Setup: Dimplex DCP5DUCTLESS Ductless Portable Air Conditioner Instruction Manual

Overview

The DCP5DUCTLESS Ductless Portable Air Conditioner is a compact indoor cooling appliance for domestic residential use. Its ductless design circulates cooled air without requiring a conventional window exhaust hose, while the built-in dehumidification function helps remove excess moisture from the room.

The unit provides cooling, drying, and fan-only operation from the control panel or remote control. It is designed for use on a firm, level surface with unobstructed airflow and should remain upright during transport, storage, and operation.

Specifications

• Model: DCP5DUCTLESS
• Colour: Optic White
• Power supply: 220–240 V~, 50 Hz
• Operating temperature: 16–35°C
• Thermostat range: 16–31°C
• Rated input power: 580 W
• Cooling capacity: 1400 W
• Dehumidification capacity: 27 L/day
• Air volume: 250 m³/h
• Noise level: 55 dB(A)
• Refrigerant: R290 propane
• Fan speeds: 2
• Remote control: Included; requires two AAA batteries
• Timer: 0–24 hours
• Dimensions: 330 × 709 × 354 mm, width × height × depth
• Net weight: 21 kg

Detailed Description

The DCP5DUCTLESS Ductless Portable Air Conditioner draws room air through its air inlets, processes it through the cooling and moisture-removal system, and returns conditioned air through the air outlet. The air filter helps capture dust and airborne particles before air passes through the appliance.

Key external components include the front air outlet, air inlets, front and rear filters, castors, control panel, carry handles, decorative protective cover, water tank, drainage outlet, power cord, and cord-storage hook. Keep the inlet and outlet areas clear so the appliance can move air effectively.

The portable air conditioner uses R290 refrigerant. This refrigerant is flammable, so the appliance must only be serviced, repaired, or opened by appropriately qualified personnel. Do not attempt to modify the sealed refrigeration system.

Safety

Electrical and placement precautions

• Use the appliance only indoors for residential household applications.
• Do not use the unit in a bathroom or near a bath, shower, swimming pool, or other source of splashing water.
• Place the appliance on a firm, flat, horizontal surface. Do not operate it on soft, unstable, sloping, or uneven flooring.
• Maintain at least 50 cm of clearance around the appliance, including space from walls, furniture, curtains, shelves, and other overhanging objects.
• Connect the power plug to a properly installed, easily accessible socket matching the voltage shown on the rating label.
• Do not use an extension lead or power board.
• Keep the power cord away from heaters, radiators, stoves, floor coverings, furniture, walkways, and areas where it may be crushed or damaged.
• Never carry or pull the appliance by its power cord.
• Unplug the appliance when it is not being used, before moving it, before cleaning, when a fault occurs, and during electrical storms.
• Do not operate the unit if the power cord, plug, connector, or appliance has been damaged, dropped, or affected by a malfunction.
• Keep children supervised around the appliance. The unit is not intended to be operated by people who require supervision unless suitable instruction and assistance are provided.
• Keep the appliance at least 1 metre from televisions, radios, and other electrical equipment to reduce electromagnetic interference.

Airflow and fire precautions

• Do not cover or obstruct any air inlet or outlet.
• Do not insert fingers or objects into openings.
• Do not use the appliance where paint, petrol, flammable liquids, flammable vapours, bug sprays, or combustible cleaning products are used or stored.
• Keep the unit away from naked flames, sparks, and ignition sources.
• Do not use the appliance outdoors, near collected water, under falling water, or where rain can reach it.
• Remove plastic bags, expanded polystyrene, and other packaging from the reach of children and vulnerable people.

R290 refrigerant precautions

The appliance contains a small quantity of flammable R290 refrigerant. Operate and store it only in a sufficiently large, well-ventilated room. The manual specifies a minimum room area of 15 m²; if the appliance rating label states a different minimum area, follow the label.

• Do not pierce, burn, or attempt to open the refrigerant circuit.
• Do not use tools or methods that accelerate defrosting unless recommended for this appliance.
• Do not store the unit near open flames, operating gas appliances, or continuously operating electric heaters.
• Refrigerant leaks may not have an odour. If a leak is suspected, eliminate flames and sparks, ventilate the area, and leave servicing to an authorised qualified technician.
• Refrigerant recovery, charging, evacuation, leak detection, brazing, and decommissioning must be performed using procedures and equipment suitable for flammable refrigerants.
• Never use a naked flame to search for a refrigerant leak.
• Do not discharge R290 directly into the atmosphere during maintenance or disposal.

