DURASTAR DRA1U12S1A Single and Multi-Zone Outdoor Units Owner’s Manual

DURASTAR DRA1U12S1A Single and Multi-Zone Outdoor Units

INTRODUCTION

To better serve you, please do the following before contacting customer service:

•  If you received a damaged product, immediately contact the retailer or dealer that sold you the product.

•  Read and follow this owner’s manual carefully to help you use and maintain your air conditioner.

•  Read the troubleshooting section of this manual as it will help you diagnose and solve common issues.

•  Visit us on the web at www.durastar.com to download product guides and up-to-date information.

•  If you need warranty service, our friendly customer service representatives are available via email at questions@durastar.com or by telephone at 1-888-320-0706.
  WARNINGS: Symbols Used in This Manual

• The warning symbol indicates cautionary information for the user. Extra care and precautions should be taken to ensure the user’s safety.

• The pencil indicates any manufacturer notes relating to surrounding content. These may include further clarifications or call-outs.

• A light bulb symbol indicates suggested manufacturer tips for the user to get the most out of the Durastar equipment and to accommodate the best user experience.

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Improper handling can cause serious damage or injury. Please read the following safety information in its entirety.

The operation, Cleaning, and Maintenance Safety Precautions

•  Children and people with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, should only use this air conditioner if they are given supervision or instructions concerning use of the air conditioner in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.
•  Children should not play with the air conditioner.
•  Never stick fingers or any other body parts into the air conditioner openings. The internal fan may be rotating at high speeds, and may result in injury.
•  After removing the filter, do not touch the fins in order to avoid injury.
•  Maintenance must be performed by qualified professionals. Otherwise, you may experience personal injury or damage to the air conditioner and surrounding property.
•  Do not repair the air conditioner by yourself. It may cause electric shock or damage. Please contact a qualified service representative when you need to repair the air conditioner.
•  Do not block the air outlet or air inlet. This could cause a malfunction.
•  Do not spill water on the remote control as this can permanently damage the remote.
•  If the below problems occur, please turn off the air conditioner and disconnect the power at the circuit breaker immediately. Then contact your dealer or a qualified professional for service.
•  The power cord is overheating or damaged.
•  There is an abnormal sound during the operation.
•  The circuit breaker trips frequently.
•  The air conditioner gives off a burning smell.
•  If the air conditioner operates under abnormal conditions, it may cause malfunctions, electric shock, or fire hazards.
•  When turning the unit on or off via the emergency operation switch, press the switch with an insulated object other than metal.
•  Do not step on the top panel of the unit, or put heavy objects on the top panel. This could cause damage or personal injury.
•  Cleaning and user maintenance should not be performed by children without supervision.
•  Do not use flammable materials such as hair spray, lacquer, or paint near the air conditioner as they may catch fire.
•  Do not operate the air conditioner in places near combustible gases. Emitted gases may collect around the air conditioner and cause an explosion.
•  Do not use fire or a hairdryer to dry the filter. This could cause a deformation or fire hazard.
•  Do not wash the air conditioner with water as this could cause an electric shock.
•  Disconnect the power supply by turning it off at the circuit breaker when cleaning the air conditioner. Otherwise, you could risk electric shock.

Electrical Safety

• Only use the specified power cord. If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard.
•  Keep the power plug clean. Remove any dust or grime that accumulates on or around the plug. Dirty plugs can cause fire or electric shock.
•  Do not pull the power cord to unplug unit. Hold the plug firmly and pull it from the outlet. Pulling directly on the cord can damage it, which can lead to fire or electric shock.
•  Do not connect the air conditioner to a multi-purpose socket. Doing so could cause a fire hazard.
•  Do not modify the length of the power supply cord or use an extension cord to power the unit.
•  If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, a service agent, or a similarly qualified person in order to avoid a safety hazard.
•  Do not share the electrical outlet with other appliances. Improper or insufficient power supply can cause fire or electrical shock.
•  The product must be properly grounded at the time of installation, or electrical shock may occur.
•  For all electrical work, follow all local and national wiring standards and regulations. Connect cables tightly, and clamp them securely to prevent external forces from damaging the terminal. Improper electrical connections can overheat and cause fire, and may also cause shock. All electrical connections must be made according to the Electrical Connection Diagram located on the panels of the indoor and outdoor units.
•  All wiring must be properly arranged to ensure that the control board cover can close properly. If the control board cover is not closed properly, it can lead to corrosion and cause the connection points on the terminal to heat up, catch fire, or cause electrical shock.
•  The air conditioner’s circuit board (PCB) is designed with a fuse to provide overcurrent protection. The specifications of the fuse are printed on the circuit board.

