GE APPLIANCE AHTK18BA Room Air Conditioner Owner’s Manual

: June 5, 2024
: GE APPLIANCE

GE APPLIANCE AHTK18BA Room Air Conditioner Owner’s Manual

THANK YOU FOR MAKING GE APPLIANCES A PART OF YOUR HOME.

Whether you grew up with GE Appliances, or this is your first, we’re happy to have you in the family.

We take pride in the craftsmanship, innovation and design that goes into every GE Appliances product, and we think you will too. Among other things, registration of your appliance ensures that we can deliver important product information and warranty details when you need them.

Register your GE appliance now online. Helpful websites and phone numbers are available in the Consumer Support section of this Owner’s Manual. You may also mail in the pre-printed registration card included in the packing material.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE

WARNING For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire, electric shock or personal injury.

Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Owner’s Manual.
This air conditioner must be properly installed in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used.
Never unplug your air conditioner by pulling on the power cord. Always grip plug firmly and pull straight out from the receptacle.
Replace immediately all electric service cords that have become frayed or otherwise damaged. A damaged power supply cord must be replaced with a new power supply cord obtained from the manufacturer and not repaired. Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length or at either the plug or connector end.
Turn the unit OFF and unplug your air conditioner before cleaning.
For your safety…do not store or use combustible materials, gasoline or other flammable vapors or liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
If the receptacle does not match the plug, the receptacle must be changed out by a qualified electrician.
GEAppliances does not support any servicing of sealed system components (i.e. refrigerant containing parts) in the air conditioner.
Service of all other components may ONLY be completed by a qualified technician.

WARNING Risk of Fire or Explosion. This unit contains flammable refrigerant. Additional safety precautions must be followed.

Do not use means to accelerate the defrosting process or to clean, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.
The appliance shall be stored in a room without continuously operating ignition sources (for example: open flames, an operating gas appliance or an operating electric heater.
Do not pierce or burn refrigerant tubing. Be aware that refrigerants may not contain an odor.
Keep ventilation openings clear of obstruction.
When handling, installing, and operating the appliance, care should be taken to avoid damage to the refrigerant tubing.
Do not drill holes in the unit.
Maintenance, cleaning, and service should only be performed by technicians properly trained and qualified in the use of flammable refrigerants.
GEAppliances does not support any servicing of sealed system components (i.e. refrigerant containing parts) in the air conditioner.
Dispose of air conditioner in accordance with Federal and Local Regulations. Flammable refrigerants require special disposal procedures. Contact your local authorities for the environmentally safe disposal of your air conditioner.

Controls

Features and appearance will vary.

Lights beside the touch pads on the air conditioner control panel indicate the selected settings.
Air Conditioner Controls
Remote Control

Remote Control

Power Pad
Turns air conditioner on and off. When turned on, the display will show the Set temperature.
Display
Shows the Set temperature or time remaining on the temperature in Cool or Eco modes.
Temp and Delay Increase + /Decrease – Pads
Use to set temperature or delay time. Temperature can be set in Cool and Eco mode.
Mode Pad
Use to set the air conditioner to Fan Only, Cool, or Eco mode.
Fan Speed Pad
In Cool or Eco mode: Use to set the fan speed to Auto, High, Med or Low on the unit.
In Fan Only mode: Use to set the fan speed to High, Med, or Low on the unit.
Delay Pad (set by remote control only)
Delay ON— When the air conditioner is off, it can be set to automatically come on in 1 to 24 hours at its previous mode and fan settings.
Delay OFF— When the air conditioner is on, it can be set to automatically turn off in 1 to 24 hours.
How to set:
Press the Delay pad on the remote control. Each touch of the Increase + /Decrease – pads on the remote control will set the timer in 1-hour intervals.
To review the remaining time on the Delay timer, press the Delay pad on the remote control. Use the Increase + /Decrease – pads on the remote control to set a new time if desired. To cancel the timer, press Decrease – pad on the remote control until the set time is zero.
Sleep Pad (set by air conditioner controls only)
The SLEEP mode sets the unit to gradually change settings over an 8 hour period to allow for some increased energy efficiency during sleep hours. The SLEEP mode is available only in COOL and FAN only settings. Press the SLEEP mode pad and its light will illuminate. The fan indicator will stay at the same setting but the air conditioner will automatically change the FAN speed to low in either COOL or FAN only mode. In FAN only mode, the fan will stay in the LOW speed setting for 8 hours. After 8 hours, the air conditioner will resume the settings that were in place before the SLEEP mode pad was pressed. In COOL mode, the fan will stay in the LOW speed setting for 8 hours from the time the SLEEP mode pad was pressed. The air conditioner will also raise the set point 2°F in 30 minutes and 2°F more in another 30 minutes where it will remain for the next 7 hours. After 8 hours, the air conditioner will resume the settings that were in place before the SLEEP mode pad was pressed.
While the unit is in SLEEP mode, pressing any pad will return it to the settings that were in place before the SLEEP mode pad was pressed.
Filter Reset Pad
This feature automatically notifies you that the air filter must be cleaned. The indicator light will come on after 250 hours of operation. Clean the air filter place it back in the front panel, and press the Filter Reset pad. The light will go off.
SmartHQ Pad
Enables connection of the air conditioner to the
home WiFi.
Download the SmartHQ App
For details go to GEAppliances.com.

