GE AFHC21AM, AFHC32AM User Manual

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Operating Instructions

About the Air Purifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5, 6

About the Controls

on the Air Purifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3, 4

Using the Air Purifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 8

Care and Cleaning

Air Intake and Outlet

and Ventilation Grille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Front Cover and Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Particle Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Pre-Filter and Charcoal Filter . . . . . . . .9

99.97% True HEPA Filter . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . .12

Consumer Support

Consumer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

ENERGY STAR®labeled product

As an ENERGY STA R®partner,
GE has determined that
this product meets the

E

NERGY STAR

®

guidelines

for energy efficiency
The energy efficiency of this

ENERGY STA R®qualified model

is measured based on a ratio
between the model’s CADR
for dust and the electrical
energy it consumes, or
CADR/WaH.

ge.com

Air Purifier

49-7596 11-08 JR

AFHC32AM

Owner’s Manual

Write the model and serial numbers
here:

Model # ________________________
Serial #__________________________

You can find them on a label on the back
of the air purifier.

This is a facsimile of the
AHAM seal. When this seal
is displayed on portable
electric room air cleaner
packaging, it signifies
that these ratings
are certified accurate
by the manufacturer and
verified by the Association
of Home Appliance
Manufacturers as
complying with
ANSI/AHAM AC-1
Standard (latest edition).

Purificador

de aire

Manuel d’utilisation

Manual del propietario

La section française commence à la page 15

La sección en español empieza en la página 29

Purificateur

d’air

2

Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsTroubleshooting Tips

Care and Cleaning

Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

■ Read all instructions before using this air purifier.
Save these instructions for reference.

■ Do not immerse this product in water or splash
water on it. An electrical short may result in shock
or fire.

■ Never attempt to disassemble or alter the product
in any way not instructed by this manual. Shock,
fire or bodily injury may occur.

■ Do not operate any fan with a damaged cord or
plug. Discard fan or return to an authorized service
facility for examination and/or repair.

■ Do not operate this product near an open fire.
It may ignite and cause fire, resulting in bodily
injury or property damage.

■ Always unplug the power cord from the receptacle
when the air purifier is not in use, before cleaning,
replacing parts or before moving to another
location.

■ Do not insert foreign objects into this product for
any reason. Bodily injury or property damage
may occur.

■ Do not use this product outdoors. It is intended
for indoor use only.

■ Do not operate this appliance without the outlet
grille in place or if the outlet grille is broken or
damaged.

■ WARNING:To reduce the risk of

fire or electric shock, do not use this air purifier
with any solid-state speed control device.

■ WARNING:Shock Hazard: This

appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider
than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock,
this plug is intended for fit in a polarized outlet
only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in
the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt
to defeat this safety feature.

■ WARNING:To reduce the risk of

electric shock, do not expose to water or rain.

■ WARNING:To reduce the risk of

electric shock, do not use with an extension cord.

■ WARNING:Do not run the cord

under carpeting. Do not cover the cord with throw
rugs, runners or similar coverings. Do not route
the cord under furniture or appliances. Arrange
the cord away from traffic areas and where it
will not be tripped over.

When using this air purifier, always follow basic safety precautions, including the following:

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING!

For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire,
electric shock or personal injury.

Power On/Off Button

Press to turn the air purifier on and off.

Filter Reset Button

The filter reset indicator light will come
on when the filter needs to be replaced.

To reset the filter indicator after replacing
the filter, if no filter lights are on:

For the Pre-Filter, press the FILTER RESET

button once and the Pre light will flash; then
press and hold for 2 seconds. The indicator
light for the filter will go off.

For the 99.97% True HEPA Filter, press
the FILTER RESET button twice and the
HEPA light will flash; then press and hold
for 2 seconds. The indicator light for the filter
will go off.

To reset the filter indicator after replacing
the filter, if one or both lights are on:

Press and hold the FILTER RESET button
for 2 seconds. One or both indicator lights
will go off.

Timer Selector

Press to select from timer hour settings 1 hr.,
2 hr., 4 hr., 8 hr. or OFF. The air purifier will run
for the selected number of hours and then
turn off.