Installation Safety

•  Installation must be performed by an authorized dealer or specialist. Improper installation can cause water leakage, electrical shock, or fire. (In North America, installation must be performed in accordance with NEC and CEC requirements by authorized personnel only.)
•  Installation must be performed according to the installation instructions. Improper installation can cause water leakage, electrical shock, or fire.
•  This air conditioner shall be installed in accordance with national and local wiring regulations.
•  Contact an authorized service technician for repair or maintenance of this unit.
•  Only use the included accessories, parts, and specified parts for installation. Using non-standard parts can cause water leakage, electrical shock, fire, and can cause the unit to fail.
•  Install the unit in a firm location that can support the unit’s weight. If the chosen location cannot support the unit’s weight, or the installation is not done properly, the unit may fall and cause serious injury and damage.
•  Install drainage piping according to the instructions in the installation manual. Improper drainage may cause water damage to your home and property.
•  For units that have an auxiliary electric heater, do not install the unit within 1 meter (3 feet) of any combustible materials.
•  Do not install the unit in a location that may be exposed to combustible gas leaks. If combustible gas accumulates around the unit, it may cause a fire.
•  Do not turn on the power until all work has been completed.
•  When moving or relocating the air conditioner, consult experienced service technicians for disconnection and reinstallation of the unit.

Additional Precautions

•  Turn off the air conditioner and disconnect the power if you are not going to use it for a long time.
•  Turn off and unplug the unit during storms.
•  Make sure that water condensation can drain unhindered from the unit.
•  Do not operate the air conditioner with wet hands. This may cause electric shock.
•  Do not use this device for any other purpose than its intended use.
•  Do not climb onto or place objects on top of the outdoor unit.
•  Do not allow the air conditioner to operate for long periods of time with doors or windows open, or if the humidity is very high.

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

NOTE Outdoor units will vary in appearance.

OPERATING TEMPERATURES

Your air conditioner is designed to operate in the following indoor and outdoor temperatures. When your air conditioner is used outside of the following temperature ranges, certain safety features may activate and turn off the unit to protect it from damage.

TEMPERATURE RANGES

| COOL Mode| HEAT Mode| DRY Mode
---|---|---|---
Indoor Air Temperature| 62°F – 90°F (17°C – 32°C)| 32°F – 86°F (0°C – 30°C)| 50°F – 90°F (10°C – 32°C)
Outdoor Air Temperature| -13°F – 122°F (-25°C – 50°C)| -13°F – 86°F (-25°C – 30°C)| 32°F – 122°F (0°C – 50°C)

To further optimize the performance of your unit, do the following:

•  Keep doors and windows closed.
•  Limit energy usage by using TIMER ON and TIMER OFF features.
•  Do not block air inlets or outlets.
•  Regularly inspect and clean air filters.
  NOTE
  Your Durastar air conditioner’s outdoor unit is equipped with a base pan heater, allowing it to continue to operate at freezing temperatures as low as -13°F (-25°C). When outdoor air temperatures are at or below 32°F (0°C), we strongly recommend keeping the unit plugged in at all times to ensure smooth ongoing performance.Keep the room’s relative humidity below 80%. If the air conditioner operates in excess of this, the surface of the air conditioner may attract condensation. To help prevent condensation from forming and dripping, set the vertical airflow louver to its maximum angle (vertically to the floor) and set the fan to HIGH.

MAINTENANCE: LONG PERIODS OF NON-USE
If you do not plan to use your air conditioner for an extended period of time, do the following:

• Clean all filters.
•  Turn on the FAN until the unit dries out completely.
•  Turn off the unit and disconnect the power.
•  Remove batteries from the remote control.

MAINTENANCE: PRE-SEASON INSPECTION
After long periods of non-use, or before periods of frequent use, do the following:

•  Inspect for damaged wires
•  Clean all filters.
•  Check for leaks.
•  Replace batteries.
•  Make sure nothing is blocking any air inlets or outlets.

