my lg portable ac lp1419ivsm just shows ch on the display and won't cool, what does that mean?

Diagnosis

The "CH" error code on the LG LP1419IVSM Dual Inverter Portable AC stands for "Check Water." This is a safety mechanism triggered when the internal condensate collection tank has reached its maximum capacity. Portable air conditioners remove humidity from the air; this water collects in a reservoir at the bottom of the chassis. When the water level reaches a specific height, a polystyrene float switch rises and triggers a sensor that cuts power to the compressor to prevent water from leaking onto your flooring. You can confirm this is the issue by listening to the unit; the fan may still spin, but the compressor (the part that actually cools the air) will remain silent. If you have been running the unit in "Dry Mode" or in an area with extremely high humidity, the reservoir will fill significantly faster than usual. In some cases, the CH code can appear even if the tank isn't completely full if the float switch has become stuck due to biofilm or mineral buildup from hard water.

How to Fix It

To clear the CH code and resume cooling, you must manually evacuate the stored condensate. Follow these precise steps:

1. Power down the unit using the remote or control panel and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet to prevent electrical shorts during the draining process.
2. Move the unit to a bathroom, laundry room, or outdoors. If you cannot move the unit, place a shallow drip tray or several absorbent towels directly beneath the lower rear section of the chassis.
3. Locate the lower drain plug situated at the very bottom of the rear panel. This is the primary drain for the internal reservoir.
4. Carefully remove the rubber drain plug. Ensure you pull it straight out to avoid tearing the gasket.
5. Allow the water to flow completely. The LP1419IVSM can hold several liters of water; wait until the flow slows to a drip.
6. While the plug is removed, gently rock the unit forward and backward to ensure all trapped water in the corners of the pan is expelled.
7. Reinsert the rubber plug firmly, ensuring it is seated flush against the housing to prevent slow leaks.
8. Plug the unit back in and power it on. The CH code should vanish immediately, and the compressor should engage within 3 minutes.

If That Didn't Work

• Clear the Float Switch: If the tank is empty but the CH code persists, the float switch may be stuck in the "up" position. Unplug the unit and gently tilt it 45 degrees to the side and back. This often dislodges a stuck float or clears a small piece of debris that is preventing the switch from dropping back down.
• Clean the Internal Pan: Over time, algae or "slime" can build up in the base pan, creating a blockage that prevents water from reaching the drain hole. Use a flexible pipe cleaner or a thin zip-tie to gently probe the drain hole from the outside to ensure there is no biological buildup obstructing the flow.
• Check the Upper Drain: This model has a secondary upper drain for continuous drainage. Ensure the upper plug is tightly sealed. If you are using a hose for continuous drainage, ensure the hose is not kinked and is sloping downward; if the hose is too high, water will back up into the main pan and trigger the CH code.
• Hard Reset: Perform a full power cycle. Unplug the unit from the wall for at least 10 minutes. This clears the volatile memory of the control board and forces the sensors to recalibrate upon restart.

Heads Up

• Continuous Drainage: If you live in a humid climate, avoid manual draining by attaching a standard 5/8" garden hose to the continuous drain port. This bypasses the internal reservoir entirely.
• Placement: Always keep the unit on a level surface. If the unit leans forward, water can pool away from the drain plug, triggering a CH code even when the tank is only half full.
• Filter Maintenance: Clean your air filters every two weeks. Restricted airflow can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, which leads to excessive condensate buildup and more frequent CH errors.
• Storage: Before storing the unit for winter, always drain both the upper and lower plugs completely. Leaving water in the pan leads to mold growth and permanent corrosion of the internal chassis.