Using the Air Conditioner

Do Not Operate in Freezing Outdoor Conditions
This cool-only air conditioner was not designed for freezing outdoor conditions.
It must not be used when the outdoor temperature is below freezing (32°F).

Control Panel Lights On/Off Feature

This air conditioner has a control panel lights on/off feature where its lights will turn off when there is no activity with the controls for over one minute. To wake up the controls, press any pad on the controls and the lights will come on to show the previous settings. To turn this feature off, press and hold the SLEEP pad, on the unit, for 5 seconds. The unit will beep to signal the successful toggle of the feature on and off.

Remote Control

To ensure proper operation, aim the remote control at the signal receiver on the air conditioner.
The remote control signal has a range of up to 20 feet.
Make sure nothing is between the air conditioner and the remote control that could block the signal.
Make sure batteries are fresh and installed correctly as indicated on the remote control.

Cool Mode

Use the Cool mode at Low, Med, High or Speed for cooling. Use the Temperature Increase + / Decrease – pads to set the desired temperature between 64°F and 86°F in 1°F increments.

An electronic thermostat is used to maintain the room temperature. The compressor will cycle on and off to keep the room at the set level of comfort. Set the thermostat at a lower number and the indoor air will become cooler. Set the thermostat at a higher number and the indoor air will become warmer.

NOTE: If the air conditioner is off and is then turned on while set to a Cool setting or if turned from a fan setting to a Cool setting, it may take approximately 3 minutes for the compressor to start and cooling to begin.

Cooling Descriptions

For Normal Cooling—Select the Cool mode and High or Med fan with a middle set temperature. For Maximum Cooling—Select the Cool mode and High fan with a lower set temperature. For Quieter and Nighttime Cooling—Select the Cool mode and Low fan with a middle set temperature.

Eco Mode

Controls the fan.

ON— The fan will cycle on and off with the compressor. This may result in wider variations of room temperature and humidity. NOTE: the fan may continue to run for a short time or may pulse intermittently after the compressor cycles off to sample the room air.

OFF— The fan runs all the time, while the compressor cycles on and off.

Fan Only Mode

Use the Fan Only Mode at Low, Med or High fan speed to provide air circulation and filtering without cooling. Since fan-only settings do not provide cooling, a Set temperature cannot be entered. The room temperature will appear in the display.

Auto Fan Mode

Set to Auto for the fan speed to automatically set to the speed needed to provide optimum comfort settings with the set temperature.

If the room needs more cooling, the fan speed will automatically increase. If the room needs less cooling, the fan speed will automatically decrease.

Air Direction

Use the lever to adjust the air direction left, right, up and down.

Care and Cleaning

Grille and Case

Turn the air conditioner off and remove the plug from the wall outlet before cleaning. To clean, use water and a mild detergent. Do not use bleach or abrasives.

Air Filter

The air filter behind the front grille should be checked and cleaned at least every 30 days or more often if necessary.

To remove:

Open the inlet grille by pulling downward on the tabs at the top upper corners of the inlet grille until the grille is in a 45º position. Remove the filter.

Clean the filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse and let the filter dry before replacing it. Do not clean the filter in a dishwasher.
Air Filter

CAUTION
DO NOT operate the air conditioner without a filter because dirt and lint will clog it and reduce performance.

Outdoor Coils

The coils on the outdoor side of the air conditioner should be checked regularly. If they are clogged with dirt or soot, they may be professionally cleaned.
Outdoor Coils

How to Insert the Batteries in the Remote Control

Remove the battery cover by sliding it according to the arrow direction.
Insert new batteries, making sure that the (+) and (–) of battery are installed correctly.
Reattach the cover by sliding it back into position.

