Danby air conditioner E1 error code: room temperature sensor error (portable)

What the E1 code means

E1 on a Danby portable air conditioner means the room temperature sensor has an error. Danby's manuals say to unplug the unit and plug it back in, and to call for service if the error repeats. Without the room reading, the unit cannot control cooling.

The room sensor is a small thermistor near the air intake. Its resistance changes with temperature, and the control board reads it to decide when to run the compressor. If the reading drops out or jumps to an impossible value, the board stops and shows E1.

A single E1 after a storm or power cut is often a glitch that a reset clears. If it comes back, the sensor, its wire or its plug is at fault.

Common causes

Listed from most to least common.

1. Room temperature sensor failed
2. Sensor plug loose on the control board
3. Sensor wire damaged, sometimes after the unit was moved
4. Brief power glitch
5. Control board fault

How to fix the E1 code

Unplug the air conditioner or switch it off at the breaker before removing any panel or filter.

1. 1

   Step 1: Unplug the unit

   Turn the unit off and unplug it for 5 to 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Step 2: Plug straight into the wall

   Plug it into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip. Danby warns against extension cords for these units.

3. 3

   Step 3: Restart in Cool mode

   Turn the unit on and give it a few minutes. If it cools normally with no code for the next few hours, the E1 was likely a one-off.

4. 4

   Step 4: Call for service if it repeats

   If E1 comes back, stop using the unit and call Danby Consumer Care with the model and serial number from the rating label.

How to reset the Danby air conditioner

1. Turn the air conditioner off with the remote or the control panel.
2. Unplug the unit and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, as Danby's manuals advise.
3. Plug it back in and turn it on. The compressor normally waits a few minutes before starting, so give it time before judging.
4. If the same code comes back, the fault is still there. Work through the fix steps above, or call Danby Consumer Care at 1-800-263-2629.

When to call a technician

If E1 returns after a reset, the room sensor or its plug needs testing inside the cabinet. Contact Danby if the unit is under warranty. Out of warranty, compare the quote with the price of a new portable.

A typical repair for this code costs $120–$300 in the US, including parts and labor. Prices vary by area and model.

Models this applies to

• Portable air conditioners (DPA series)
• Window air conditioners (DAC series)

Codes can differ slightly between models. Your owner's manual is the final word and is available from Danby support.

Frequently asked questions