Whynter ARC-12S User manual

WHYNTER ECO-FRIENDLY 12,000 BTU PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER
co
Instruction Manual
MODEL# : ARC-12S
Congratulations on your new WHYNTER product. Please read this Instruction Manual carefully before using
this product to ensure proper operation. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.

2 | P a g e
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
4-5
IDENTIFICATION OF ACCESSORIES
6
IDENTIFICATION OF PARTS
7
OPERATING YOUR AIR CONDITIONER
8
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
9-10
AIR FILTERS INSTALLATION
11
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
12-13
WATER DRAINAGE
13
REMOTE CONTROL
14
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
15
TECHNICAL DATA
16
TROUBLESHOOTING
17-18
WARRANTY INFORMATION
19

3 | P a g e
Thank you for choosing the Whynter portable air conditioner. Please follow the instructions provided
in this user guide to obtain the very best performance from your portable air conditioner and take full
advantage of the many features your portable air conditioner offers you. We trust that your Whynter
air conditioner will provide the performance and reliability that we stand for.
Please keep this user manual in a safe place for future reference.
DISPOSAL
This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that the appliance cannot be treated as normal
domestic trash, but must be handed in at a collection point for recycling electric and electronic
appliances. Your contribution to the correct disposal of this product protects the environment. Further
information about the recycling of this product can be obtained from your local municipal authority.

4 | P a g e
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Before the portable air conditioner is used, it must be properly positioned and installed as
detailed in this manual.
Do not under any circumstances cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord.
Make sure this unit is connected to a correctly grounded power supply outlet. Do not use an
extension cord or power strip.
The power cord is UL listed. It has a built-in L.C.D.I. (leakage, current, detection, interruption)
circuit breaker for added safety. If the power supply is interrupted, press the reset button to
reconnect the unit to power source.
It is recommended to use a separate circuit that its size should be 15 Amps for the air
conditioner.
Do not use an excessively wet cloth, industrial solvents, oil-based products to clean this
portable air conditioner.
To avoid the risk of shock, the product should never be used in bathrooms, shower rooms, or in
any other steamy or wet areas.
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any
other appliances.
Do not repair, disassemble and/or modify the unit by yourself.
Always turn off the portable air conditioner when cleaning the air filter, and transporting.
Do not turn this unit on and off by plugging and unplugging. Always use the ON/OFF switch.
Transport the unit in an upright position only, or leave it in an upright position for at least 2
hours before first use.
Ensure curtains or other objects are not obstructing the air inlet filters.
Do not bend or crush the exhaust hose while in use.
Always allow at least 20” of clearance around the unit for ventilation. Do not use this unit inside
closets, cabinets and/or cramped spaces between furniture.
This unit is optimized to operate in an ambient temperature of 64°F –95°F.
This unit must be installed in an area protected from the element, such as wind, rain, water
spray or drips.
The unit should not be located next to ovens, grills or other sources of high heat.
Always place the unit on even and hard and level surface.
Do not sit or place objects on the unit.
Do not allow children to climb, stand or hang on the unit. The air conditioner could tip over and
get damaged and/or seriously injure somebody.
Keep fingers out of the air intakes and air outlets.
Your safety and the safety of others are very important to us.
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock or injury when using your appliance, follow these basic precautions.

5 | P a g e
The unit is an electrical appliance. To avoid injury from electrical shock do not operate it with
wet hands, while standing on a wet surface or while standing in water. Do not use it in outdoors
or in wet conditions.
When positioning or moving the unit, ensure it is not turned upside down or greater than 45° or
more off level.
This unit is designed for household, non-commercial use only. Any other use will void the
warranty.
Do not plug into the power outlet before set up is completed.
Do not operate this unit without the air filter(s).
Do not use harsh chemicals to clean the filter(s). Dry thoroughly before inserting the filter(s)
into the unit.
Do not add extra length to the exhaust hose by more than a total length of 9’. This will reduce
the cooling efficiency of the portable air conditioner.
At the end of each season, all water must be drained from the unit and filter(s) must be cleaned
before storage.
THE MANUFACTURER DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY IF THE ABOVE INSTRUCTIONS
ARE NOT FOLLOWED.
OPERATING CONDITION
MODE
ROOM TEMPERATURE
COOL
Higher than 64°F
DRY
Higher than 60°F
Your portable air conditioner is supplied with a Leakage-Current
Detection and Interruption (LCDI) plug. This plug reduces the risk of
fire due to arcing faults in the power supply cord. Please follow the
instructions below to ensure that LCDI plug works properly.
1. Plug the power cord to a grounded wall outlet. Do not plug to
a power strip or extension cord.
2. Press the TEST button on the plug. This should trip the plug
and cut the power to the air conditioner. If the plug does not
trip and the unit comes on, please contact technical support.
3. Press the RESET button to start the air conditioner.
4. Do NOT use the TEST and RESET buttons to turn the air
conditioner on and off.

