Whirlpool Comfore-aire RA51K0 User manual

1. Front panel
2. Air louvers
3. Air direction tabs
4. Control panel
5. Filter
Use and Care Guide and
Installation Instructions
4380701
© 2000 All rights reserved
ROOM AIR
CONDITIONER
Printed in U.S.A.
3
1
5
4
2
Questions regarding features,
operation/performance, parts,
accessories or service?
Call 1-800-253-1301
www.whirlpool.com

Contents
Page
A Note To You 2
Air Conditioner Safety 3
Important Safety Instructions 3
OperatingYour Air Conditioner 4
Starting your air conditioner 4
Changing air direction 4
Saving energy 4
Normal operating sounds 4
Caring forYour Air Conditioner 5
Cleaning the air filter 5
Cleaning the front panel 5
Repairing paint damage 5
Troubleshooting 6
Ordering Accessories 8
Requesting Assistance or Service 8
Page
Location 9
Tools needed 9
Parts supplied 9
Electrical requirements 10
Window preparation 10
Installation 11
Warranty 12
Thank you for buying this appliance.
To ensure you enjoy years of trouble-free operation, we
developed this Use and Care Guide. It contains valuable
information about how to operate and maintain your
appliance properly and safely. Please read it carefully. Also,
please complete and mail the Product Registration Card
provided with your appliance.This card helps us notify you
about any new information on your appliance.
Please record your model’s information.
Whenever you call to request service on your appliance,
you need to know your complete model number and
serial number.You can find this information on the
model and serial number label. (See Installation
Instructions for model and serial number location.)
Keep this book and the sales slip together
in a safe place for future reference.
A Note To You
2
Please record the model and serial number
information below. Also, record the purchase date of
your appliance and the store’s name, address, and
telephone number.
Model Number
Serial Number
Purchase Date
Store Name
Store Address
Store Phone
Use and Care Guide Installation Instructions

3
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
— SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS —
Help us help you
Please:
• Install your air conditioner in a window that will hold
the weight, and secure the air conditioner according to
the Installation Instructions.
• Connect the air conditioner to the proper kind of outlet
with the correct electrical supply and ground. (See the
Installation Instructions.)
• Make sure the air conditioner is the correct size for the
area you want to cool.
• Make sure curtains, drapes or furniture do not block
airflow from the air conditioner.
• Use the air conditioner only to do what a window air
conditioner is designed to do.
• Make sure the air conditioner is not used by anyone
unable to operate it properly.
• Maintain the air conditioner properly.
Also, remove the Energy Label. Use a damp cloth to
take off any glue residue. DO NOT use sharp
instruments, flammable fluids, or abrasive cleaners.
These can damage the air conditioner finish.
WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire, electrical
shock, injury, or sickness when using your air
conditioner, follow these basic precautions:
• Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
• Do not remove ground prong.
• Do not use an adapter.
• Do not use an extension cord.
• Unplug air conditioner before servicing.
• Use two or more people to move or install air
conditioner.
• Do not drink water collected inside the cabinet.
Air Conditioner Safety
Your safety and the safety of others are
very important.
We have provided many important safety messages
in this manual and on your appliance. Always read
and obey all safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol.
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards
that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert
symbol and either the word “DANGER” or
“WARNING”.These words mean:
All safety messages will tell you what the potential
hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of
injury, and tell you what can happen if the
instructions are not followed.
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t
immediatelyfollow instructions.
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t
follow instructions.
WARNING
DANGER

