GE air conditioner E1 error code: temperature sensor fault (portable)

What the E1 code means

E1 on a GE portable air conditioner is a temperature sensor fault. On APCA, APWA and APSA portables GE lists it as the coil (hose or pipe) temperature sensor; on newer APCD portables it is the room temperature sensor. Either way, the unit cannot read a temperature it needs.

A thermistor is a small sensor on a thin wire whose resistance changes with temperature. The control board reads it to decide when to run the compressor and to stop the coil freezing. If the reading drops out or makes no sense, the board stops and shows E1.

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

Common causes

Listed from most to least common.

1. Temperature sensor (thermistor) failed open or shorted
2. Sensor plug loose on the control board
3. Sensor wire pinched or 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 minutes.

2. 2

   Step 2: Check the outlet

   Plug straight into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip, then turn it back on in Cool mode.

3. 3

   Step 3: Give it time

   Wait at least 3 minutes for the compressor delay, then check that cold air comes out. If it runs for a few hours with no code, the E1 was likely a one-off.

4. 4

   Step 4: Book a repair if it returns

   If E1 comes back, stop using the unit and contact GE Appliances service with the model number from the rating label.

How to reset the GE air conditioner

1. Turn the air conditioner off with the remote or the control panel.
2. Unplug the unit for 5 minutes. If the power cord plug has a RESET button, press it when you plug back in. A wall unit on a dedicated circuit can be reset at the breaker instead.
3. Plug it back in and turn it on. GE builds in a protective delay of about 3 minutes before the compressor starts, so give it time before judging.
4. If the same code comes back straight away, the fault is still there. Work through the fix steps above, or call a technician.

When to call a technician

If E1 returns after a reset, a technician needs to test the sensor and its plug inside the cabinet. The sensor is a cheap part, so most of the cost is labor. On an older portable out of warranty, compare the quote with the price of a new unit.

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

• GE Profile ClearView and GE ClearView saddle window units (PHNT, AHTT)
• Portable air conditioners (APCA, APCD, APSA, APWA series)
• Through-the-wall and built-in wall units (AKCQ, AJCQ series)

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

Frequently asked questions