TROUBLESHOOTING

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
If ANY of the following conditions occurs, turn off your unit immediately!

•  The power cord is damaged or abnormally warm
•  You smell a burning odor
•  The unit emits loud or abnormal sounds
•  A power fuse blows or the circuit breaker frequently trips
•  Water or other objects fall into or out of the unit

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX THESE YOURSELF! CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY!

COMMON ISSUES
The following problems are not a malfunction and in most situations will not require repairs.

3-minute protection feature that prevents the unit from overloading. The unit cannot be restarted within three minutes of being turned off.
The unit changes from COOL/HEAT mode to FAN mode| The unit may change its setting to prevent frost from forming on the unit. Once the temperature increases, the unit will start operating in the previously selected mode again.
The set temperature has been reached, at which point the unit turns off the compressor. The unit will continue operating when the temperature fluctuates again.
Both the indoor and outdoor units emit white mist| When the unit restarts in HEAT mode after defrosting, white mist may be emitted due to moisture generated during the defrosting process.
Both the indoor unit and outdoor unit make noises| Low hissing sound during operation: This is normal and is caused by refrigerant gas flowing through both indoor and outdoor units.
Low hissing sound when the system starts, has just stopped running, or is defrosting: This noise is normal and is caused by the refrigerant gas stopping or changing direction.
Squeaking sound: Normal expansion and contraction of plastic and metal parts caused by temperature changes during operation can cause squeaking noises.
The outdoor unit makes noises| The unit will make different sounds based on its current operating mode.
Dust is emitted from either the indoor or outdoor unit| The unit may accumulate dust during extended periods of non-use, which will be emitted when the unit is turned on. This can be mitigated by covering the unit during long periods of inactivity.
The unit emits a bad odor| The unit may absorb odors from the environment (such as furniture, cooking, cigarettes, etc.) which will be emitted during operations.
The unit’s filters have become moldy and should be cleaned.
The fan of the outdoor unit does not operate| During operation, the fan speed is controlled to optimize product operation.
Operation is erratic, unpredictable, or unit is unresponsive| Interference from cell phone towers and remote boosters may cause the unit to malfunction. In this case, try the following:

•  Disconnect the power, then reconnect.

•  Press ON/OFF button on remote control to restart operation.

NOTE
If the problem persists, contact a local dealer or your nearest customer service center. Provide them with a detailed description of the unit malfunction as well as your model number.

TROUBLESHOOTING

When troubles occur, please check the following points before contacting a repair company.

the obstruction and turn it back on
Low refrigerant due to leak or long- term use| Check for leaks, re-seal if necessary and top off refrigerant
Poor heating performance| The outdoor temperature is extremely low| Use auxiliary heating device
Low refrigerant due to leak or long-term use| Check for leaks, re-seal if necessary and top off refrigerant
The unit starts and stops

frequently

| There’s too much or too little refrigerant in the system| Check for leaks and recharge the system with refrigerant
Incompressible gas or moisture has entered the system| Evacuate and recharge the system with refrigerant
The compressor is broken| Replace the compressor
The voltage is too high or too low| Install a manostat to regulate the voltage
The unit is not working| Power failure| Wait for the power to be restored
The power is turned off| Turn on the power
The fuse is burned out| Replace the fuse

NOTE
If your problem persists after performing the checks and diagnostics above, or the error code remains, turn off your unit immediately and contact an authorized service center.

LIMITED WARRANTY

PARTS TEN (10) YEARS PARTS
Subject to all of the terms of this Limited Warranty, including, but not limited to, the specific exclusions set forth below and subject to the Manufacturer’s right to inspect and validate the warranty claim as set forth below, Manufacturer will repair or replace, at its option, ANY PART of Covered Equipment that is found to be defective in materials or workmanship. If an exact replacement part is not available, an equivalent part or credit will be provided. The parts are warranted for a period of ten (10) years to the original owner of the mini-split equipment under normal use and service. For a period of ten (10) years from the date of installation, if any parts prove defective due to improper workmanship and/or material, Durastar with replacing any defective part without charge for the part. Replacement parts carry the balance of the original 10-year parts warranty.
To qualify:

•  The mini-split equipment must be installed in a residential single-family home.*
•  The original mini-split equipment owner must reside in the single-family home.
•  The mini-split equipment must be properly installed. This includes installation by a contractor licensed for HVAC installation following all local and state laws.
•  Any part to be replaced must be made available in exchange for the replacement.

