only. Consumer’s responsibility is to pro-
videproperandadequatereceptaclewiringthatconformsto
all applicable codes. All wiring should be installed by quali-
fied electrician.
NEMA No. 5-15P NEMA No. 5-15R 125V-15AMP 115V
NEMA No. 6-15P NEMA No. 6-15R 250V-15AMP 230/208Vrated
at 12 amperes or
less
NEMA No. 6-20P NEMA No. 6-20R 250V-20AMP 230/208Vrated
over 12 amperes,
but not more than
16 amperes
NEMA No. 6-30P NEMA No. 6-30R 250V-30AMP 208V rated over
16 amperes, but
not more than
24 amperes
Unit Plug Receptacle Circuit Rating, Voltage
Type Required Breaker, Time Rating On
Delay Fuse Nameplate

3
Installation
Complete step-by-step installation instructions for unit are
furnished on separate page included with this manual or in
mounting kit assembly. Follow instructions carefully and
keep them with manual for future reference.
No window mounting kit is supplied with unit. Models are
designed for mounting through wall opening and can be
adapted to window installation by purchasing optional win-
dow mounting kit. Consult dealer to choose appropriate kit
for model and installation.
Room Heat Pumps
Heatpumps don’tcreateheat;theymoveit. Insummer,the
cooler indoor coil absorbs indoor heat and moves it out-
doors, cooling the indoor air. In winter, unit reduces tem-
perature of outdoor coil below that of outside air, allowing
heat pump to absorb heat from outdoors and move it
indoors. Heat transfer is very efficient. For example, at an
outsidetemperature of 45°F,heatpump provides 2½watts
of heat for every watt of electricity consumed.
Heat pump units are designed to operate as a heat pump
above approximately 40°F. As outdoor temperature drops,
so does heating capacity and efficiency. Because ice may
form on outdoor coil at temperatures below 45°F, units
automatically switch from reverse-cycle heat pump to aux-
iliary electric heating below 40°F, with no defrost required.
No minimum operating temperature is designated.
Normal Care and Maintenance
WARNING
!
To avoid risk of personal injury or death due to
electrical shock, turn fan control OFF and remove
plug from wall outlet before inspecting unit or
performing maintenance.
Annual Inspection
Unitshouldbeinspectedbydealeror servicer at least once
a year. Remove outer case and clean unit thoroughly.
NOTE:Industyorcorrosiveenvironments,inspectunitmore
often, since such conditions may greatly reduce life of unit.
Repairscratches orblisters on painted surfaces by sanding
andrepainting.
Front Grille and Filter Removal
Front of unit contains a removable grille for easy access
to air filter. To clean filter, remove in one of the ways
shown below.
METHOD ONE
Grasp filter handle and slide filter out of unit.
FILTER
METHOD TWO
1. Removefront grilleby slidinggrille to leftuntil it passes
clips; pull grille out.
2. Grasp filter handle and slide filter out.
GRILLE
FILTER
Front Grille and Cabinet Cleaning
Grilleandcabinetmaybecleanedwithwarmwaterandmild
soap or detergent. Cleaning and polishing compounds are
not recommended, as they may damage plastic surfaces.
Air Filter Cleaning
A dirty air filter reduces operating efficiency of unit. Filter
shouldbeinspectedatleastonceeveryweekduringopera-
tion.Cleanfilterwithvacuumcleanerorwashinwarmwater
andmilddetergent.Filtershouldbethoroughlydriedbefore
replacing in unit. Do not operate unit without filter in place.

4
WARNING
!
To avoid risk of personal injury or death due to
electrical shock, turn fan control OFF and remove
plug from wall outlet before inspecting unit or
performing maintenance.
CAUTION
!
To avoid risk of personal injury or product damage
due to excessive weight of this device and sharp
edges that may be exposed:
·Two or more people are needed to lift and install
unit. Use proper lifting and carrying techniques to
prevent injury or strain.
·Inspect location where unit is to be installed. Be
sure it will support weight of unit for extended
period of time.
·Handle air conditioner with care. Wear protective
gloves whenever lifting or carrying unit. Avoid sharp
metal fins on front and rear coils.
·Make sure air conditioner does not fall during
installation.
Removing Slide-out Chassis from Outer Case
1. Removefrontgrillebyslidinggrilletoleftandpullingout.
2. Remove air filter by sliding to left.
3. Remove four screws holding plastic front to unit and
remove front.