6 | P a g e
IDENTIFICATION OF ACCESSORIES
IMAGE
ACCESSORY NAME
QUANTITY
Exhaust hose
1 piece
Fixture
1 piece
Screws
4 pieces
Hose connector
2 pieces
Window slider kit
1 set
Cover
1 pieces
Remote control
1 piece

7 | P a g e
IDENTIFICATION OF PARTS
Front 1. Control panel
2. Air vent
3. Air deflector (Left –Right)
5. Casters
Rear
4. Handle
6. Air filter
7. Evaporator air intake
8. Air exhaust
9. Condenser air intake
10. Power cord
11. Drain plug
12. Upper Drain plug

8 | P a g e
OPERATING YOUR AIR CONDITIONER
Before you begin, thoroughly familiarize yourself with the control panel, remote control and all of
the functions. Follow the symbol for the desired function. The unit can be controlled by the unit
control panel alone or with the remote control.
CONTROL PANEL
Power Control
Turns the unit on and off.
Fan Speed Control
Controls the 3 fan speeds: High, Medium & Low.
NOTE: Unit does not need to be vented in Fan
mode.
Warning Light
Condensation water may accumulate in the unit. If
the internal reservoir becomes full, the warning light
and the STOP light will come on and the unit will
stop until the water is drained.
Timer
Turns the timer function on and off.
Mode Control
Controls the 3 function modes: COOL,
DEHUMIDIFYING and FAN ONLY.
Timer / Temperature Set Control
Adjusts set thermostat temperature and timer.
The display temperature is the set temperature.
NOTE: This unit is capable of displaying set
temperature in Fahrenheit or in Celsius. To convert
from one to the other, press and hold the Up and
Down buttons for 3 seconds.

9 | P a g e
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Location
The air conditioner should be placed on a hard and level surface strong enough to support the unit.
The unit has casters and it should only be rolled on smooth, flat surfaces. Use caution when rolling
on carpet surfaces. Do not attempt to roll the unit over objects.
Never place any obstacles around the air inlet or outlet and allow at least 20 inch of clearance for
efficient air-conditioning.
Exhaust hose Installation
When you use this air conditioner unit, hot air must be exhausted out of the room to complete the
air exchange of the condenser. When the unit is operating in DEHUMIDIFYING or FAN only mode,
no exhaust is required.
1. Pull out about 6” of one end of the hoses.
2. Attach the hose connectors to the hose by turning clockwise.
3. Align the slots on the hose connector to the tabs on the air exhaust and snap the hose to
the unit.
4. Only extend the exhaust hose to the necessary length. We do not recommend extending
the exhaust hose more than 9' long. If you are interested in purchasing an additional 5’
exhaust hose please contact in[email protected] for retail sales information.

10 | P a g e
Window kit Installation
When you use this air conditioner unit, hot air must be exhausted out of the room to complete the
air exchange of the condenser. When the unit is operating in dehumidifying and fan-only mode, no
exhaust is required.
Your window kit has been designed to fit most standard vertical and horizontal windows. However,
it may be necessary for you to modify the installation procedures for your window.
NOTE: If your window opening is less than the mentioned minimum length of the window slider kit,
cut the slide bar with hole to fit window opening. Never cut out the hole on the window slide bar.
NOTE: When using the window kit on a window or sliding door it will cause the window or sliding
door not to be properly closed and locked. Additional security measurements maybe needed.
1. Open window approximately 5”.
2. Adjust the length of the window bars to the same length and width of the opening of the
window. Cut the window piece if necessary to fit the length of your window.
3. Insert the fixture through the back grooved side of the window slide bar with hole. Line up the
4 holes and tighten the fixture with 4 screws from the front. Fig 1.
4. Close the window on the window slide bars. For long term installation, you may screw the
window kit into your window frame.
5. Move the unit to the window, extend the hose and attach the other end of the hose to the
window slide bar.
6. Align the slots on the hose connector to the tabs on the
fixture and snap the hose to the window slide bar.
Figure 1

