OWNER’S MANUAL
SMA/SMH 09/12/18/24
Version C
Single Zone Ductless Mini-Split System
A/C and Heat Pump
Heat Controller, Inc. • 1900 Wellworth Ave. • Jackson, MI 49203 • (517)787-2100 • www.heatcontroller.com
Heat Controller, Inc.
OWNER’S MANUAL
SMA/SMH
To prevent injury to the user, other people and/or to property, the following instructions must be followed. Incorrect operation
due to ignoring these instructions may cause harm or damage. The seriousness is
by the following indications:
This symbol indicates the possibility of death or serious injury.
WARNING!
CAUTION!
!
!
This symbol indicates the possibility of injury or damage to property.
Meanings of symbols used in this manual are as shown below:
Never do this.
Always do this.
!
• Do not attempt to install this air conditioner by yourself.
WARNING!
!
!
• This unit contains no user-serviceable parts. Always consult authorized service personnel for repairs.
• Do not insert or objects into the outlet or intake grilles.
• Do not start and stop air conditioner operation by disconnecting the power supply.
• Take care not to damage the power supply wiring.
• In the event of a malfunction (burning smell, etc.), immediately stop operation, disconnect the
power supply, and consult authorized service personnel.
• Provide occasional ventilation during use.
CAUTION!
• Do not direct air
at
or heating apparatus.
or other heating apparatus.
• Avoid installing the air conditioner near a
• Do not climb on, or place objects on, the air conditioner.
• Do not hang objects from the indoor unit.
• Do not set
vases or water containers on top of the air conditioner.
• Do not expose the air conditioner directly to water.
• Do not operate the air conditioner with wet hands.
• Turn off power source when not using the unit for extended periods.
• Do not drink the water drained from the air conditioner.
• Connection valves become hot during Heating; handle with care.
• Do not apply any heavy pressure to evaporator
• Operate only with air
installed.
• Do not block or cover the intake or outlet grille.
• Ensure that any electronic equipment is at least 3 feet (1m) away from either the indoor or outdoor
units.
• Do not use
gases near the air conditioner.
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SMA/SMH
OWNER’S MANUAL
Heat Controller, Inc.
The display panel of the indoor unit will look like one of the following:
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5
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1
3
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NOTE: For cooling only models ≥18000Btu/h indicator light is for FAN ONLY, not defrost.
AUTO indicator
This indicator illuminates when the air conditioner is in AUTO operation.
DEFROST indicator (for cooling & heating models only)
This indicator illuminates when the air conditioner starts defrosting automatically or when the warm air
control feature is activated in heating operation.
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Heat Controller, Inc.
OWNER’S MANUAL
SMA/SMH
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TEMPERATURE indicator
Displaysthe temperature settings when the air conditioner is operational.
OPERATION /POWER indicator
Thisindicator
dicator lights
after power is on and illuminates when the unit is in operation. The operation in-
rapidly times per second) when safety protection features come into operation.
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TIMER indicator
Thisindicator illuminates when the TIMER is set ON/OFF.
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SMA/SMH
OWNER’S MANUAL
Heat Controller, Inc.
Features and Functions:
Low Ambient Operation and Crank Case Heater Feature:
When cooling is needed year round, including when outdoor temperatures are apt to fall below freezing, our S
Series ductless mini-split systems will continue to work, as they come with factory installed low ambient con-
trols. The low ambient feature works by regulating the head pressure by varying the amount of air flow through
the condenser, which helps to prevent evaporator freeze ups and low pressure problems due to low ambient
outdoor temperatures. Low ambient operation is a great feature for temperature/humidity sensitive environ-
ments or applications such as server/computer rooms, supermarkets, restaurants, or cooling tower fans.
Additionally, a crank case heater is required and factory installed, as it is needed for use with the low ambient
controls. The crank case heater minimizes liquid refrigerant migration to the compressor when the compressor
is not operating and helps to keep the compressor oil warm enough so that it remains fluid to prevent slugging.
