Danby air conditioner HI error code: room too hot or sensor error (window)
- Urgency
- Low
- Who can fix it
- Moderate DIY
- Time
- About 15 min
- Repair cost
- Up to $300
What the HI code means
HI on a Danby window air conditioner has two meanings. On models such as the DAC060EB7WDB, Danby says the room is hotter than 99°F (37°C). On larger models such as the DAC180EB2WDB and DAC250EB2WDB, Danby lists HI as a temperature sensor error.
On smaller Danby window units the display shows HI instead of a number when the room is hotter than 99°F. This is most likely on the first very hot day of the season, in a top-floor room that has been shut up.
On the larger DAC180 and DAC250 models, Danby lists HI as a temperature sensor error. Reset it first, then call for service if it persists.
Common causes
Listed from most to least common.
- Room above 99°F, for example an attic room or a room closed up on a hot day
- Sun or a heat source shining directly on the front of the unit
- Temperature sensor fault (on DAC180 and DAC250 models)
- Brief power glitch
How to fix the HI code
Unplug the air conditioner or switch it off at the breaker before removing any panel or filter.
Step 1: Give the unit time
If the room is very hot, let the unit run in Cool on High fan. As the room drops below 99°F the display should show a number again.
Step 2: Block extra heat
Close blinds on sunny windows and keep lamps and other heat sources away from the front of the unit.
Step 3: Reset if the room is not hot
If the room feels normal, turn the unit off, unplug it for 5 to 10 minutes and plug it back in.
Step 4: Call for service if it persists
If HI stays on in a normal room, call Danby Consumer Care to have the sensor checked.
How to reset the Danby air conditioner
- Turn the air conditioner off with the remote or the control panel.
- Unplug the unit and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, as Danby's manuals advise.
- Plug it back in and turn it on. The compressor normally waits a few minutes before starting, so give it time before judging.
- 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 HI shows in a room at a normal temperature after a reset, a technician needs to test the temperature sensor. If the room really is above 99°F, no repair is needed.
A typical repair for this code costs Up to $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
›Is my Danby too small if it shows HI?
Possibly. If the room stays above 99°F with the unit running, it may be undersized for the space or the heat load. Check the BTU rating against the room size.
›What does LO mean?
On the DAC060EB7WDB it means the room is below 32°F (0°C). On the DAC180EB2WDB and DAC250EB2WDB, LO is a temperature sensor error.
›Will HI damage the unit?
As a room reading, no. It just means the display is out of range. As a sensor error on larger models, leave it off until checked.