Setup and Operation

Positioning the appliance

1. Place the unit upright on a firm, level floor.
2. Leave at least 50 cm of free space around every side of the appliance.
3. Position the power cord away from foot traffic and heat sources.
4. Keep the air inlets and outlet free from curtains, furniture, dust, and other obstructions.
5. If the appliance has been transported or stored on its side, keep it upright before operation. When in doubt, allow at least 24 hours before switching it on.

Filling the water tank

Water must be added before initial operation. The tank is also used when the appliance reports a water-shortage condition.

1. Remove the decorative panel.
2. Carefully remove the water tank from the appliance.
3. Add water without exceeding the tank’s maximum-level marking.
4. Do not remove the float or tank cover. The float monitors the water level, while the cover forms part of the internal water circuit.
5. Replace the tank using both hands, applying steady, appropriate force.
6. Refit the decorative panel and confirm that the tank is seated correctly.

If the tank is incorrectly fitted or water is insufficient, the display may show LA and the appliance will stop. Unplug the unit, check the tank position, and add water as required.

Control panel and display

The LED display shows the current room or set temperature, timer setting, and fault codes. Indicator lights identify the selected operating mode, fan speed, timer status, temperature unit, sleep function, and turbo function.

• Power: Press the On/Off button to start or place the appliance in standby. At startup, the buzzer sounds, the display shows the ambient temperature, and the fan begins at high speed in cooling mode.
• Mode: Press the Mode button to cycle through Cooling, Dry, and Fan modes.
• Temperature: In Cooling mode, use the temperature increase or decrease buttons to select 16–31°C.
• Fan speed: In Cooling or Fan mode, select high or low speed. Fan speed selection is not available in Dry or Sleep mode.
• Temperature units: Press and hold the temperature increase and decrease buttons together to change between Celsius and Fahrenheit display.

Operating modes

Cooling mode

Select Cooling mode to lower the room temperature. Adjust the target temperature between 16°C and 31°C, then choose high or low fan speed. The time required to reach the selected temperature depends on room size, insulation, starting temperature, and other environmental conditions.

Dry mode

Dry mode removes moisture from the air and operates the fan at low speed. Connect the supplied drainage hose when possible because moisture can collect in the tank during dehumidification. Without the hose, monitor and empty the tank when necessary. A full tank is indicated by the FU code.

Fan mode

Fan mode circulates air without selecting a cooling temperature. Press Mode until the Fan indicator appears, then select low or high fan speed.

Timer function

The timer can start the appliance automatically or switch it off after a selected period. Time is selected in one-hour increments from 1 to 24 hours.

1. To schedule startup, make sure the appliance is off and press Timer.
2. Set the desired delay using the temperature or timer increase and decrease controls.
3. Wait approximately three seconds for the setting to confirm and the timer indicator to illuminate.
4. To schedule shutdown, switch the appliance on, press Timer, and set how long it should continue operating.
5. To cancel a timer, press Timer until the timer indicator turns off.

Sleep mode

Press Sleep to reduce the brightness of the LED indicators. Press Sleep again to restore normal brightness. Fan-speed selection is disabled while Sleep mode is active. The function is cancelled if the tank becomes full, the appliance is switched on or off, or the operating mode changes.

Turbo function

Turbo provides a short burst of increased cooling performance. Press Turbo while the unit is operating to activate it; press Turbo or Mode again to cancel it. Turbo can lower the temperature of air discharged from the front grille by approximately 1–2°C, while the rear exhaust air may become approximately 2–3°C warmer. Use this function for brief periods because prolonged operation can increase room humidity more quickly.

Drainage hose connection

A drainage hose is recommended in Dry mode for continuous removal of condensed water.

1. Disconnect the appliance from mains power.
2. Place a container beneath the drainage outlet to catch residual droplets.
3. Rotate the drainage cover counter-clockwise to remove it.
4. Place the removed cover on the cord-storage hook.
5. Insert the water pipe into the drainage adapter until the connection is secure.
6. Route the hose to a suitable sink or drain.