Crank case heaters also assist to greatly reduce heat loss to ambient air. Together, the lower ambient feature
combined with the factory installed crank case heater, will not only allow the air conditioner to cool year round,
but will also prevent compressor failure in low ambient conditions.
See chart below for operating conditions:
Ambient Operating Conditions
Mode
Temp
Fahrenheit
5 to 109.4
=62.6
Celsius
-15 to 43
=17
Outdoor
Indoor
Cooling
Outdoor
Indoor
5 to 75.2
=86
-15 to 24
=30
Heating
Outdoor
Indoor
23 to 109.4
>17
-5 to 43
>62.6
Dehumidification
Manual Operation
Manual operation can be used temporarily to run the air conditioner without using the remote controller. This fea-
ture can also be used to test the unit during installation and troubleshooting by an authorized service technician.
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Open and lift the front panel up until it stops and
makes a clicking sound.
By pressing the manual control button, the unit
will be placed into forced AUTO operation mode.
Close the panel firmly to its original position.
CAUTION
• Once you push the manual button, the operation mode
will change in the following order:
AUTO
COOL
OFF
• By pushing the button twice, the unit will be placed
into forced COOL mode, which can be used for testing
purposes.
• By pushing the button a third time, the air conditioner
will stop operating and turn off.
• To restore use of the remote controller to control the
unit, simply begin to operate the unit with the remote
controller.
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Heat Controller, Inc.
OWNER’S MANUAL
SMA/SMH
AUTO operation
• When you set the air conditioner to AUTO mode, it will auto-
matically select cooling, heating (heat pump models only), or
fan only operation depending on what temperature you have
selected and the actual room temperature.
• The air conditioner will control room temperature automatically
around the temperature set point you select.
• If the AUTO mode is uncomfortable, you can change desired
temperature settings manually.
ECONOMY/SLEEP operation
When you push ECONOMY button on remote controller it
activates SLEEP mode. During cooling, heating (heat pump
only), or AUTO operation, the air conditioner will automatically
increase (cooling) or decrease (heating) 2°F (1°C) per hour. The
set temperature will become steady 2 hours later. The SLEEP
mode will turn off after 7 hours and resort back to the previous
settings. The fan speed will be automatically controlled. This
feature can maintain the most comfortable temperature while
you sleep and save more energy during use.
DRY MODE/DEHUMIDIFYING operation
• The temperature is regulated while dehumidifying by repeat-
edly turning on and off of the cooling operation or fan only. The
fan speed indicator will display AUTO and low speed will be
used.
Optimal Usage Tips:
To achieve optimal performance, please note the following:
• Adjust the air flow direction correctly so that it is not directed
directly blowing on people/animals.
• Adjust the temperature to achieve the highest comfort level.
Do not adjust the unit to excessive temperature levels.
• When in COOL or HEAT modes close any open doors and
windows within the room that the unit is operating in to in-
crease performance.
• Use TIMER ON button on the remote controller to select a
time you want to start your air conditioner.
• Do not put any objects near air inlet or air outlet, as the effi-
ciency of the air conditioner may be reduced and the air condi-
tioner may stop running due to air flow blockages.
• Clean the air filter periodically, otherwise cooling or heating
performance may be reduced.
• Do not operate unit with louvers in a closed position
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OWNER’S MANUAL
Heat Controller, Inc.
Airflow Direction Control
NOTES:
• Use the remote controller to adjust the horizontal louver
• Manually adjust the vertical louver.
To set the vertical air flow(Up–Down) direction
Perform this function while the unit is in operation. Use
the SWING button on the remote controller to adjust the
air flow direction. The vertical louver can be moved at
a range of 6° for each press of the swing button, and if
pressing more than 2 seconds, the automatic swing func-
tion will be activated and the louvers will move up and
down automatically to create a breeze-like effect.
Vertical louver
Please refer to the REMOTE CONTROLLER
OPERATION MANUAL for details.