Starting your air conditioner
Operating your air conditioner properly helps you to obtain the best possible results.
This section explains proper air conditioner operation.
IMPORTANT:
• If you turn the air conditioner off, wait at least 3
minutes before turning it back on.This prevents the air
conditioner from blowing a fuse or tripping a circuit
breaker.
• Do not try to operate your air conditioner in the cooling
mode when outside temperature is below 65°F (18°C).
The inside evaporator coil will freeze up and the air
conditioner will not operate properly.
Operating Your Air Conditioner
4
FAN CONTROL
Set the FAN CONTROL to the desired setting.When the air conditioner is operating at LOW
COOL, MED COOL (some models) or TURBO COOL, the fan circulates air continuously.
LOW COOL – for sleeping comfort
MED COOL (some models) – for normal cooling
TURBO COOL – for maximum cooling
FAN ONLY
When the FAN ONLY setting is selected, the fan will run continuously to move air, but the
air will not be cooled.
THERMOSTAT
Turn the THERMOSTAT Control to a mid-setting. Adjust the air conditioner's performance
by turning the THERMOSTAT Control clockwise ( ) for maximum cooling. For less
cooling, turn the THERMOSTAT Control counterclockwise ( ). Experiment and find the
setting that suits you best.
The louvers in the top of the front panel
allow you to control the direction of the
cooled air. Use the tabs to direct the air
up, down, right, left, or straight ahead.
Changing air direction
Tabs
There are many things you can do to help save energy.
Saving energy
•Improve your home's insulation. Seal doors and
windows. Close fireplace flue.
•Close blinds or drapes on the sunny side of your
house. Add awnings.
•Make sure drapes or furniture do not block airflow
from your air conditioner.
•Turn lights and appliances off when they are not
needed.
•Ventilate your attic. High temperatures in the attic
add to the air conditioner's cooling load.
•Try not to use heat-producing appliances during the
hottest part of the day.
•Keep heat registers and cool-air returns closed.
•Use exhaust vent fans while cooking, doing laundry,
or bathing.
When your air conditioner is operating normally, you may hear sounds such as:
Normal operating sounds
•Droplets of water hitting the condenser, causing a
“pinging” or “clicking” sound. The water droplets
help cool the condenser.
•Air movement from the fan.
•Clicks from the thermostat cycle.
•Vibrations or noise due to poor wall or window
construction.
•A high-pitched hum or pulsating noise caused by
the modern high-efficiency compressor cycling on
and off.

5
1. Unplug air conditioner or disconnect power.
2. Wipe front panel and cabinet with warm water and mild
soap or detergent. Use a soft cloth.
3. Rinse control panel and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
4. You may use a liquid wax for appliances to polish cabinet.
5. Plug in air conditioner or reconnect power.
To ensure continued high efficiency, check condenser coils
(outside of air conditioner) periodically and clean them if they
are clogged with soot or dirt.
The air filter is removable for easy cleaning. A clean filter helps
remove dust, lint, and other particles from the air and is
important for best cooling and operating efficiency. Check the
filter every 2 weeks to see if it needs cleaning. Do not operate
the air conditioner without the filter in place.
1. Unplug air conditioner or disconnect power.
2. Grasp tabs on either side of filter door and pull door
forward.
3. Pull out air filter from behind grille.
4. Wash air filter in warm 104°F (40°C) water. Do not wash air
filter in the dishwasher or use any chemical cleaners. Air
dry filter completely before replacing to ensure
maximum efficiency.
5. Replace air filter behind filter door.
6. Close filter door.
7. Plug in air conditioner or reconnect power.
Check once or twice a year for paint damage.This is
very important, especially in areas near oceans or
where rust is a problem. If needed, touch up with a
good grade enamel paint.
NOTE: To reduce paint damage during the winter,
install a heavy-duty cover over air conditioner cabinet.
For information on ordering a heavy-duty cover, see
page 8.
Caring for Your Air Conditioner
Repairing paint damage
Cleaning the air filter
Cleaning the air conditioner
tabs
Your new air conditioner is designed to give you many years of dependable service.This section tells you how to clean
and care for your air conditioner properly. Call your local authorized dealer for an annual checkup. Remember… the cost
of this service call is your responsibility.

6
Check if ...
The power supply
cord is unplugged.
A household fuse
has blown or circuit
breaker has tripped.
The local power has
failed.
Then ...
Firmly plug the power supply cord into a live outlet with proper voltage.
Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. Make sure the air conditioner is plugged into a
properly grounded outlet as described in the Installation Instructions.
Wait for power to be restored.
You can solve many common air conditioner problems easily, saving you the cost of a service call. Try the suggestions
below to see if you can solve your problem without outside help.
Air conditioner blows fuses or trips circuit breakers.
Check if ...
Too many appliances
are being used on the
same circuit.
Time-delay fuse or
circuit breaker of the
wrong capacity is
being used.
An extension cord is
being used.
You are trying to
restart the air
conditioner too soon
after turning it off.
Then ...
Unplug or relocate appliances that share the same circuit.
Replace with a 15-amp time-delay fuse or circuit breaker of the correct capacity. See
“Electrical requirements” in the Installation Instructions for the correct capacity.
Do not use an extension cord with this or any other appliance.
Wait at least 3 minutes after turning air conditioner off before trying to restart the
air conditioner.
Air conditioner seems to run too much.
Check if ...
The current air
conditioner replaced
an older model.
The air conditioner is
in a heavily occupied
room or heat-
producing
appliances are in
use in the room.
Then ...
The use of more efficient components may cause the air conditioner to run longer than
an older model, but the total energy consumption will be less. Newer air conditioners do not
emit the “blast” of cold air you may be accustomed to from older units, but this IS NOT an
indication of lesser cooling capacity or efficiency. Refer to the efficiency rating (EER) and
capacity rating (in BTUs/hr.) marked on the air conditioner.
Use exhaust vent fans while cooking or bathing and try not to use heat-producing appliances
during the hottest part of the day. A higher capacity air conditioner may be required
depending on the size of the room being cooled.
Troubleshooting
Air conditioner will not operate.