Circulaire Selector

Press to set the circulation grille On or Off.
When CIRCULAIRE is On, the circulation
grille will move to circulate airflow. When
CIRCULAIRE is Off, the grille will stop but
remain open. After 6 hours of operation,
the unit will automatically turn off.

Fan Speed Selector

Press to adjust the fan motor speed setting
from levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and AUTO. The Fan
Speed indicator shows the setting level
the fan is on.

In AUTO mode, the fan speed is automatically
adjusted according to the dust level of the
room. The Auto Setting indicator light will
be on when the Speed is set to AUTO.

Light Sensor/Night Mode

When the air purifier is On and set to AUTO,
the Light Sensor will detect the loss of light for
more than 3 minutes. If this happens, the unit
goes into Night Mode. When the Light Sensor
detects bright light again, normal operations
resume.

Filter reset

indicator

About the controls on the air purifier.

ge.com

Manual Controls

Circulation

indicator

Timer indicator

Fan speed

indicator

Consumer SupportTroubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety Instructions

Care and Cleaning

3

Night

indicator

Auto

setting

indicator

Air quality

indicator

SPEED

12345

CIRCULAIRE

AUTO

AUTO CIRCULAIRE NIGHT

TIMER

AIR

1h 2h 4h 8h

POOR GOOD

Pre-Filter

HEPA

LIGHT
SENSOR

TIMERCIRCULAIRESPEED

1-5/AUTO

FILTER RESET

Pre / HEPA

4

Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsTroubleshooting Tips

Care and Cleaning

Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Remote Control

Power On/Off Button

Press to turn the air purifier on and off.

Circulation Button

Press to set the circulation grille On or Off.
When CIRCULAIRE is On, the circulation
grille will move to circulate airflow. When
CIRCULAIRE is Off, the grille will stop but
remain open.

Fan Speed Adjustment Button

Press to adjust the fan motor speed setting
from levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and AUTO. The Fan
Speed indicator shows the setting level
the fan is on.

Timer Adjustment Button

Press to select from timer hour settings 1 hr.,
2 hr., 4 hr., 8 hr. or OFF. The air purifier will run
for the selected number of hours and then
turn off.

Battery – CR2025

Install the battery that comes with the remote
control. Remove the clip from the end of the remote
control. Install the battery into the clip. Replace
the clip into the remote control.

Power on/off

button

Timer adjustment

button

Fan speed

adjustment button

Remote body

Battery clip Battery

About the controls on the air purifier.

Circulation

button

CIRC

SPEED

TIMER

Consumer SupportTroubleshooting TipsOperating Instructions

Safety Instructions

Care and Cleaning

About the air purifier.

ge.com

5

Powerful Air Cleaning

This air purifier uses a True HEPA Filter to maximize the efficiency of air cleaning. It removes 99.97% of airborne
particles 0.3 microns or larger that pass through the filter.

Optional Activated Charcoal Filter

The Charcoal Filter helps eliminate food odors and unpleasant smells from the room. This filter is optional.

Washable Pre-Filter

The permanent Pre-Filter prolongs the life of your 99.97% True HEPA Filter by trapping large particles in the air
initially.

Filter Replacement Timer

This air purifier will let you know when it is time to replace your filters for maximum air cleaning.

Dust Sensor

When in AUTO mode, the fan speed adjusts itself according to the amount of pollutants, such as dust, in the air.

Circulaire System

This system is designed for maximum air circulation.

Design

This air purifier has a switch that is installed to turn off the unit if the front cover is opened.

Remote Control

The remote control allows you to control the air purifier from across the room.

Night Mode

When in AUTO mode, the air purifier will detect the loss of light and run in low noise and electricity consumption
mode while you sleep. Normal operation resumes when bright light is detected.

Product Features

Display panel

Product Identification

Remote control

Control panel

Ventilation inlet

Front cover

Handle

Power cord

Remote control

sensor

Circulation grille

Particle sensor

Circulation grille

Remote control

storage

Rating label

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Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsTroubleshooting Tips

Care and Cleaning

Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

6

About the air purifier.

Location

■ Your air purifier has a minimum clearance
requirement of 8″ from the sides and back
and a minimum clearance of 24″ from the top.

■ This appliance is not to be mounted on a wall
or in a window.