To set the horizontal air flow direction (left–right)
• Move the left to right louver manually to adjust the air
flow in the direction you prefer.
IMPORTANT: Before adjusting the left to right louvers,
the supply power must be disconnected.
CAUTION!
!
•
Do not operate the air conditioner for long periods
with the air flow direction set downward in cooling or
dehumidifying mode. Otherwise, condensation may
occur on the surface of the vertical louver causing
moisture to drop on to the floor or on furnishings.
Do not move the vertical louver manually unless it is
necessary. Always use the remote controller.
When the air conditioner is started immediately after
it was stopped, the vertical louver might not move for
approximately 10 seconds.
•
•
•
Open angle of the vertical louver should not be set too
small, as COOLING or HEATING performance may be
impaired due to too much restriction of air flow area.
Do not operate unit with louvers in closed position.
When the air conditioner is connected to power (initial
power), the vertical louver may generate a sound for 10
seconds, this is a normal operation function.
•
•
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Heat Controller, Inc.
OWNER’S MANUAL
SMA/SMH
Typical Operational Occurrences
The following events may occur during normal operation.
1. Protection of the air conditioner.
Compressor protection
• If the unit is stopped and then immediately restarted again, the compressor will not operate for about
3 minutes in order to protect the compressor.
Anti-cold air (heat pump models only)
• The unit is designed not to blow cold air in HEAT mode, when the indoor heat exchanger is in one of
the following three situations and the set temperature has not been reached.
A) When heating has just starting.
B) Defrosting is occurring
C) Low temperature heating is occurring
Defrosting (Cooling and heating models only)
• The indoor or outdoor fan stop running when defrosting (heat pump models only).
• Frost may accumulate on the outdoor unit during heat cycle when outdoor temperature is low and hu-
midity is high, resulting in lower heating efficiency of the air conditioner.
• During this condition, air conditioner will stop the heating operation and start defrosting automatically.
• Defrost time may vary from 4 to 10 minutes according to the outdoor temperature and the amount of
frost buildup on the outdoor unit.
2. Mist or steam are being emitted
• A white mist may emit from the indoor unit due to a large temperature difference between air inlet and
air outlet in COOL mode in an indoor environment that has a high relative humidity.
• A white mist may emit due to moisture generated from the defrosting process when the air conditioner
restarts in HEAT mode operation after defrosting.
3. Typical sounds
• You may hear a low hissing sound when the compressor is running or has just stopped running. This
sound is the sound of the refrigerant flowing or coming to a stop.
• You can also hear a low “squeak” sound when the compressor is running or has just stopped running.
This is caused by heat expansion and cold contraction of the plastic parts in the unit when the tempera-
ture is changing.
• A noise may be heard due to louver restoring its original position when power is first turned on.
• A sizzling sound may be heard occasionally when the unit is defrosting.
4. Dust is blown out from the indoor unit
• This is a normal condition when the air conditioner has not been used for a long time or during first use
of the unit and an accumulation of dust has formed on the unit’s outlet. Cleaning dust off of the unit
before operation will prevent this.
5. A peculiar smell comes out from the indoor unit
• This is caused by the indoor unit giving off smells permeated from building material, from furniture, or
smoke. A burning smell could mean there is something wrong with the unit. Power off the unit and call
an authorized servicer.
6. Operating mode changes to FAN ONLY mode
• When the indoor temperature reaches the temperature set point on air conditioner, the compressor will
stop automatically, and the air conditioner mode changes to FAN only mode. The compressor will start
again when the indoor temperature rises above the set point in the COOL mode or falls below the set
point in the HEAT mode (heat pump only models).
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SMA/SMH
OWNER’S MANUAL
Heat Controller, Inc.
7. Condensation
• Dripping water may generate on the surface of the indoor unit when cooling in relatively high humidity.
Adjust the vertical louver to the maximum air outlet position and select HIGH fan speed. NOTE: Water
could drop onto the floor or objects below the indoor unit.
