An air conditioner error code is often not a cause for worry. Even the best air conditioners display codes that indicate specific maintenance tasks, so the unit stays in excellent condition. This article explains what does E4 mean on an air conditioner and what to do if this code appears. And if you want more information on air conditioner codes, you can check out our article explaining what E1 means on an air conditioner.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- An air conditioner will display the E4 error code because the unit needs to defrost.
- Many reasons cause an air conditioner to defrost, such as a lack of refrigerant or an air sensor failure.
- The unit needs to defrost when this code appears if the coils have become too cold and frosted.
What Does the E4 Error Code Mean?
Although the E4 message appears to be an error code, it’s more of a signal. The E4 display appears on all types of ACs, whether it be a central, window, or portable air conditioner unit. This code tells you that the air conditioner unit is defrosting.
Insider Tip
Keep your AC user manual because, although AC error codes appear similar across brands, many of them have varying meanings.
There are multiple reasons your unit might enter defrost mode, but once the unit automatically turns it on, you can’t switch it to cooling mode until it’s finished. It’s important to note that an AC unit isn’t supposed to defrost very often, so something could be wrong if you notice it happening a lot or lowered cooling power.
Typically, an air conditioner enters defrost mode because it’s become too cold and the condenser coils have frosted over. That doesn’t mean you need to immediately replace the air conditioner condenser fan yet. When this happens, the unit can’t function properly, and the cooling power switches off to bring back the working temperature. A handful of reasons that this can happen to an AC unit include:
- Lack of refrigerant
- Damaged heat pump
- Air sensor failure
If you found this article helpful, we have a guide that explains what E8 means on an air conditioner and how to address it.
Fixing the E4 Error Code
Because the reasons for a package unit A/C entering into error code E4 can be many, you’ll have to examine the different parts of your unit to make sure that it’s in normal operating conditions. You won’t have to do anything most of the time, and this is just a routine maintenance task. But if the E4 display becomes frequent, you’ll have to perform your maintenance or call an expert to examine the machine.
Warning
Low refrigerant levels can damage your AC unit, so always call a professional to add more if you suspect it is needed.
F.A.Q.S
Is there any way to reduce how often my unit defrosts?
The best protective measure you can take is checking and cleaning/replacing your unit’s air filter.
Do error codes for air conditioners vary?
Manufacturers often have different meanings for error codes, so it’s good to consult the user manual before taking action.
What does refrigerant do?
The refrigerant (or Freon) is a liquid/gas compound passed through the AC unit that helps remove the heat from the air cycled through the vents.
STAT: A minimum efficiency of SEER 13 is recommended, though high-efficiency ACs may be cost-effective. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.reviewhomewarranties.com/home-maintenance/hvac/fixing-e4-error-on-air-conditioner/
- https://getquickair.com.au/blog/how-do-i-fix-error-e4-on-my-air-conditioner/
- https://krostrade.com/blog/how-to-fix-e4-error-on-air-conditioner/r
- https://www.sidzcoolcare.com/error-codes/e4-error/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acbhpdNeo00