■ Do not block the front cover and/or ventilation
outlet or inlet. This could cause a fire hazard
and will reduce the effectiveness of the unit.

■

WARNING:

Do not run the cord under
carpeting. Do not cover the cord with throw rugs,
runners or similar coverings. Do not route the cord
under furniture or appliances. Arrange the cord
away from traffic areas and where it will not be
tripped over.

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8″ min.

8″ min.

Air Filtration System

99.97% True HEPA Filter

Charcoal Filter

(optional)

Pre-Filter

24″ min.

Installation

Front cover

7

Pull the bottom of the front cover toward you
and lift up slightly to remove.

Pull forward on the black Pre-Filter, using the pull
tabs in the middle, and remove it from the unit.

Gently pull forward on the 99.97% True HEPA
Filter to remove it from the unit. Remove the
plastic shipping cover from the filter and discard.

Replace the 99.97% True HEPA Filter in the unit.
There is a fixed gasket on the edges of the filter.
That side goes toward the back of the unit. There
is a tab on the front side of the 99.97% True
HEPA Filter that says “FRONT.”

If you are choosing to use the Charcoal Filter,
install it in the back of the Pre-Filter now. Slide
the Charcoal Filter under the tabs on the back
side of the Pre-Filter. Install with the Charcoal
Filter facing the 99.97% True HEPA Filter.

Packaging must be removed from the True HEPA Filter before using your air purifier for the first time.

Using the air purifier. ge.com

Pull tabs

Consumer SupportTroubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety Instructions

Care and Cleaning

8

Using the air purifier.

Insert the side tabs of the Pre-Filter into the slots
of the unit; pull tabs should be to the outside.
Push the Pre-Filter to snap into place.

Insert the tabs at the top of the front cover into
the holes at the front of the control panel. Push
the bottom to the body to snap it into place.

Operating Instructions

Locate the air purifier for maximum
effectiveness (see Location on page 6).

Plug the power cord into a receptacle that meets
the requirements on the rating plate.

Push the POWER button and set for the desired
circulation.

Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsTroubleshooting Tips

Care and Cleaning

Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

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9

Consumer SupportTroubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety Instructions

Care and Cleaning

Turn off the air purifier and remove the plug from the wall outlet before cleaning.

Front Cover and Body

To clean:

Use a soft cloth to clean the front cover and body.
For stubborn dirt, use water with a very mild
detergent. DO NOT use bleach or abrasives.

Pre-Filter and Charcoal Filter

Clean the Pre-Filter every 3 months. Cleaning may
be needed more often, depending upon usage
and the environment.

To access:

WARNING:

Disconnect the power supply

before servicing.

Pull the bottom of the front cover toward you
and lift up slightly to remove.

Pull forward on the black Pre-Filter, using the pull
tabs in the middle, and remove it from the unit.

To clean:

Remove the Charcoal Filter if installed. Use a clean
cloth and water to remove dust accumulated
on the Pre-Filter.

The Charcoal Filter, if installed, needs to be changed
every 3 months. The Charcoal Filter CANNOT be
cleaned. It must be replaced.

Charcoal Filters can be purchased in 4-packs
at the retail store where you purchased your air
purifier or by calling GE Parts and Accessories
at 1.800.626.2002. The filter pack part number
is RAPCF3.

After drying the Pre-Filter thoroughly, replace
the Charcoal Filter, if used. Replace the Pre-Filter
and front cover.

The Pre-Filter and front cover are not
dishwasher-safe.

Care and cleaning of the air purifier. ge.com

Pull tabs

The 99.97% True HEPA Filter needs to be replaced
every 12 months. The filter may need to be replaced
more often, depending upon usage and the
environment.

99.97% True HEPA Filters can be purchased
at the retail store where you purchased your
air purifier or by calling GE Parts and Accessories
at 1.800.626.2002. The filter part number is RAPHF3.

To access:

Pull the bottom of the front cover toward you

and lift up slightly to remove.

Pull forward on the black Pre-Filter, using the pull
tabs in the middle, and remove it from the unit.

Pull the 99.97% True HEPA Filter forward
(using the “FRONT” tag) to remove it from
the unit.