4. Usingbasepanhandle,pullchassisstraightout,slowly
and evenly, until approximately 9-12 inches extends
fromoutercase.Usebothhandstograspbasepanand
pull remaining chassis from outer case.
PLASTIC FRONT CHASSIS
BASEPAN
CLIP BASEPAN
HANDLE
NOTE:Basepanclipisshippedinplasticbagwithmounting
screwandcondensatedraincup.Installclipafterreinserting
chassisintooutercasetopreventaccidentalchassisremoval.
General Operating Instructions
While operation of all units is similar, controls vary slightly
from model to model. Operating Controls section shows
control panel of unit purchased and gives detailed informa-
tion about operation of controls.
Initial Start-Up and Cooling
Select highest fan speed, and set temperature control to
coldest position. When desired temperature is reached,
slowly move temperature control toward warmer setting
until compressor shuts off. Thermostat will cycle compres-
sor on and off to maintain selected temperature. Adjust fan
speed for desired air circulation.
OUTDOOR
LOUVERS
INDOOR
GRILLE
BAFFLES
Changing Airflow Direction Baffles
Airflow on unit may be diverted left or right from center by
baffles.Upwardanddownwardairdischargeisprovidedby
tilting louvers. Adjust baffles and tilt louvers for desired
airflow pattern.
Airflow Around Unit
Check indoor grille and outdoor louvers for obstructions to
airflow. Do not block airflow to and from unit. If air is
obstructed and/or deflected back into unit, air conditioner’s
compressor may cycle on and off rapidly and cause dam-
age.
Drain Cup Installation and Use
Water removed from indoor air (condensate) is channeled
to outdoor side of air conditioner. Sound of water heard
during normal operation comes from outdoor fan blade
“slinger ring” that dips into water and slings it onto outdoor
coil. Water quickly evaporates on warm coil surface and
improves air conditioner efficiency.
Under normal conditions, unit can evaporate water as fast
as it is removed from indoor air. In very humid conditions,
however, excess water may drip off chassis. To avoid
dripping, install condensate drain cup included with unit by
removingchassisfrom outer case.Insertcondensate drain
cupthroughrecessed½”holeonrightsidebottomflangeof
outercase.Then,place½”diameterhoseortubeonbottom
spoutofdraincup.Replacechassisinoutercase.Basepan
overflowholeispositioneddirectlyabovedraincupandwill
direct excess water to drain cup.

5
A
C
B
Switchover Thermostat Control
Emergencyheatswitchoverridesheat pump(compressor)
and starts auxiliary electrical heater. When switch is ON,
heat pump is locked out.
• Use emergency switch only when heat pump fails to
provideadequateheat.Causeofheatpumpmalfunc-
tion should be determined by authorized servicer.
Cost of operating unit will increase when emergency heat
switch is engaged.
To access and engage emergency switch:
1. Remove front grille, air filter, and plastic front, as de-
scribed in Installation Instructions.
2. Remove base pan clip.
3. Slide chassis out of case about two inches.
4. Locate access hole for emergency switch above label
on right front of control box.
5. To start emergency heat, insert flathead screwdriver
into slot and turn counterclockwise until switch-stop is
reached.
6. Return chassis to case.
7. Replace base pan clip, plastic front, air filter, and front
grille.
TURN FULLY CCW
FOR EMERGENCY HEAT
½" HOSE
OUTER CASE
CONDENSATE
DRAIN CUP
Fan Control
OFF – Completely shuts off unit.
NOTE:Topreventblowingfuses,wait2minutesafterturning
unit off before turning it on again.
LOW COOL – Filters and circulates room air; fan runs
continuously at low speed. Cools and dehumidifies while
compressorisrunning.Choosethissettingforquietcooling
operation.
HIGH COOL – Filters and circulates room air; fan runs
continuously at high speed. Cools and dehumidifies while
compressorisrunning.Choosethissettingformaximumair
circulation and cooling.
LOW HEAT – Filters and circulates room air; fan runs
continuously at low speed. Heats while electric heater or
compressor are running. Choose this setting for quietest
heatingoperation.
HIGH HEAT – Filters and circulates room air; fan runs
continuously at high speed. Heats while electric heater or
compressor are running. Choose this setting for maximum
air circulation and heating.