The hose must not rise above the drainage outlet, kink, or become blocked. Inspect the adapter and hose regularly for loose connections, damage, or obstructions.

Compressor delay

A protective delay prevents rapid compressor starting and stopping. After switching on, or after changing from Dry mode to Cooling mode, the compressor may take approximately three minutes to begin operating.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Before cleaning

• Switch off and unplug the appliance before cleaning or maintenance.
• Never immerse the unit in water or wash it under running water.
• Do not use flammable liquids, chemical sprays, abrasive sponges, scouring pads, or stiff brushes.
• Keep water and other liquids away from the control panel and electrical components.

Air filters

Clean the filters weekly for efficient airflow. Homes with pets may require more frequent cleaning because hair can restrict the grille and filter surface.

1. Pull the front filter out horizontally.
2. Rinse it with clean water and allow it to air-dry fully.
3. Tilt the appliance upward as required to remove the rear filter.
4. Rinse and air-dry the rear filter.
5. Reinstall both filters before operating the appliance.

Never run the air conditioner without its filters installed.

Cabinet care

1. Remove loose dust with a soft brush.
2. Wipe the cabinet with a soft, damp cloth.
3. Use a mild detergent for persistent marks, then wipe away residue.

Long-term storage

1. Switch off and unplug the appliance.
2. Drain remaining water according to the drainage instructions.
3. Run the unit in Fan mode for 12 hours in a warm room to dry the internal components and help prevent mould.
4. Clean and reinstall the air filters.
5. Remove the batteries from the remote control.
6. Secure the power cord and cover the appliance.
7. Store the unit upright away from direct sunlight.

Extended exposure to direct sunlight can discolour the enclosure. If the appliance is damaged, inefficient, or develops another problem, unplug it and do not continue operating it.

Troubleshooting

Fault codes

• FU: The internal water container is full. Drain the water before restarting.
• LA: Water-shortage protection or an incorrectly positioned tank has been detected. Unplug the appliance, check the tank, and add water if required.
• —: Anti-freeze protection has activated. The compressor stops and shutdown may be delayed.
• E1: Environmental temperature sensor fault.
• E2: Coil temperature sensor fault.
• PH: Exhaust temperature protection has activated. Switch off the appliance and allow it to cool.

Common operating issues

• The unit will not start: Check that the power cord is firmly connected, press the Power button, and confirm that the tank is neither full nor incorrectly positioned.
• Insufficient water output in Dry mode: Check that the filter is clean, the room is not already too dry, and the selected humidity setting is not higher than the room’s actual humidity.
• Poor dehumidification: Close doors and windows and improve room sealing where practical.
• Warm air from the outlet: Warm discharge can occur as part of normal heat exchange.
• Fluid-flow sound: Refrigerant movement can create a normal flowing sound.
• Excessive operating noise: Confirm that the appliance is upright, stable, and positioned on a level surface.

Recycling and Disposal

Do not dispose of the appliance with unsorted household waste. Electrical appliances should be taken through an appropriate separate collection system so materials and potentially hazardous substances can be managed correctly.

Because the unit contains flammable R290 refrigerant, refrigerant recovery and final disposal must be handled in accordance with applicable national and local requirements. Do not pierce, burn, or dismantle the refrigeration system yourself.

Warranty

Warranty information is provided on the warranty card supplied with the appliance. Keep the card and purchase documentation for future reference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ductless portable design avoids the need for a conventional exhaust hose.
• Provides cooling, dehumidification, and fan-only operation.
• Includes two fan speeds, a 0–24-hour timer, sleep mode, turbo mode, and remote control.
• Compact castor-mounted design can be repositioned on a suitable level floor.
• Reusable filters can be rinsed and maintained at home.

Cons

• The 21 kg net weight may make lifting difficult, despite the carry handles and castors.
• The water tank requires attention when operating in Dry mode without a drainage hose.
• R290 refrigerant places strict limits on DIY servicing, storage, and repair.
• Cooling performance depends on room size, insulation, ambient temperature, and airflow conditions.
• The appliance requires substantial clearance around its air inlets and outlet.