NOTES:

Use 2 “AAA” (1.5 volt) batteries. Do not use rechargeable batteries.
Remove the batteries from the remote control if the system is not going to be used for a long time.
Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable (ni-cad, ni-mh, etc) batteries.

Installation Instructions

Questions? Visit our Website at:GEAppliances.com

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Read these instructions completely and carefully.

IMPORTANT – Save these instructions for local inspector’s use.
IMPORTANT – Observe all governing codes and ordinances.
Note to Installer – Be sure to leave these instructions with the Consumer.
Note to Consumer – Keep these instructions for future reference.
Skill level – Installation of this appliance requires basic mechanical skills.
Completion time – Approximately 1 hour
We recommend that two people install this product.
Proper installation is the responsibility of the installer.
Product failure due to improper installation is not covered under the Warranty.
You MUST use all supplied parts and use proper installation procedures as described in these instructions when installing this air conditioner.

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

The 3-prong grounding plug minimizes the possibility of electric shock hazard. If the wall outlet you plan to use is only a 2-prong outlet, it is your responsibility to have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong wall outlet.

These models require 230/208-volt AC, protected with a time-delay fuse or circuit breaker. These models should be installed on their own single branch circuit for best performance and to prevent overloading house or apartment wiring circuits, which could cause a possible fire hazard from overheating wires.

CAUTION
Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord. Do not change the plug on the power cord of this air conditioner. Aluminum house wiring may present special problems—consult a qualified electrician.

Power cord includes a current interrupter device. A test and reset button is provided on the plug case. The device should be tested on a periodic basis by first pressing the TEST button and then the RESET button while plugged into the outlet. If the TEST button does not trip or if the RESET button will not stay engaged, discontinue use of the air conditioner and contact a qualified service technician.

TOOLS YOU WILL NEED

Phillips head screwdriver
Drill and 1/8” drill bit
Pencil
Ruler or tape measure
Level
Scissors or knife

Installation Instructions

WINDOW REQUIREMENTS

These instructions are for a standard double-hung window. You will need to modify them for other types of windows.
The air conditioner can be installed without the side curtain panels if needed to fit in a narrow window. See the window opening dimensions.
All supporting parts must be secured to firm wood, masonry or metal.
The electrical outlet must be within reach of the power cord.
Follow the dimensions in the table and illustration for your model.

STORM WINDOW REQUIREMENTS

A storm window frame will not allow the air conditioner to tilt toward the outside, and will keep it from draining properly. To adjust for this, attach a piece of wood to the sill.

WOOD PIECES
WIDTH: 2″

LENGTH: Long enough to fit inside the window frame.

THICKNESS: To determine the thickness, place a piece of wood on the sill to make it 1/2″ higher than the top of the storm window frame or the vinyl frame. Attach securely with nails or screws provided by the installer.
WINDOW REQUIREMENTS

PREPARE THE AIR CONDITIONER

A. Remove three screws on each side of the case. Save the screws for use later.
B. Insert a flat head screw driver between the front grille and the metal case along the sides. Gently pry the grille from the case.
NOTE: Cover the flat head screw driver with tape to prevent scratching the case.
C. The front panel of the air conditioner is corded to the air conditioner. They cannot be separated.
D. While one person holds the front panel, have a second person pull the air conditioner out of the case using the handle on the bottom front of the air conditioner.
E. The air conditioner is very heavy so make sure that it will be resting on a sturdy surface.

PREPARE THE CASE

NOTE: Attach curtains to the air conditioner before placing the air conditioner in the window.

A. Install top mounting rail (if not already installed) with four type A screws.
B. Slide left-hand curtain assembly into left end of top and bottom mounting rail. Repeat for right hand curtain assembly.
C. Fasten curtain retainer strips to the sides of the outer case with four type A screws on each side. holes. Use 4 type B screws to secure the side panels in place.

PREPARE WINDOW FOR INSTALLATION

A. Measure the width of the window opening.
B. Mark the center line on the inside windowsill.
Apply the weather seals provided to the bottom, top and sides of the window to the seal around the perimeter of the air conditioner.

INSTALL OUTER CASE IN WINDOW

A. Place outer case in window. Lower sash until it rests behind front flange of top mounting rail. Bottom mounting rail must rest behind window sill.
B. Expand the curtain panels to fill the window. Secure with type C wood screw in top and bottom corners. If needed, use drill and 1/8” bit to drill pilot holes for the screws.
C. Use three type C screws to secure the case to the window sill. Drill pilot holes if necessary.
D. Thread nut onto bolt, then thread the bolt into the triangle bracket as shown in the figure below.
E. Attach triangle bracket onto bottom of case using three type B screws for each bracket. Make sure that the bracket is close enough to the outside wall that the bolt can touch. Adjust bolt so that it is snug against the outside wall.