FAN ONLY – Select this setting to circulate or exhaust air
withoutcooling.
Temperature Control
Slide control to left for warmer room temperature; slide
control to right for cooler temperature.
Vent Control
Slidevent control under appropriate mark to chooseone of
two settings:
EXHAUST – Vents room air to outdoors. Circulates and
filters room air. Use this position to exhaust stale or smoky
air. To conserve energy, Fan Control should be in FAN
ONLY setting when using EXHAUST feature.
CLOSED – Exhaust damper is closed. Unit circulates and
filters room air. Use this position for normal cooling.
Operating Controls
OFF LOW HIGH FAN ONLY
COOL WARMER COOLER
EXHAUST CLOSED
LOW HIGH
HEAT

6
Before Calling Service
!
WARNING
To avoid risk of personal injury or death due to electrical shock, turn fan control OFF and remove plug from wall
outlet before inspecting unit or performing maintenance.
Table below shows some problems that may be encountered when using a room air conditioner. Possible causes and
suggestedremediesaregivenforeachproblem.Ifproblemscannotbefixedusingsuggestedremedies,see WhenService
Is Required.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SUGGESTED REMEDY
UNIT WILL NOT RUN No power to unit Set Fan Control to position other than OFF.
Make sure plug is firmly seated in outlet.
Check for blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers.
LITTLE OR NO COOLING
LITTLE OR NO HEATING
(fan
and
compressor run)
Fresh air/exhaust damper open
Obstructed indoor or outdoor airflow
Dirty air filters
Unit undersized for application
Set vent to CLOSED.
Remove obstruction from indoor grille or outdoor louvers.
Dirty air filter. Clean or replace, as needed.
Check with dealer to determine proper capacity unit for application.
LITTLE OR NO COOLING
LITTLE OR NO HEATING
(only fan runs)
Temperature Control not set properly For cooling, turn Temperature Control to cooler setting.
For heating, turn Temperature Control to warmer setting.
NOISY UNIT Loose front on mounting assembly
Weak building construction
Water hitting fan blade
Unit oversized for application:
compressor cycles on and off frequently
Tighten any loose parts.
Provide additional support for unit.
Normal in high humidity. Stop noise by removing drain plug or
adding condensate drain cup.
Check with dealer to determine proper capacity unit for application.
MOUNTING SUPPORT NOT
INSTALLED Storm window frame installed in window Some models require removal of storm window frame before installation.
FROST ON INDOOR COIL Dirty air filter
Normal for low outdoor temperatures
Clean air filter by vacuuming or washing with water and mild soap.
Turning Temperature Control to warmer setting reduces occurrence
and duration of frost.
FROST ON OUTDOOR COIL
(heat pump models only) Normal for outdoor temperatures at or below 45°F Call for service
only
if unit does not heat room and you have
checked all problems and remedies listed under LITTLE OR NO
HEATING.
ODORS IN COOLING Mold, mildew, or algae formation on wet
surfaces To reduce algae growth, use algaecide tablet in base pan; remove
drain plug; add condensate drain cup and hose. Thoroughly clean
unit.
ODORS IN HEATING Normal for first time electric heater is
used each season Caused by dust accumulation during unused months.
Odor dissipates quickly with heater use.

7
NOTE:Wallthicknessesmustnotexceeddimension"E"on
thedimension table. In caseswherethe thickness exceeds
dimension "D" but not dimension "E", modify the opening to
allowairtoentersidelouversoncase(see InstallationinWall
Thicker Than "D" Dimension section).
F
G
Electrical outlet must
be located within 5-feet
of this point.
FG
RAH093
RAH123
RAH183 18 3/4" 25 3/4"
Dimensions
Models
16 24 1/8"
Dimensions of Finished Opening
Placement of Outer Case in Opening
Place outer case in opening, flush against one side of
opening.Usecarpenter’slevelandensurecaseislevelfrom
sidetosideandhasa3/8-inchslopefromfronttoback(back
of case must be 3/8-inch lower than front to ensure proper
condensate drainage). If needed, use shims to level case
(from side to side) and to obtain proper back slope.
Front of case must project 3/4-inch (minimum) beyond
inside wall in order to attach air conditioner front frame. If
framing indoor side of opening with wood molding (or other
decorative material), extend outer case 3/4-inch beyond
molding.
