GE KMD12, KMH12 Use and Care Manual

Conkn@

Adapter Plug
Air Direction

Air Filter
Appliance Registration

Care and Cleaning
Condenser Coils

Control Settings
Electrical Requirements

Model and Serial Numbers
Power Saver Switch

I

Problem Solver
Repair Service

I

Safety Instructions
User Maintenance Instructions 6

Warranty Back Cover

4,5

3
5

6
2

6
6

3

2
4

7
7

2

Use

and Care of

models

~H12
WD12

—

GE Answer

800.626.2000

0

Center@

Help us

hpotint

help you...

Before
conditioner, read this book
carefully.

It is intended to help you operate
and maintain your new air
conditioner properly.

Keep it handy for answers to your
questions.

If you don’t understand something
or need more help, write (include
your phone number):

Consumer Affairs

Hotpoint

Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225

Write down the model
and serial numbers.

You’ll find them on a label on the
right hand side front of the cabinet
and/or behind the front grille on
the front edge of the base-pan (for
service use). (See page 6.)

These numbers are also on the
Consumer Product Ownership
Registration Card that came with
your air conditioner. Before sending
in this card, please write these
numbers here:

Model Number

usi~

your air

I&ructiom

R@d dl
usi~

When using this appliance, always
exercise basic safety precautions,
including the following:

. Use this appliance
intended

this Use and Care Book.

● This air conditioner must be

properly
with the Installation Instructions
before it is used. See

instructions on page 3.

●

Never unplug your

by pulling on the power cord.

Always grip plug firmly and pull
straight out from the receptacle.

● Repair or replace immediately

all eiectric

have become frayed or otherwise
damaged. Do not use a cord that

shows cracks or abrasion damage
along its length or at either the
plug or connector end.

SAW

instructions before

this appliance.

ody

for

.purpose

inshlled in accordance

service cords that

as described in

grounding

air

conditioner

THESE

its

INSTRUCTIONS

Ene~y-saving tips

● Keep the air

instructions on page 6.)
. For most efficient cooling, keep

the vent control in the CLOSE
position except when you want to
exhaust air,
the room.

. Don’t let the room get too
hot. Whenever possible, turn the
unit on before the room heats up.
When heat is “stored up” in
furniture, rugs and draperies, your
air conditioner takes longer to
produce the desired comfort
condition.

. Keep windows and doors
closed. Cool, dry air escapes
when they’re open.

. Keep furnace floor registers and
cold air returns closed. Cold air
can easily escape through them.

●

Don’t let drapes or furniture block
the front of the unit and restrict air
flow when it is operating.

●

It’s best to operate your air
conditioner at high speed during
extremely hot weather.

●

Keep the outdoor condenser coil
clean. (See page 6.)

● Turn the air conditioner off

before vacations or extended
absences from home.

filter

smoke

clean. (See

or odors from

walls,

Serial Number

Use these numbers in any
correspondence or service calls
concerning your air conditioner.

If you received a

dam~ed

air conditioner . . .

Immediately contact the dealer
(or builder) that sold you the air
conditioner.

Save time and money.
Before you request
service . . .

Check the Problem Solver on
page 7. It lists causes of minor
operating problems that you can
correct yourself.

2

Electrical

safetY—IMPORTANT...please

Read Carefully.

How to connect
electricity

For personal safety,
this appliance must be
properly grounded.

Electrical requirement

U5-volt

volt a.c., 60 hz grounded outlet
protected with a 15 amp time delay
fuse or circuit breaker.

The power cord on these models has
a three-prong (grounding) plug that
mates with a standard three-prong

(grounding) wall
minimize the possibility of electric
shock hazard from these appliances.

Where a standard two-prong wall
outlet is encountered, it is your
personal responsibility and obligation
to have it replaced with a properly
grounded three-prong wall outlet.

230/208-volt models require their
own single branch circuit supplying
230/208-volt a.c., protected with a
time delay fuse or circuit breaker.
This is recommended for best
performance and to prevent
overloading house wiring circuits,
which could cause a possible fire
hazard from overheating wires.

—.

The power cord on these models
has a 230/208-volt perpendicular,
tandem or large tandem type plug
that mates respectively with a

models require a

outlet (Fig. 1) to

PREFERRED

METHOO

p–-?

.

n

Fig. 1 ‘

T

DO

N~,

UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CUT
OR

REMOW

(GROUND) PRONG
THE POWER CORD.

THE

115/120-

‘>

\

~. !

>

%

Q

I

f . .

.

?’

r

INSURE PROPER
GROUND EXISTS
BEFORE USE

TH~D

~OM

230/208-volt perpendicular,
tandem or large
outlet. These types of outlets are
available at most hardware stores.