7
Air conditioner cycles on and off too much, or does not cool room in cooling mode.
Check if ...
The air conditioner is not
properly sized for your room.
The filter is dirty or
obstructed by debris.
The inside evaporator and
outside condenser coils are
dirty or obstructed by debris.
There is excessive heat or
moisture (open container
cooking, showers, etc.)
in the room.
The louvers are blocked.
The outside tempera
ture is
below 65°F (18°C).
The temperature of the room
you are trying to cool
is extremely hot.
Windows or doors to the
outside are open.
The temperature set point is
not at a cool enough setting.
The air conditioner is
installed on the sunny
side of your house.
Then ...
Check the cooling capabilities of your room air conditioner. Room air conditioners are
not designed to cool multiple rooms.
Clean the filter. See page 5.
Clean the inside evaporator and outside condenser coils. See page 5.
Use a fan to exhaust heat or moisture from the room.Try not to use heat-producing
appliances during the hottest part of the day.
Install the air conditioner in a location where the louvers are free from curtains, blinds,
furniture, etc.
Do not try to operate your air conditioner in the cooling mode when the outside
temperature is below 65°F (18°C).
Allow extra time for the air conditioner to cool off a very hot room.
Close all windows and doors.
Adjust the temperature set point to a cooler setting. Set FAN SPEED to TURBO.
Install your air conditioner in a more shaded window.
Check if ...
The air conditioner is not
properly leveled.The air
conditioner should slope
slightly downward toward
the outside.
Then ...
Level the air conditioner to provide a downward slope toward the outside (1⁄2 bubble
on a carpenter’s level) to ensure proper drainage. See the Installation Instructions.
Reposition or shim the cabinet as necessary.
NOTE: Do NOT drill a hole in the bottom of the metal base and condensate pan.
Water drips from cabinet into your house.

8
You can order the following accessories for your air
conditioner from your local authorized dealer or by
calling 1-800-253-1301 from anywhere in the U.S.A.
You will hear a recording. Follow the instructions to
place an order.
Replacement air filters
A good, clean air filter is important for best cooling
with least energy consumption.Your air filter should be
cleaned regularly. See page 5 for cleaning
instructions.We suggest you replace your air filter
once a year.
Ordering Accessories
Installation kits
A standard installation kit is included with your air
conditioner.These special installation kits are available:
•Outside Sill Bracket Kit
•Wide-Window Kit
Heavy-duty cover
If you decide to leave your air conditioner installed during
the winter, a heavy-duty cover will help protect your air
conditioner and reduce drafts.The cover protects against
cold drafts through the unit’s air passages and protects
the cabinet from snow, rain, sleet, rust, and dust.
For a heavy-duty cover sized to fit your air conditioner,
order part #484069.
To avoid unnecessary service calls, please check the “Troubleshooting Guide” section. It may save you the cost of a
service call. If you still need help, follow the instructions below.
Call the Customer Interaction Center telephone
number. Dial toll-free 1-800-253-1301. Our consultants
are available to assist you.
When calling: Please know the purchase date, and the
complete model and serial number of your
appliance (see the "A Note to You" section).
This information will help us better respond to
your request.
Our consultants provide assistance with:
• Features and specifications on our full line of appliances
• Installation information
• Use and maintenance procedures
• Accessory and repair parts sales
• Specialized customer assistance (Spanish speaking,
hearing impaired, limited vision, etc.)
• Referrals to local dealers, service companies, and
repair parts distributors
Our service technicians are trained to fulfill the product
warranty and provide after-warranty service, anywhere in
the United States.
To locate the authorized service company in your area,
you can also look in your telephone directoryYellow
Pages.
If you need to order replacement parts, we
recommend that you only use factory-authorized parts.
These parts will fit right and work right, because they
are made to the same exacting specifications used to
build every new appliance.
To locate factory-authorized parts in your area, call our
Customer Interaction Center telephone number, your
nearest authorized service center, or Factory Service
at 1-800-442-1111.
Requesting Assistance or Service
If you need assistance or service
If you need replacement parts