NOTE: A block of wood can be placed between the bolt and the outside wall if the bolt rests between studs.

COMPLETE INSTALLATION

A. Insert the foam seal behind the top of the lower window sash and against the glass of the upper window.

A. Top of lower window sash
B. Foam seal
B. Place the window lock bracket as shown. Use a 1/8” drill bit to drill a starter hole through the hole in the window lock bracket and into the upper window.
CAUTION
To prevent broken glass or damage to windows, on vinyl or other similarly constructed windows, attach the window locking bracket to the window side jamb with one Type B screw.
C. Attach the window lock bracket to the upper window with a type C screw to secure the window in place.

RETURN CHASSIS TO THE OUTER CASE

A. Once the case is securely attached to the window, reinstall the air conditioner. Have two people lift the air conditioner and slide it into the case. Make sure that the corded front panel is positioned so that it does not interfere with sliding the air conditioner into the case.
B. Snap the front grille back onto the air conditioner. Use the screws removed at the beginning of the installation to secure the grille. Re-use screws from Step.3.
C. Measure and cut adhesive foam backed sheet. Apply over side curtain and frame.
D. Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet.

Warning

Electrical Shock Hazard

Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet. Do not remove ground prong. Do not use an adapter. Do not use an extension cord. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, fire, or electrical shock.

Troubleshooting Tips.

Before you call for service

Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service.

Problem

| Possible Cause|

What To Do

---|---|---
Air conditioner does not start.| The unit is unplugged.| Make sure the air conditioner plug is pushed completely into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit breaker is tripped.| Check the house fuse/circuit breaker box and replace the fuse or reset the breaker.
Power Failure.| The unit will automatically restart in the setting last used after the power is restored.
There is a protective time delay (approximately 3 minutes) to prevent tripping of the compressor overload. For this reason, the unit may not start normal cooling for 3 minutes after it is turned back on.
The current interrupter device is tripped.| Press RESET button located on the power cord plug.
If the RESET button will not stay engaged, discontinue use of the air conditioner and contact a qualified service technician.
Air conditioner does not cool as it should.| Indoor airflow is restricted.| Make sure there are not curtains, blinds or furniture blocking the front of the air conditioner.
The temp control may not be set properly.| Turn the temperature control to a higher number.
The air filter is dirty.| Clean the filter at least every 30 days. See Care and Cleaning section.
The room may have been hot.| When the air conditioner is first turned on, you need to allow time for the room to cool down.
Cold air is escaping.| Check for open furnace registers and cold air returns.
Cooling coils have iced up.| See “Air conditioner freezing up” below.
Air conditioner freezing up| Ice blocks the air flow and stops the air conditioner from cooling the room.| Set the mode control to High Fan or High Cool with the temperature setting as high as it can be set.
Water drips outside| Hot, humid weather.| This is normal.
Water drips inside| The air conditioner is not tilted to the outside.| For proper disposal, make sure the air conditioner slants slightly from the case front to the rear.
Water collects in base pan| Moisture removed from air and drain into base pan.| This is normal for a short period in areas with little humidity; normal for a longer period in very humid areas.

Normal Operating Sounds

You may hear a pinging noise caused by water being picked up and thrown against the condenser on rainy days or when the humidity is high. This design feature helps remove moisture and improve efficiency.
You may hear the thermostat click when the compressor cycles on and off.
Water will collect in the base pan duringhigh humidity or on rainy days. The water may overflow and drip from the outdoor sideof the unit.
The fan may run even when the compressor does not.
Water droplets being thrown against the outside coils can make a pinging noise. This helps cool the condenser. You can reduce this noise by removing the subbase water plug. To ensure maximum efficiency it is recommended to check to ensure the rubber drain plug is properly inserted. This plug may be removed during operation to minimize water in the back of the unit; however, removing it will lower the efficiency of your unit.

NOTE: Do not drill hole in the base pan.