11 | P a g e
AIR FILTERS INSTALLATION
Your Whynter portable air conditioner is equipped with a washable Pre-Filter and an Activated
Carbon Filter. The washable Pre-Filter removes large particles such as dust, pet hair and dander.
The Activated Carbon Filter which is designed to remove smoke and other odor. It is
recommended you replace the Activated Carbon Filter every 2-3 months or as needed. Follow the
steps below to install the filters.
WARNING: NEVER OPERATE THE AIR CONDITIONER WITHOUT THE PRE-FILTER
1. Pull up the pre-filter frame
2. Remove the Pre-Filter from the filter frame.
3. Place the Activated Carbon Filter on the Pre-Filter.
4. Reattached the filter frame.
5. Insert the assembled filter frame into the unit.

12 | P a g e
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE USING YOUR PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER
Remove the exterior and interior packaging.
Before connecting the unit to the power source, let it stand upright for approximately 4 hours.
This will reduce the possibility of a malfunction in the cooling system from handling during
transportation.
SWITCHING ON/OFF THE AIR CONDITIONER
The unit can be switched ON or OFF by pressing the Power button on the control panel or the
Power button on the remote control.
COOLING MODE
In this mode, the air conditioner cools and dehumidifies the room. To activate this function
mode, press the Mode Control button until the GREEN indicator comes on. When the cooling
mode is set, the compressor will start in approximately 3 minutes.
NOTE: In cooling mode, hot air is exhausted from the outdoor exhaust port and the exhaust
hose must be connected to exhaust out the hot air.
The temperature setting range of this air conditioner is from 61°F to 89°F. To set the
temperature, press the + or - buttons. This air conditioner has a 5°F temperature cushion which
if the set temperature is within 5°F of the ambient temperature, the unit runs on fan only mode.
This saves energy and prolongs the life of the compressor of the air conditioner. Once the set
temperature is achieved, the fan runs continuously.
To set the fan speed, press the Fan Speed button. In cooling mode, the difference in noise
level between the 3 fan speeds is not very noticeable when the compressor is on. Try
setting the unit to Fan only mode, you should be able to hear the difference between high and
low fan speed settings.
DEHUMIDIFYING MODE
In this mode, the air conditioner only dehumidifies the room, the compressor will activate
intermittently depending on the ambient temperature and the fan speed is set to LOW. To
activate this function mode, press the Mode Control button until the PURPLE indicator comes
on. Please note that when switching function mode, there will be an approximately 3 minute
transition time. In dehumidifying mode, do not connect the exhaust hose and let the warm air
return to the room.
If room temperature is higher than 77°F, the fan speed can be adjusted. If room temperature is
lower than 77°F, the fan speed is set at Low.
NOTE: When using the Dehumidifying mode, the air exhaust hose should not be vented to the
outside. If the warm air is exhausted to the outside, cooling may occur. Additionally, you must
drain the water from the unit from either the upper or lower drain port.
FAN ONLY MODE
In this mode, only the fan of the air conditioner runs and circulates the air in the room. To
activate this function mode, press the Mode Control button until the YELLOW indicator comes
on. In this function mode, the temperature cannot be set. Subsequently, set the desired fan
speed by pressing the Fan Speed button. Fan Only mode requires that the exhaust hose be
removed.
NOTE: The unit does not need to be vented in Fan Only mode.

13 | P a g e
TIMER (DELAYED SWITCH ON / OFF) FUNCTION
This function mode enables a delayed switch ON or delayed switch OFF of the air conditioner.
The time (hours) delay can be set, enabled and disabled. The timer is adjustable between 1-24
hours.
SETTING SWITCH OFF TIMER
With the air conditioner operating in any function mode, press the Timer Control button. Then set
the desired time delay OFF hours by pressing the + or - buttons. When the delay time set has
elapsed, the air conditioner switches off.
SETTING DELAYED SWITCH ON TIMER
With the air conditioner is off, press the Timer Control button. Then set the desired time delay ON
hours by pressing the + or - buttons. When the delay time set has elapsed, the air conditioner
switches on.
AUTO RESTART
In the event of a power outage, the air conditioner restarts at the previously set function mode and
settings when power is restored.
NOISE LEVEL
Portable air conditioners may make sounds that are not familiar to you. The sounds listed below
are normal. Noise reflecting off hard surfaces such as a floor or wall can make the sounds seem
louder than they actually are.
The compressor may make a pulsating or high-pitched sound.
Water running from the evaporator to the water tank may make a splashing sound.
Refrigerant flowing may make a gurgling sound.
Fan sound may come from front and back air vents.
WATER DRAINAGE
During the process of cooling, some water will be extracted from the air into the unit. Most of this
water is used to cool and exhausted to the outside. If the unit is operated in high humidity or low
temperature environment, water will collect in the reservoir inside the unit. If the reservoir is full, the
compressor will stop. To continue the cooling function, please drain the water.
1. Turn off the unit.
2. Position a flat container or dish under the drain plug.
3. Remove the drain plug and the condensed water will drain out automatically.
4. Once all the condensed water is drained, replace the drain plug into the drain firmly.
CONTINUOUS DRAIN
For continuous drainage, install standard water hose to the upper drain port and place the open
end of the hose to a drain area. The outer diameter of water hose adaptor that will fit the upper
drain is 1 inch.