230/208-VOLT

PERPENDICULAR TYPE WALL OUTLET

LINE CORD PLUG

REOUIRES 20 AMP TIME DELAY FUSE

OR CIRCUIT BREAKER PROTECTION

230;208-VOLT

TANDEM TYPE

LINE CORD PLUG

REQUIRES 15 AMP TIME

OR CIRCUIT BREAKER PROTECTION

@ndem

type wall

MATCHING

MATCHING

WALL OUTLET

OELAY

FUSE

-e

(

@

mm

●

@o

230/208-VOLT

LARGE

TANOEM

LINE CORD PLUG

REQUIRES 30 AMP TIME DELAY FUSE

OR CIRCUIT BREAKER PROTECTION

Whether your air conditioner is a

115-volt or a 230/208-volt unit, it

is

importint

outlet and circuit checked by a
qualified electrician if there is
any doubt as to whether a proper
ground exists.

TYPE WALL OUTLET

to have the wall

Use of adapter plug

(U5-volt modek

Because of potential safety hazards
under certain conditions, we

strongly recommend against use
of an adapter plug.

if you still elect to use an adapter,
where

local

codes permit, a
TEMPORARY
may be made to a properly grounded

two-prong wall

UL listed adapter (Fig. 2) available

at most

local

outlet

hardware stores.

MATCHING

only)

However,

CONNE~ION

by use of a

TEMPORARY METHOD

(ADAPTER PLUGS NOT

PERMITTED

The larger slot in the adapter must be
aligned-with the larger
outlet to provide proper polarity in
the connection of the power cord.

CAUTION:

ground terminal to wall outlet cover
screw does not ground the appliance
unless cover screw is metal, and not
insulated, and wall outlet is grounded
through house wiring. You should
have the circuit checked by a qualified
electrician to make

is properly grounded.
When disconnecting the power cord

from the adapter, always

adapter with one hand. If this is not
done, the adapter ground terminal is
very

Should the adapter ground
terminal break, DO N~ USE the
appliance until a proper ground
has again been established.

IN

CANADA)

Attaching the adapter

likely

to break with repeated use.

r

sl~t

in the wall

sure the outlet

“.”1

hold the

Use of etiension cords

Because of potential safety
hazards under certain conditions,
we

strongly recommend against the

use of an extension cord.

if you still elect to use an extension
cord, it is absolutely necessary that
it be a UL listed 3-wire grounding
type appliance extension cord and
that the current carrying rating of
the cord in amperes be equal to or
greater than the branch circuit size

shown on the rating nameplate of
the appliance. Such extension cords
are obtainable through your local
service organization.

However,

3

Opemti~

Your Air Conditioner

Controk

MASTER CONTROL

Master Control Switih

Off turns air conditioner off.
*Fan

10

permits low fan

operation without cooling.
*Fan

hi

permik

operation without cooling.

*For fan only operation,
Saver Switch must be in

position.

Cool 10

fan speed operation.

Cool hi

fan speed operation.

permits cooling with low

permits cooling with high

high fan speed

sped

power

“Nowl”

THERMOSTAT

Thermostat Control

When you turn the Thermostat
Control to the desired setting, the
thermostat will
the temperature of the indoor air.
The higher the number selected,
the cooler the indoor air will be.

The Save Energy

visual reminder that you can
conserve energy by selecting a
higher room temperature but still
keep the room cool and less humid

than outside.

automaticdy-control

Wnge

is a

I

CLOSE VENT OPEN

(ON THE GRILLE FRAME

ABOVE THE CONTROL PANEL)

I

Ventilation Control

The vent door is closed when the
slide switch is to the left. When the
vent is closed, only the air inside
the room can be circulated and
conditioned. Sliding the switch to
the right opens the vent door,
allowing a small amount of indoor
air to be exhausted from the room.

*power Saver Switih

I

Normal

The Power Saver Switch controls
the fan operation. When it’s in the

“Normal” position, the fan will
circulate room air continuously.
When it’s in the “Save” position,
the fan will automatically cycle on
and off with the compressor.

POWER SAVER

I

11111]

m

m

For fan only operation, Power
Saver Switch must be in the

“Normal’ ’position.

4

For normal cooling

1. Set the Master Control Switch at

“Cool

hi:’

For quieter operation

1.

Set the Master Control Switch at

“Cool lo” position.

To adjust air diredion

Up and down

2. Set the Thermostat Control at
the desired number (usually 4-6 is
a good starting position). If room
temperature is not satisfactory after a
reasonable time, set the Thermostat
Control at a higher number for a
cooler room or at a lower number
for a warmer room.

3. Set the Power Saver Switch at

“Norrnd”

fan operation or at “Save” position
to automatically cycle the fan on and
off with the compressor.

4. Set the Ventilation Control at
CLOSE except for brief periods
when you want to exhaust room air
to the outside.

For

1.

