Overview of TCL air conditioners: error codes, comparison of wall and mobile models

TCL Corporation is a company engaged in the design and manufacture of multimedia, thermal, refrigeration, telecommunication and climate systems. The corporation was founded in China in 1981 and is in the TOP 50 world brands of consumer electronics manufacturers. Over the years, the company has accumulated rich experience in the production of climate systems, and has firmly established itself in the middle and high market segment. The TCL brand has established itself very well in the market, releasing reliable and inexpensive electronics.

Mobile air conditioners TCL

The company produces monoblock mobile systems. Previously, it was possible to find TCL window and floor air conditioners on sale, but now, due to the obvious disadvantages of air conditioners built into the windows and low demand, the company produces only compact portable devices.

Monoblock systems are easy to connect and install. If architectural features do not allow you to install a home split system on the wall, then a floor air conditioner will be the way out. Such a portable unit is easy to operate, transport, but due to the monoblock design, where all the electronics, fans and compressor are located in one case, the device emits a high noise level, more than 50dB. Mobility is a definite plus, but you have to pay for it, and the cost of a household split-system similar in characteristics will be several times cheaper than a floor air conditioner with the same capabilities.

A clear advantage will be the presence of a built-in heating mode for such systems. The fact is that air conditioners have maximum permissible operating temperatures. If the outdoor unit is in an open cold in split systems, then in frosts of more than 10 degrees such air conditioners are not recommended to be used, or they will not work at all. Floor-mounted mobile air conditioners are entirely located in a room where the temperature is clearly higher than the outdoor temperature, which means that such a system will be able to work as a winter heater, regardless of the temperature outside the window.

To connect a portable air conditioner, a simple window or ventilation with a constant flow of fresh air is enough. You can do just an open window, but it is better to make a special pocket for the air duct that comes with the kit, into which the corrugated hose will be hermetically inserted. If there is no way to make such a hole, just throw the hose out into the window and that's it! Remember that such tubes cannot be lengthened, because the draft of the device is designed for a certain length. The air conditioner releases warm air through a special grill on its case.

Condensation in such devices accumulates in a special tank that needs to be emptied periodically, otherwise the sump may overflow and all liquid will leak to the floor. The latest models of TCL floor air conditioners use MIST technology, thanks to which the condensate automatically evaporates from the tank, but only with a tightly closed drain hole.

In general, mobile air conditioners are a great solution for small rooms. Such a block is not statically attached to one place, which means that it can be moved around the rooms and transported with you.

Household split systems TCL

On the market you can find a plentiful amount of household split-systems from the company TTsL. Such an air conditioner consists of two separate units, external and internal, where each performs its function.Now in the market you can find inverter and non-inverter split systems from TSL.

The popularity of inverter air conditioners is gaining momentum. Thanks to the inverted compressor, the air conditioner is able to “intelligently” regulate its speed, reducing power consumption, noise level, increasing the service life, as well as cooling the premises faster. Communication between the blocks takes place via a digital channel.

Non-inverter systems are still popular, as their price is much lower, and the main function of heating or cooling the room is performed at the proper level.

Installation of split systems should not be done alone, but it is better to entrust it to specialists from service centers. Otherwise, there is a high chance of losing the warranty with a completely unsuccessful installation of the air conditioner, even with simple damage to the plastic case.

The external unit is installed outside the building, it houses a compressor and a fan. The indoor unit provides air conditioning. It contains all the important electronics, filters and through it the entire device is controlled.

Almost all models of split systems are capable of producing heat, which will create a comfortable microclimate in the cool seasons. Each model is equipped with a remote control for air conditioning.

The main characteristics that you should pay attention to when purchasing climate systems are: power, application area, inverter availability, type of refrigerant, noise level and a variety of operating modes.

It is also important to pay attention to the presence of a drainage mode, with which the device is able to "extract" excess moisture from the room.

Comparison of the characteristics of popular models

Model TCL TAC-12CHPA / F TCL PA-9009C TCL TAC-09CHSA / BH
Design and Type Monoblock floor Monoblock floor Household split system
Remote control there is there is there is
Noise level 52dB 54dB 33-36dB
Type of refrigerant R410A R22 R410A
Operating modes Cooling, heating, timer, automatic condensate evaporation, sleep mode Cooling, ventilation, timer Ventilation, cooling, heating, automatic temperature control, timer, drain, night mode
Power consumption (cooling / heating) 1.3kW / 1.08kW 980W / - 950W / 970W
Power output (cooling / heating) 3.5kW / 3.1kW 2.6kW / - 2.64kW / 2.78kW
Recommended service area 25 m2 23 m2
Display There is a + touch panel there is there is

Instructions for the control panel and air conditioners TCL

Instructions for the air conditioner exist for each type, model and product line. As a rule, one instruction is identical for the entire line and series, and therefore often in the manual you can find “excluding deviations”, regarding the differences of the model range.

The contents of the operating instructions for the TCL air conditioner:

  • Security measures. Operational rules are described in detail here: what you need to pay attention to, what is forbidden, warnings, and when you need to remove the plug from the outlet to avoid electric shock - everything is illustrated and described in “simple language”.
  • Description of the details. This section details the designations of the icons on the display. All the work of air conditioners is accompanied by the illumination of certain icons that are responsible for different functionalities.
  • The main functions of the remote control. Here, the purpose of each button is considered: how to turn on / off the air conditioner, switch modes, change the fan speed, adjust the air flow, set a timer - all in full details, including how to change the batteries, and for which modes the icons on the remote control display .
  • Operating modes. A detailed manual for additional air conditioning modes. What the FEEL function does is how to enable HEAT, DRY, FAN, COOL mode, and how to set TIMER and SLEEP mode.
  • Maintenance.Tips and step-by-step instructions: how to clean a clogged air filter, proper maintenance of the front panel, as well as seasonal recommendations and tips for using the device.
  • Trouble-shooting. Simple diagnostic methods and a step-by-step guide on how to overcome typical malfunctions yourself, where major repairs and intervention of specialists are not required.

More detailed information on service can be obtained by watching thematic videos, or read the instructions attached above.

Error codes for TCL air conditioners

During operation or starting up the air conditioner, problems may occur. Many models have a self-diagnosis system that displays various error codes for the air conditioner or signals about them in other ways. As a rule, any malfunction accompanied by an indication on the display will require a call to the wizard. The main types of malfunctions can be conditionally divided into categories:

  • Faulty temperature, voltage or current sensors;
  • Failure of EEPROM firmware;
  • Error of the engine of the internal block;
  • Loss of inter-unit communication;

There are also "Emergency Stop" errors that are triggered by the system. A more detailed description of the codes and their meanings can be seen in the photo below.

User reviews

The following is a real opinion of buyers about one popular model. In general, positive reviews prevail. According to statistics, malfunctions are single in nature, and appear during the first months of operation, so the air conditioner is repaired under warranty.

Air conditioner reviews TCL TAC-09CHSA / BH

Positive

  • Very quiet operation of the device in "night mode". Does not interfere with sleep;
  • Excellent value for money;
  • Nice design and build quality;
  • Intuitive remote control, with which it is easy to configure the desired mode of operation;
  • Quiet operation of the external unit.

Negative

  • It takes several hours to cool the room. Weak air flow;
  • The lid does not always close after shutting down;
  • Short power wire. You will need to buy an extension cord, or install an additional outlet.

Heating

Ventilation

Sewerage