*Single-family home is defined as any single-family dwelling, which includes apartments, condominiums, duplexes, and homes.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF WARRANTY
The Effective Date of warranty coverage is determined as follows: (a) If the original installation date can be verified by the installer’s invoice then the Effective Date of warranty coverage is the original installation date as shown on the installer’s invoice. For residential new construction installations, the final occupancy permit, or proof of purchase from the builder can be substituted for the installer’s invoice. (b) if the original installation date cannot be verified by the installer’s invoice or proof of purchase from the builder in residential new construction applications, then the Effective Date of warranty coverage is the Covered Equipment’s manufacture date (as verified by the product’s serial number) plus ninety (90) days.
There is NO LABOR component provided with this warranty. This Limited Warranty does NOT cover any labor costs or expenses for service, NOR for removing or reinstalling parts. You are responsible for all labor costs or expenses unless a labor service agreement exists between you and your contractor.
This Limited Warranty does NOT cover shipping costs. You are responsible for the cost of shipping warranty replacement parts from our factory to the Manufacturer’s distributor and from the distributor to the location of your Covered Equipment. You also are responsible for the cost of shipping failed parts to the distributor and for incidental costs incurred locally, including handling charges. (If in Alaska, Hawaii or Canada, you also must pay the shipping costs of returning the failed part to the port of entry into the continental United States.)

EXCLUSIONS
In addition to the other exclusions identified in this Limited Warranty, this Limited Warranty excludes:

•  Damages, malfunctions, or failures resulting from failure to properly install, operate, or maintain Covered Equipment in accordance with the Manufacturer’s instructions.
•  Damages, malfunctions, or failures resulting from misuse, accident, contaminated, or corrosive atmosphere, vandalism, freight damage, fire, flood, freeze, lightning, acts of war, acts of God and the like.
•  Parts installed with Covered Equipment or used in connection with normal maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing air filters, refrigerant, thermostats, tubing, or concrete pads.
•  Covered Equipment that is not installed in the United States.
•  Covered Equipment that is not installed by a qualified, trained HVAC professional in accordance with applicable codes, ordinances, and good trade practices.
•  Damages, malfunctions, or failures resulting from the use of any attachment, accessory, or component not authorized by the Manufacturer or resulting from alteration or modification of the unit.
•  Covered Equipment moved from the original installation location.
•  Covered Equipment when operated with system components (indoor unit, outdoor unit, coil, and refrigerant control devices) or accessories which do not match or meet the specifications recommended by the Manufacturer.
•  Any Covered Equipment manufactured that has been sold to the consumer via the Internet or auction website and has not been installed by a trained, qualified HVAC professional.
•  Covered Equipment that is not part of a properly matched system as specified by the Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

COMMERCIAL WARRANTY
Installations in commercial applications carry a ONE (1) YEAR PARTS warranty following the other provisions in this Limited Warranty.
OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE
If you believe your product is defective, contact the licensed contractor who installed your mini-split system. Alternatively, contact a licensed contractor, dealer, or distributor.
Durastar Customer Support is available for troubleshooting assistance. Before contacting Customer Support, please locate your model number, serial number, and proof of purchase. These items will be required to complete any warranty service. A Durastar authorized representative will verify warranty eligibility and determine appropriate service options. Service will be provided during normal business days and hours.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TO THE EXTENT ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY IS REQUIRED BY LAW, IT IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE EXPRESS WARRANTY PERIOD ABOVE. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR ITS DISTRIBUTORS SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST REVENUES OR PROFITS, OR ANY OTHER DAMAGE WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE. IN NO EVENT AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE OF ANY TYPE OR KIND SHALL THE SELLER, MANUFACTURER, AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY REASON, UNDER ANY THEORY, FOR MORE THAN THE BASIC COST OF THE PRODUCT TO THE PURCHASER OR END-USER. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU MAY HAVE OTHER RIGHTS THAT VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

References

• Durastar - Reliable, evenly distributed temperature control solutions
• Durastar - Reliable, evenly distributed temperature control solutions

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