WiFi Setup

GE Appliances SmartHQ (for customers in the United States)

GE Appliances SmartHQ Enabled*. If your Air Conditioner (AC) has a Connected Appliance Information label located on the outside as shown below, your AC is GE Appliances SmartHQ Enabled. A WiFi communication card is built into the product allowing it to communicate with your smart phone for remote monitoring, control and notifications. Please visit www.GEAppliances.com/connect to learn more about connected appliance features, and to learn what connected appliance apps will work with your smart phone.
WiFi Setup

How it Works

Download the GE Appliances App
Use the app to connect your room air conditioner to WiFi.
Once connected, use the app to turn down your air conditioner as you leave work.

Getting Started

To connect your room air conditioner, you’ll need the GE Appliances App. The app will walk you through the connection process. Download the app from iTunes or Google Play.
App Icon

All connected appliace data is held in strict accordance with the GE Appliances Connected Data Privacy Policy. Visit geappliances.com/privacy/privacy_policy_connected to view this policy.

Questions about SmartHQ

Get answers you need about setting up WiFi appliances and connecting to your home network in our support articles.

Visit products.geappliances.com/appliance/geasupport-search- content to view wifi connect room air conditioner support articles.

REGULATORY INFORMATION

FCC/IC Compliance Statement:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

Labelling: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

*Select Models Only

This product has Wi-Fi capability and requires Internet connectivity and a wireless router to enable interconnection with an Energy Management System, and/or with other external devices, systems or applications.

GE Appliances Air Conditioner Limited Warranty

For The Period Of:	Will Replace:

One Year
From the date of the original purchase| Replacement, repair, or refund of the original retail price for any product which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. If the unit is exchanged, the replacement unit is warranted for the remainder of your product’s original one-year warranty period. GE Appliances will, at its sole discretion, replace the product with a product of the same or comparable functionality and quality or refund the original retail price.

In Order to Make a Warranty Claim During Your Retailer’s Allowable Return Period:

Properly pack your unit. We recommend using the original carton and packing materials.
Return the product to the retail location where it was purchased.
Include in the package a copy of the sales receipt or other evidence of date of original purchase. Also print your name and address and a description of the defect.
Locate your original sales receipt and make a note of your model and serial number.
Visit GEAppliances.com/service to initiate the product replacement process.
You will be asked to provide your name, address, date of purchase, model and serial number.
GE Appliances will arrange for a carton to be sent to your home to recover the product.
Please return all requested materials (postage pre-paid) in the carton provided. Please include a description of the defect.
You should receive your replacement product or refund within 7 to 10 business days after your package is received.

What Will Not Cover

Customer instruction. This owner’s manual provides information regarding operating instructions and user controls.
Improper installation. If you have an installation problem, or if the air conditioner is of improper capacity, contact your dealer or installer. You are responsible for providing adequate electrical connecting facilities.
Failure of the product resulting from modifications to the product or due to unreasonable use including failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance.
Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit breakers.
Failure due to corrosion on models not corrosion protected.
Damage to the product caused by improper power supply voltage, accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible defects with this air conditioner.
Damage caused after delivery.

EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES – Your sole and exclusive remedy is product repair as provided in this Limited Warranty. Any implied warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law.

This limited warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased for home use within the USA. If the product is located in an area where service by a GE Appliances Authorized Servicer is not available, you may be responsible for a trip charge or you may be required to bring the product to an Authorized GE Appliances Service location for service. In Alaska, the limited warranty excludes the cost of shipping or service calls to your home.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. To know what your legal rights are, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s Attorney General.

Warrantor:
GE Appliances, a Haier company
Louisville, KY 40225

Consumer Support

GE Appliances Website

Have a question or need assistance with your appliance? Try the GE Appliances Website 24 hours a day, any day of the year! You can also shop for more great GE Appliances products and take advantage of all our on-line support services designed for your convenience. GEAppliances.com

Register Your Appliance

Register your new appliance on-line at your convenience! Timely product registration will allow for enhanced communication and prompt service under the terms of your warranty, should the need arise. You may also mail in the pre-printed registration card included in the packing material. GEAppliances.com/register

Parts and Accessories

Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts or accessories sent directly to their homes (VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted). Order on-line today 24 hours every day. GEApplianceparts.com or by phone at 877.959.8688 during normal business hours.

Instructions contained in this manual cover procedures to be performed by any user. Other servicing generally should be referred to qualified service personnel. Caution must be exercised, since improper servicing may cause unsafe operation.

Contact Us

If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from GE Appliances, contact us on our Website with all the details including your phone number, or write to:

General Manager, Customer Relations | GE Appliances, Appliance Park | Louisville, KY 40225
GEAppliances.com/ge/service-and- support/contact.htm