Question 1

my unit is vibrating a lot and walking across the floor on its casters when the compressor kicks on.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: The unit isn't level, or the compressor's vibration is transferring directly to an uneven floor surface (like thin carpet over hard floor). FIX: First, check that all four casters/wheels are firmly touching the floor. Adjust by placing thin, solid shims (like folded cardboard) under any wobbly corner. Do not place on a thick, soft rug. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The internal compressor is mounted on rubber isolators, but on some surfaces, you need extra damping. Place the entire unit on a rigid, level platform like a piece of plywood or a low-pile anti-vibration mat designed for appliances. HEADS UP: This walking is a safety issue—it can strain the power cord, disconnect the exhaust hose, or tip over. Secure it. Also, ensure the exhaust hose isn't taut, pulling the unit, and that the window bracket is installed securely, not transmitting vibration from outside.

Question 2

trying to install the window bracket and the adjustable panel is way too narrow for my window, it doesn't extend enough.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: You're using the adjustable panel incorrectly. It's designed to extend horizontally to fit the window opening's width, not as a vertical filler. FIX: The panel extends sideways. Loosen the screws on the panel's sliding mechanism. Pull the panel outward horizontally to match your window's width. Tighten screws. It fills the width, while the included foam panels fill the height gaps above and below. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: For vertically tall openings, you use the foam panels that come in the kit. Cut them to size with scissors to fill the space above and/or below the plastic window bracket. HEADS UP: The goal is an airtight seal, not a perfect mechanical fit. Use all the foam and sealing strips provided. Any gap, even half an inch, lets in hot air and cripples performance. Tape can be a temporary sealant.

Question 3

the remote for my lg portable ac just doesn't work anymore, but the buttons on the unit are fine.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: Dead batteries in the remote are the first suspect. The second is the unit's infrared sensor being blocked or the remote being out of alignment. FIX: Replace the remote's batteries (2 AAA). Point the remote directly at the front-panel display on the AC from no more than 10 feet away. Ensure no furniture or objects are blocking the path. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: Test the remote on your phone's camera. Point the remote's LED at your phone camera and press a button. If you don't see a purple light flash through the camera viewfinder, the remote is dead and needs replacement (order LG part AKB73675607). HEADS UP: The IR sensor on the unit is behind the small dark plastic window on the front panel. Keep it clean and free of dust. Sunlight or very bright room lights can sometimes interfere with the IR signal.

Question 4

it's making a loud gurgling or water trickling noise, mostly when it first starts or stops. sounds broken.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: That's normal refrigerant flow noise. The refrigerant moves through the coils and settles when the compressor cycles off. FIX: No fix needed—it's a characteristic sound of this and many portable ACs. To potentially minimize it, ensure the unit is sitting perfectly level on the floor. A slight tilt can make the refrigerant drainage within the coils noisier. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: If the sound is a loud sloshing (like a water bottle), the internal drain pan might have excess water. Try draining the tank as per the shutoff fix above. HEADS UP: Distinguish this from a grinding or rattling noise. Gurgling/trickling = normal refrigerant. Grinding = a foreign object in the fan or a failing motor bearing. Rattling = loose panels or an unstable window bracket.

Question 5

the exhaust hose connection at the back of the unit feels loose and hot air leaks into the room, is this normal?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: No, it's not normal and it destroys efficiency. The hose isn't fully locked into the unit's rear port, or the inner flapper door is obstructed. FIX: Disconnect the hose. Check the circular plastic adapter on the unit—ensure the inner flapper moves freely. Align the hose connector's tabs with the adapter's slots and push in firmly until you hear a distinct click. Tug on it to confirm it's secure. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The plastic locking tabs on the hose connector or the unit's adapter might be broken. Inspect for cracks. If broken, you must order the exact LG replacement vent kit part. Tape is a temporary, inefficient fix. HEADS UP: That leaking air is 120°F+ exhaust. Every bit leaking into your room is heat your AC is working to remove, creating a vicious cycle. A secure connection is critical for basic operation.

Question 6

how do you clean the filter on this thing? i can't find where it's at on my lg portable ac.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: The air filter is behind the front grille, which doesn't have an obvious latch. It's a simple slide-out design people often miss. FIX: Turn unit off. Grip the sides of the entire front plastic panel (the large grille) and pull it straight towards you. It will detach. The rectangular foam filter is right behind it. Rinse under lukewarm water, let dry completely, and snap the front panel back on. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: If the panel won't budge, you might be pulling at the wrong spot. Focus your grip on the left and right edges, not the top or bottom. It requires a firm, even pull. HEADS UP: Do not run the unit without the filter. It's not just for air quality—it prevents dust from clogging the evaporator coil inside, which would permanently kill cooling efficiency and is a nightmare to clean.

Question 7

lp1018wnr keeps turning off by itself after running for a while, not on a timer, just shuts down.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: It's hitting its internal full-tank safety. The unit collects condensation and will shut off to prevent water spillage when the reservoir is full. FIX: Drain the internal tank immediately. Unplug, carefully move the unit to a location where you can access the back. Remove the rubber drain plug (lower back, near the bottom). Let all water drain into a pan. Reinsert plug firmly. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The unit may be overheating due to a blocked air intake or exhaust. Ensure the air filter is clean and nothing is within 20 inches of the rear exhaust vent or side intakes. HEADS UP: In high humidity, it will fill up faster. For continuous drainage, you can attach a standard garden hose (not provided) to the drain port and run it to a floor drain, but the unit must be level or slightly tilted back for this to work.

Question 8

my lg portable ac is blowing but the air is barely cool, it's like a fan, what's the point?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: The unit isn't properly exhausting hot air, or the refrigerant circuit has an issue. The most common culprit is an incomplete seal on the window vent kit. FIX: Seal the window vent kit completely. Check every inch. The foam panels must fill all gaps. The exhaust hose must be fully snapped into both the unit and the window bracket, with the inner flap opening freely. A tiny gap here pulls in hot attic or wall air, killing cooling. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The condensate reservoir might be full, triggering an auto-shutoff to prevent overflow. Unplug, move the unit, and check the drain plug at the back-bottom. If water comes out, empty it completely. HEADS UP: These units are inherently less efficient than window ACs because the entire hot side (compressor, condenser) is inside your room. A perfect seal on the single-hose vent is non-negotiable for it to work at all.

LG LP1018WNR Portable Air Conditioner

Other Portable AC & Fans