Place the new 99.97% True HEPA Filter
into the unit. There is a fixed gasket on the edges
of the filter. That side goes toward the back
of the unit. There is a tab on the front side
of the filter that says “FRONT.”

Replace the Pre-Filter and front cover. These
filters and cover are not dishwasher-safe.

True HEPA Filter

10

Care and cleaning of the air purifier.

Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsTroubleshooting Tips

Care and Cleaning

Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Pull tabs

11

Consumer SupportTroubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety Instructions

Care and Cleaning

ge.com

Air Intake and Outlet and Ventilation Grille

Clean the Air Intake and Outlet around the Particle
Sensor and the Ventilation Grille with a damp cloth.
Be careful not to let dust fall back into the unit.

Particle Sensor

The Particle Sensor should be cleaned every
2 months. It is located on the right side of the unit.

To clean:

■ Open the cover.

■ Use a wet cotton swab to clean the lens,

dust intake and outlet.

■ Wipe with a second cotton swab to dry.
Failure to clean the sensor regularly will result in

a malfunctioning of the particle sensor. The sensor
will need to be cleaned more often depending
on the amount of dust in the area.

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Ventilation grille

Outlet

Intake

Lens

12

Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsTroubleshooting Tips

Care and Cleaning

Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Troubleshooting tips…

Problem Possible Causes What To Do

Air purifier The air purifier • Make sure the air purifier’s plug is pushed completely
does not start is not plugged in. into the outlet.

The fuse is blown/circuit • Check the house fuse/circuit breaker box and replace
breaker is tripped. the fuse or reset the breaker.

Power has not been turned on. • Push the POWER On/Off button once to turn on

the power.

The front cover is open. • Close the front cover. Make sure it snaps into place.
Power failure. • Turn the unit back on after power has been restored.

Airflow is less than The Pre-Filter needs • Remove and clean the Pre-Filter (see Care and Cleaning
normal and the Pre-Filter to be cleaned. section).
light is on

The Charcoal Filter needs • Replace the Charcoal Filter (see Care and Cleaning
to be replaced. section).

Airflow is less than The 99.97% True HEPA Filter • Replace the 99.97% True HEPA Filter (see Care and Cleaning
normal and the HEPA needs to be replaced. section).
light is on

The appliance vibrates The unit is on an unstable • Move the air purifier to a stable, even surface.
severely or uneven surface.

Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the chart below first to
avoid the inconvenience of returning the product to your
retailer.

In Order to Make a Warranty Claim:

For The Period Of: We Will Replace:

One Year Replacement unit for any product which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship.

From the date of the The replacement unit is warranted for the remainder of your product’s original one-year
original purchase warranty period.

13

Consumer SupportTroubleshooting TipsOperating Instructions

Safety Instructions

Care and Cleaning

GE Air Purifier—One-Year Limited Warranty.

■ Customer instruction. This owner’s manual provides
information regarding operating instructions and
user controls.

■ Improper installation, delivery or maintenance. If you
have an installation problem, contact your dealer or
installer. You are responsible for providing adequate
electrical, plumbing and other connecting facilities.

■ Failure of the product resulting from modifications to
the product or due to unreasonable use, including failure
to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance.

■ Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit
breakers.

■ Failure due to corrosion on models not corrosion­protected.

■ Damage to the product caused by improper power
supply voltage, accident, fire, floods or acts of God.

■ Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible
defects with this product.

■ Damage caused after delivery.

What Is Not Covered:

This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased for
home use within the USA.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. To know
what your legal rights are, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s Attorney General.

Exclusion of implied warranties: Except where prohibited or restricted by law, there are no warranties,
whether express, oral or statutory which extend beyond the description on the face hereof, including
specifically the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Warrantor: General Electric Company. Louisville, KY 40225

Staple your receipt here.
Proof of the original purchase date
is needed to make a warranty claim.

■ Properly pack your unit . We recommend using
the original carton and packing materials.

■ Return the product to the retail location where
it was purchased.

■ Include in the package a copy of the sales receipt or
other evidence of date of original purchase. Also print
your name and address and a description of the defect.

EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES—Your sole and exclusive remedy is product replacement as provided
in this Limited Warranty. Any implied warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law.

14

Notes.