8. Heating mode (heat pump models only)
• The air conditioner draws in heat from the outdoor unit and releases it via the indoor unit during heat-
ing operation. When the outdoor temperature falls, heat drawn in by the air conditioner decreases
accordingly. At the same time, the heat load of the air conditioner increases due to larger difference
between indoor and outdoor temperature. If a comfortable temperature can’t be achieved by the air
conditioner, we suggest you use a supplementary heating device.
9. Auto-restart function
• Power failure during operation will stop the unit completely.
• For units with the Auto-restart feature, when the power restores, the unit restarts automatically using
the previous settings preserved by the memory function of the unit. Timer settings may need to be
adjusted after a power failure.
10. Electrical interference
• Electronic equipment which uses wireless radio transmitters within 3 ft (1m) of the air conditioning unit
may cause the unit to malfunction. Disconnect the unit with power and then re-connect the unit with
power again. Push the ON/OFF button on the remote controller to restart operation. Ensure that the air
conditioner unit is as far away from any electronic interference sources as possible, otherwise wireless
interference can occur.
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Heat Controller, Inc.
OWNER’S MANUAL
SMA/SMH
Care and Maintenance
Cleaning the Grille, Case and Remote Controller
• Turn the system off before cleaning. To clean, wipe
with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use bleach or abrasives.
NOTE: Supply power must be disconnected before
cleaning the indoor unit.
CAUTION!
• Do not use an overly wet cloth to clean the unit as
it may damage the electronic components. A damp
cloth can be used if needed.
!
• Do not use a chemically treated cloth or duster to
clean the unit.
• Do not use benzine, paint thinner, polishing
powder, or similar solvents for cleaning. These
may cause the plastic surface to crack or deform.
• Never use water hotter than 104°F (40°C) to clean
the front panel, it could cause deformation or
discoloration.
Cleaning the Air Filter
A clogged air filter reduces the cooling efficiency of
this unit. Please clean the filter once every 2 weeks.
1. Lift the indoor unit panel up to an angle until it stops
with a clicking sound.
2. Hold the handle of the air filter and lift it up slightly
to take it out from the filter holder, then pull it down-
wards.
3. Remove the AIR FILTER from the indoor unit.
• Clean the AIR FILTER once two weeks.
• Clean the AIR FILTER with a vacuum cleaner or
water, then dry it in a cool place.
Continued on next page
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Heat Controller, Inc.
OWNER’S MANUAL
SMA/SMH
Troubleshooting Tips
Stop the air conditioner immediately if one of the following errors occurs. Disconnect the power and contact
an authorized servicer.
OPERATION indicator light flashes rapidly (5 times every second) and this can’t be fixed by dis-
connecting the power and then reconnecting it.
Call for
Fuse blows or circuit breaker trips frequently
service if
Other abnormal situations (such as burning smells) that can’t be resolved using the steps outlined
below.
Symptoms Possible Cause/Things to Check
What should be done?
Wait for the power to be restored or call an
electrician to address any power supply problem.
Is there power supplied to the unit?
Fuse may have blown out or a circuit
Unit does
no start or
Replace the fuse or flip the circuit breaker.
breaker has been tripped.
operate at
all
Batteries in remote controller may be dead Replace the batteries and ensure the polarities
or installed incorrectly.
are correct.
Is the unit’s timer set?
Wait or cancel timer setting.
Inappropriate temperature setting.
Set temperature correctly.
Air filter may be blocked
Clean the air filter to prevent air flow blockages.
Poor cooling
or heating
Close the doors or windows within the area
being cooled/heated to increase efficiency and
performance.
(heat pump Doors or windows are open.
models only)
performance
Air inlet or outlet of indoor or outdoor unit
are blocked.
Clear obstructions away, then restart the unit.
Wait approximately 3 minutes for the compressor
to turn on and the unit to begin cooling/heating.
Compressor time delay has been activated
If the problem persists after performing these checks, or if you notice burning smells, or the operation
indicator light flashes repeatedly, immediately stop operation, disconnect the power, and call an authorized
service center.
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