When case is properly positioned in opening, use wood
shims to fill any gaps between case and finished opening,
especially in area where case will be secured to opening.
Take care not to warp or distort case when installing
shims. For condensate drainage, install drainage cup in
drain hole on baseplate of case.
Introduction
Thisinstructionsheetprovidesguidelinesforinstallingmod-
els RAH-093,123, and 183 air conditioners through an
outside wall.
CAUTION
!
Installing air conditioner through a wall requires
extensive carpentry and/or masonry experience.
Through wall installations performed by
inexperienced or unqualified individuals can result in
costly damage to home.
Air Conditioner Opening Requirements
AllComfort-Aire®RoomAirConditionersfeatureaslide-out
chassis. Chassis and front cover must be removed from
outer case for installation.
CAUTION
!
Installed outer case must be square, and level from
side to side, in order to reinstall chassis and reattach
air conditioner front cover. Use wood shims between
sides of case and finished opening–especially where
case is secured to opening–to prevent warping or
distorting. Check installed case for distortion using
carpenter’s square.
Thelowerleftinsidecornerofopeningmustbewithin6feet
of an appropriate electrical outlet (page 2, Electrical Re-
quirements .)
Thefollowingfigureandtableprovidethedimensionsofthe
RAHoutercasewithchassisremoved.Theoutercasesize
determinesthefinishedopeningrequiredtoinstallyourunit.
Use these dimensions to determine finished openings and
maximum wall thicknesses required for installation.
B
C
D
E
A
ABCDE
RAH093
RAH123
RAH183 18 5/8" 25 3/8" 28 1/2" 14 3/4" 17 3/16"
11 3/4"
Dimensions
Models
15 7/8" 23 3/4" 23 1/8" 9 3/8"
Thru-wall Installation Instructions
Models RAH-093, RAH-123, and RAH-183

8
1-517-787-2100
Caulk all
sides
Lintel and
flashing
(if required)
Outercase must project
a minimum ¾"
beyond inside wall
or moldin
g
to attach front frame
D
Install case
with 3/8"
slope to outside
for condensate
drainage
Optional
molding
(not provided)
Front of outer case
to side air louvers
Installed Case
(Brick Veneer Or Frame Wall Construction
Shown)
Masonry, Brick Veneer, or Frame Wall Construction
After casing has been properly positioned in the opeing,
secure the case in masonry with mortar or concrete nails
driventhroughpredrilledholesinthesidesofoutercase. In
brick veneer or frame wall construction, secure the case
usingnailsorscrewsdriventhroughpredrilledholesinsides
of outer case.
Framing
lumber
G
F
Framed/Finished Opening
(Brick Veneer Or Frame Wall Construction)
Installation in Wall Thicker Than "D"
Dimension
The side louvers in outer case provide ventilation to air
conditioner compressor and fan motor and must not be
blocked. When installing unit in a wall thicker than the "D"
dimension, provisions mustbe made inthe wall openingto
ensurefree airflow tothe side louvers. This can be accom-
plished by chamfering the vertical portions of the outside
opening as shown.
NOTE: Ventilation louvers on top of case must not be
obstructed.Donotattempttoinstallunitinwallsthickerthan
"E" dimension.
Front of
outercase
4" 4"
Side air
louvers
(both sides)
¾" minimum
projection
E
D
31 3/4"**
B
Chamfering Walls Thicker Than "D"
Dimension
**33 3/8" for RAH183.
When Service Is Required
Your room air conditioner dealer can give you the name of
yournearestAuthorizedServiceCenter.Helpthemgiveyou
prompt service by providing:
• An accurate description of problem.
• Completemodel,serial,andmanufacturing (P) num-
bers from serial plate.
• Proof of purchase (sales receipt) upon request.
Repair by unauthorized servicer that results in subsequent
failureofunitvoidswarranty.Warrantydetailsarecontained
in warranty certificate enclosed with unit.
Keep accurate records of service calls, including what was
done, servicer’s name, and date of service.
Warranty Information
Consult warranty card for warranty details.
Questions?
Check first with your dealer if you need additional informa-
tionaboutoperation,maintenance,orservice.Ifanymatters
arenotresolvedlocally,orifyouwouldlikeinformationabout
other Comfort-Aire®heating and cooling products or appli-
ances, just call us.
®