14 | P a g e
REMOTE CONTROL
The portable air conditioner can be switched on by the remote control.
NOTE:
Other appliances in the same room controlled by a remote control (TV, radio, stereo, etc.),
may cause interferences.
Electronic and fluorescent lamps may interfere with the signal transmissions between the
remote control and the air conditioner.
Remove the batteries if the remote control is not used for long periods.
INSTALLING BATTERIES
Only use two AAA 1.5V Batteries in the remote control.
Always change both batteries at the same time.
To insert the batteries, open the flap on the back of the remote control by sliding if off. Strictly
adhere to the polarity signs on the bottom of the battery housing, close the flap once the batteries
have been inserted.

15 | P a g e
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT:
Switch off the air conditioner and disconnect the plug from the power outlet
Drain water by removing the drain plug.
Always transport the air conditioner in an upright position only.
CLEANING THE PRE-FILTER
To ensure the air intake is filtered properly and to assure that your air conditioner runs efficiently, it
is recommended to clean the Pre-filter at least once every two weeks.
Switch off the air conditioner and pull out the filter frame from the unit.
Remove the Activated Carbon Filter from the Pre-filter.
Use a vacuum cleaner or tap lightly to remove loose dust and dirt from the Pre-filter. Then rinse it
thoroughly under warm or cold running water (no hotter than 100F.)
Dry thoroughly before re-inserting the filters.
NOTE: The Activated Carbon Filter is not washable. It should be replaced every 2-3 months or as
needed.
WARNING! Never operate the air conditioner without the filter in place.
CLEANING THE AIR CONDITIONER
Always switch off the air conditioner and disconnect the plug from the power supply outlet before
cleaning the air conditioner.
Use a soft damp cloth to wipe the body of the unit.
Never use harsh chemicals, oil-based products, detergents, chemically treated cloths or other
cleaning solutions. These could possibly damage the body of the air conditioner.
END OF SEASON STORAGE
Switch off the air conditioner and disconnect the power plug from the power supply outlet before
cleaning the air conditioner.
Clean the air filters.
Drain the condensed water COMPLETELY.
On a warm day, turn on the Fan only mode for half a day so that the inside can dry out completely.
Wrapped the power cord and bundle it with the tape.
Remove the batteries from the remote controller.
Disconnect the exhaust hose and cover the window / wall hole with the cover.
It is recommended that the air conditioner be put back into its original carton for storage.

16 | P a g e
TECHNICAL DATA
Model
ARC-12S
Cooling capacity
12,000 BTU
Power supply
115v/ 60Hz
Maximum power input
1080 Watts
Maximum input
9.5 Amps
Dehumidifying capacity
91 Pts / Day
Thermostat
61°F to 89°F
Refrigerant
R-410A
Air flow (max.)
320 m3/ Hour
Fan speeds
3 (H, M, L)
Exhaust hose length
49”
Unit Dimensions
17” W x 15.5” D x 31” H
Unit Weight
66 lbs