Set the Master Control Switch at

“Cool

2. Turn the Thermostat Control to 8.

3. Set the Ventilation Control at

CLOSE.

4. Set the Power Saver Switch at the
“Normal” position.

position for continuous

m~um

hi:’

cooling

2. Slide
the desired number.

When the Thermostat Control is set
on 7 or 8 and the Fan is set on low

sped,

coils and prevent the unit from
cooling. If this happens, set the Fan
at high speed and set the Thermostat
Control to a lower number.

3.

CLOSE.

4. Set the Power Saver Switch at
the “Normal” position.

Note: When the Power Saver
Switch is at the “Save” position,
changes in the sound level may be
more noticeable than when it’s at
the “Normal” position.

the

Thermostat Control to

moisture may

Set the Ventilation Control at

free=

on the

For ni@ttime operation

During the cooler evening hours,
we recommend that you set the
Master Control Switch at “Cool
lo” for very quiet operation and the
Thermostat Control at mid-range
(4 or 5). Set the Ventilation Control
at CLOSE and the Power Saver
Switch at “Normal” or “Save”
position.

For etireme temperatures

The up-and-down air direction

louvers

let you position the louvers to

discharge the air up, down or

straight out.

Side to side

I

I

For fixed side-to-side air
direction, set the Circulaire Switch

to “On” until the desired air
direction is obtained, then move it
to

For continuous side-to-side air
circulation, set the Circulaire

Switch to “On” and leave it there.

are controlled by tabs that

CIRCULAIRE

off

“off:’

m

I

1111[1]

On

I

1

For greatest economy and best
performance, we suggest that you
set the Master Control Switch at

“Cool hi” in extremely hot weather.

5

Care and Cleaning

USER
INSTRUCTIONS

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

MNNTENNCE

Grille & Cabinet

Wipe front grille with a clean cloth
lightly dampened with mild liquid

dishwashing

cabinet with mild soap or detergent
and lukewarm water.

Condemer

These coils on the weather side
of the unit should be checked
periodically and cleaned if clogged
with dirt or soot from the atmosphere.
If extremely soiled, they may need
to be steam cleaned, a service avtiable
through your GE service outlet.

detergent. Wash

Coils

Air Filter

The air filter behind the inlet grille
should be washed at least every 30
days or as often as it needs cleaning.

Front Grille Removal

The model and serial numbers are

on a label on the right hand side

front of the cabinet and/or behind
the front grille on the front edge of
the base-pan (for service use).

CABINET

E

To

attich

the grille:

The grille is attached on front of
the cabinet by four tabs and a screw.

To remove the grille:

1.

Remove air filter from the grille

by sliding it to right.

2. Remove and save the screw that
holds the grille to the chassis.

3. Press inward on the lower right
side of the cabinet until the tab is
clear of the slot and allow the
to come toward you slightly.

4. Repeat this process for the lower
left side.

grille

To remove the filter,

on the filter and pull to the right.
Vacuum the filter on the

to remove light dust. Wash the filter,
cleaner side up, under gently flowing

water to wash out accumulated dust

and lint. If the filter is very dirty,

use a mild household detergent in
the wash water. Let the filter dry
thoroughly before replacing it.

When replacing the filter,

the word FRONT is facing you as
you slide the filter back into place.

grasp the tab

dustv

side

.

be sure

1.

Remove air filter from the grille

by sliding it to right.

2. Engage two tabs on the grille’s
top inside edge with two slots in the

cabinet front edge.

3. Press inward on the lower right
side of the metal cabinet at the
location of the slot and then carefully

push the grille in until the tab

engages with the slot.

Do not strike or forcibly hit the
plastic grille otherwise damage to
the

tibs

will occur.

4. Repeat this process for the lower
left side.

5. Mount the grille on front of the
cabinet with the screw attached to
grille during shipping, and slide the
filter back into

place.

Do not pull the bottom edge
toward you more than 3 inches as
damage to the top 2 tabs of the
grille may occur.

5. Grasp the grille’s lower right and
left corner and carefully lift straight
upward to disengage the 2 top tabs
from their slots in the cabinet front
edge.

.-. . . . . . . . .

6

-

m

.~

-

Questiow?

UseThis~oblem

Solver

PROBLEM

AIR CONDITIONER
DOES

N~

OPERATE

AIR CONDITIONER
“DOES
AS IT SHOULD”

OPERATING
SOUNDS

N~

COOL

POSSIBLE CAUSE AND

. Not plugged in. Plug may have been bumped loose by vacuum cleaner or furniture.

●

If plugged in, fuse could have blown or circuit breaker may have tripped.

●

Curtains, blinds or furniture blocking front of air conditioner will restrict airflow.

. Thermostat Control may not be set high enough. Turn control to a higher number.
Highest setting should provide maximum cooling. When Power Saver Switch is set
at Save, temperature range in room will vary more.