9
electric drill and
3/32" or smaller bit
Tools needed
Parts supplied
Installation Instructions
Important:
Read and save these
instructions.
Important:
• Installer: Leave Installation Instructions with the
homeowner.
• Homeowner: Keep Installation Instructions for future
reference.
• Save Installation Instructions for local electrical
inspector‘s use.
22” - 36”
(55.9 cm - 91.4 cm)
14” (35.6 cm)
Window opening
measurements
Important: Observe all governing codes and
ordinances.
Check location where air conditioner will be installed.
Proper installation is your responsibility. Make sure you
have everything necessary for correct installation.
The location should provide:
• Grounded electrical outlet within four feet (122 cm)
of the window or through-the-wall location. Do not use
an extension cord.
• Free movement of air to rooms to be cooled.
• A large enough opening for the air conditioner.
22" (55.9 cm) minimum to 36" (91.4 cm) maximum
opening width
14" (35.6 cm) minimum opening height
• Adequate wall support for weight of air conditioner.
Air conditioner weighs between 90 and 178 pounds
(40.8 to 80.7 kg).
Do not install the air conditioner in an area where
the front panel will be exposed to heat sources that will
raise the panel surface temperature above 120°F
(50°C).
WARNING
!
Excessive Weight Hazard
Use two or more people to move and install air
conditioner.
Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.
flat-blade and
Phillips
screwdrivers
level
gloves
utility knife
safety
glasses
tape measure
Location
short
screw wood screw L bracket
seal strip sash seal guide
panel

10
Window preparation
If storm window frame interferes with air conditioner,
attach a 2" (5 cm) -wide wood strip to inner window sill,
across full width of sill.Wood strip should be thick
enough to raise height of window sill so that you can
install air conditioner without interference from storm
window frame, so that condensation water properly
drains to the outside.
Note: If distance between storm window frame and
inner sill-mounted wood strip is greater than 1 inch
(2.5 cm), wood strip for outer window sill (described in
right column) is not necessary.
Attach a second wood strip, approximately 6" x 1-1/2" x
2" (15.2 cm x 3.8 cm x 5 cm) in center of outer window
sill, flush against back of inner sill.This wood strip will
raise the L brackets to hold air conditioner securely in
place.
inner sill
wood strip
for L bracket
1"
(2.5 cm)
max.
wood strip mounted
on top of inner sill
outer sill
storm
window
frame
3/4" (19 cm)
clearance
OUTDOORS
INDOORS
Electrical requirements
WARNING
!
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
death, fire, or electrical shock.
In the U.S. only: If codes permit and a separate
ground wire is used, it is recommended that a
qualified electrician determine that the ground path
is adequate.
Check with a qualified electrician if you are not sure air
conditioner is grounded.
A three-wire, single-phase, 60-Hz, AC-only, electrical
supply is required on a separate circuit. See model and
serial label for circuit amperage required for your
specific model.
A time delay fuse or circuit breaker is required . Use
copper wire only.
The model and serial label is located behind the front
panel on the cabinet.This label lists the BTU capacity,
amperage, voltage and refrigerant charge requirements.
Recommended grounding method
For your personal safety, this air conditioner must be
grounded.This air conditioner is equipped with a power
supply cord with a 3-prong grounding plug.To minimize
possible electrical shock hazard, the cord must be
plugged into a mating 3-prong grounding-type outlet,
grounded in accordance with all local codes and
ordinances. If a mating 3-prong grounding-type outlet is
not available, it is the consumer’s responsibility to have
a properly grounded, 3-prong outlet installed by a
licensed installer.
It is the customer’s responsibility:
•To contact a qualified electrical installer.
•To assure that the electrical installation is adequate
and in conformance with National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70 —latest edition,* and all local codes
and ordinances.
Copies of the standards listed may be obtained from:
* National Fire Protection Association
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, Massachusetts 02269.
Power supply cord and receptacle
• 115 volt
(103.5 min. - 126.5 max.)
• 0-12 amperes
• 15-amp time-delay fuse or
circuit breaker
• 14 gauge copper wiring