17 | P a g e
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem
Possible Causes
Solutions
The portable air
conditioner does not
turn on
Power failure / outage.
The automatic switch, line
fuse, or breaker has been
tripped.
The power supply voltage is
too low.
The power cord is damaged.
The L.C.D.I. power plug for the
unit is tripped.
The internal water reservoir is
full.
Restore the power supply.
Flip the switch / change the fuse / turn the
breaker back on. Also note that you may have
too many appliances drawing power on one
circuit, you may need to move the other
appliances to another circuit.
Move the unit onto another circuit with the
correct voltage.
Call for service. Only authorized personnel
should replace damaged power cord or power
plug.
Press the Reset button on the L.C.D.I. power
plug.
Drain water from the air conditioner.
The unit turns on but
the compressor does
not turn on (the fan
runs but the unit is not
cooling)
The room temperature is
outside of the operational
tolerances of the unit.
The Cooling mode is not on.
The compressor has not
turned on yet because of its
time delay.
The set temperature is too
high.
The internal water reservoir is
full.
This unit is designed to work in ambient
temperatures of 64°F to 95°F.
Press the MODE button until the COOL light
is shown on the display.
Give the compressor 3 minutes to turn on
after the Cooling mode has been selected.
Set the air conditioner to a lower temperature.
It is recommended to set the temperature to
at least 5°F of the ambient temperature.
Either manually drain the water by removing
the drain plug or allow the unit to exhaust the
water itself by running the fan only mode.
Then cooling will resume.
The air coming out of
the unit is not very
cold, or the airflow
volume is weak
The filters are dirty or
obstructed.
The air intake or exhaust is
obstructed.
The unit is set in DRY or FAN
mode.
The unit is set to low fan
speed.
Clean the air filters.
Make sure there is at least 20" of clearance
from the air intake. Make the length of the
exhaust hose is as short as possible.
Set the unit to the cooling mode.
Set the unit to a higher fan speed.

18 | P a g e
The unit has worked for
a long time, but the
room is not cold
enough
Windows or doors are open.
There are too many people in
the room.
There is direct sunshine into
the room.
The room is a kitchen or with
many heat-producing
appliances
There is a server in the room.
The room is too large.
Close all windows and doors.
You may need additional cooling or another
air conditioner.
Close curtains or blinds and try to minimize
the amount of direct sunlight into the room.
You may need additional cooling or another
air conditioner.
You may need additional cooling or another
air conditioner.
You may need additional cooling or another
air conditioner.
The unit is very noisy
The unit is not level.
The surface underneath the
unit is uneven.
Low power voltage.
Make sure the unit is on hard, level and
stable surface.
Move the unit to a location with a level and
hard floor.
Make sure the wall outlet and support the
required power consumption of the air
conditioner and do not use an extension cord.
The unit leaks water
The unit is tilted or not leveled
The water tank is full.
Make use the unit is leveled.
Drain water from the drain plug at the back of
the air conditioner.
Fan speed cannot be
changed
Fan speed differences are not
very noticeable
The fan speed difference is not very
noticeable when the compressor is on. Try
setting the unit to Fan only mode, you should
be able to hear the difference between high
and low fan speed settings.

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY &
THREE YEAR WARRANTY ON COMPRESSOR
This WHYNTER portable air conditioner is warranted, to the original owner within the 48
continental states, for one year from the date of purchase against defects in material and
workmanship under normal use and service. Should your WHYNTER portable air conditioner
prove defective within one year from the date of purchase, return the defective part or unit,
freight prepaid (within two months of purchase; after two months to one year, customer will be
responsible for freight cost to Whynter’s service department), along with an explanation of the
claim to Whynter LLC. Please package the portable air conditioner carefully in its original
packaging material to avoid damage in transit. Please retain the original box and packaging
material. Under this warranty, Whynter will repair or replace any parts found defective. This
warranty is not transferable. After the expiration of the warranty, the cost of labor and parts will
be the responsibility of the original owner of the unit.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:
Acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes.
Damage, accidental or otherwise, to the air conditioner while in the possession of
a consumer not caused by a defect in material or workmanship;
Damage caused by consumer misuse, tampering, or failure to follow the care and
special handling provisions in the instructions.
Damage to the finish of the case, or other appearance parts caused by wear.
Damage caused by repairs or alterations to the product by anyone other than
authorized by the manufacturer.
Freight and Insurance cost for the warranty service.
DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF REMEDIES
CUSTOMER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED HEREIN. CLAIMS BASED ON IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO ONE YEAR OR THE SHORTEST
PERIOD ALLOWED BY LAW, BUT NOT LESS THAN ONE YEAR. WHYNTER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL
OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SUCH AS PROPERTY DAMAGE AND INCIDENTAL EXPENSES RESULTING FROM ANY
BREACH OF THIS WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY. SOME STATES AND PROVINCES DO
NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSE- QUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR LIMITATIONS ON
THE DURATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THESE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS
WRITTEN WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS THAT VARY FROM
STATE TO STATE.
To obtain service or information, contact
Whynter LLC via email at [e-mail] or call
866-WHYNTER.
Product contents and specifications may change without notice.
Copyright © 2013 Whynter LLC
www.Whynter.com