●

Air filter dirty, should be cleaned at least every 30 days. See instructions on page 6.

s

Room may have been very hot when air conditioner was first turned on. Allow time

for it to cool down.

●

Cold air may be escaping through open furnace floor registers and cold air returns.

●

Vent control maybe set at open position, allowing hot outside air to enter the room.

●

Cooling coils have iced up. To melt ice, set the Master Control Switch to “Fan hi”

and the Thermostat Control to a lower number.

●

Thermostat click, a metallic sound, maybe heard when compressor cycles on and

off. This is normal.

●

Fan runs continuously when, Master Control Switch is in Cool or Fan position. This
is normal. When Power Saver Switch is set at Save, fan cycles on and off with
compressor.

WMEDY

WATER
OUTSIDE

WATER DRIPPING
INSIDE

WATER IN BASE PAN
(ON OUTDOOR SIDE)

GE Answer Center””

800.626.2000
consumer information service

DNPPING

If You Need Service

To obtain service, see your warranty
on the back page of this book.

We’re proud of our service and
want you to be pleased. If for some
reason you are not happy with the

service you receive, here are three

—

steps to follow for further help.
FIRST, contact the people who

serviced your appliance. Explain

●

Excess water may overflow in extremely hot and humid weather. This is normal.

●

Air conditioner must be installed level or tilted slightly to the outside for proper
water disposal.

●

This is normal for a short period in areas with little humidity; normal for a longer
period in very humid areas. Moisture removed from indoor air drains to rear of
cabinet where it is picked up by a fan and thrown against the outdoor condenser coil.

why you are not pleased. In most
cases, this will solve the problem.

NEXT, if you are still not pleased,
write all the details-including

vour Dhone

,..

Manager, Consumer Relations

Hotp~int

Appliance Park
Louisville, Kentucky 40225

number—to:

‘

FINALLY, if your problem is still
not resolved, write:

Major Appliance
Consumer Action Panel
20 North
Chicago, Illinois 60606

Wacker

Drive

7

..—

YOUR HOTPOINT ROOM AIR CONDITIONER

WARRANTY

Save proof of original purchase date such as your sales slip or

cancelled

check to establish warranty period.

WHAT IS COVERED

FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY

For one year from date of original

purchase, we will provide, free
of charge, parts and service labor
in your home to repair or replace

any

part of

conditioner that fails because

of a manufacturing defect.
FULL FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY

For five years from the date of
original purchase, we will provide,
free of charge, parts and service
labor in your home to repair or
replace

mfrigemting system

condenser, evaporator and all
connecting tubing) that fails
because of a manufacturing
defect.

For each of the above warranties:

Transportation expense to and
from a service shop and shop
service labor if required will be
free of charge.

the room

any part of

air

the

sea/ed

(the

compresso~

This warranty is extended to
the original purchaser and any
succeeding owner for products
purchased for use in the 48 mainland
states, Hawaii and Washington,
In Alaska the warranty is the same
except that it is LIMITED because you
must pay to ship the product to the
service shop or for the service
technician’s travel costs to your home.

All warranty service will be provided
by our Factory Service Centers or
by our authorized Customer
servicers during normal working
hours.

Look in the White or Yellow Pages
of your telephone directory for
HOTPOINT FACTORY SERVICE,
GENERAL
FACTORY SERVICE or HOTPOINT
CUSTOMER

ELECTRIC-HOTPOINT

CARE”

SERVICE.

D.C.

Care@

WHAT IS NOT COVERED

. Service trips to teach you how to ● Improper installation.
use the product.

Read your Use and Care material.

If you then have any questions

o~eratina the

about
please
Consumer Affairs office at the
address below, or call, toll free:

GE Answer

800.626.2000
consumer information service

contact~our

CenteF

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion

may not apply to you. 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 in your state, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s Attorney General,

I

DrOdUCt.

dealer or our

Manager—Consumer Affairs, GE Appliances, Louisville, KY 40225

If further help is needed concerning this warranty, write:

If you have an installation
problem, or if the air conditioner
is of improper cooling capacity
for the intended use. contact
your dealer or
responsible for providing adequate
electrical connecting facilities.

● Replacement of fuses or

resetting of circuit breakers.

. In commercial locations labor
necessary to move the unit to a
location where it is accessible for
service by an individual technician.

Warrantor: General Electric Company

instal ier.

You are

● Failure of the product resulting from

modifications to the product or due to
unreasonable use including failure to
provide reasonable and necessary
maintenance.

● Failure due to corrosion on models

not corrosion-protected.
. Damage to the product caused

by improper power supply voltage,
accident, fire, floods or acts of God.

WARRANTOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE
FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

Pub.

9-88

NO.

39-7103

KMH12
KMD12

Printed in Malaysia