Air conditioner not cooling: reasons, error codes and what to check before calling a technician
Updated: June 2026
In short: When an air conditioner stops cooling, the most common cause is ice blocking the No Frost system — a problem that starts in the defrost heater or sensor. Disconnecting the power for 24 hours resets the system and solves some cases. An error code on the screen is a roadmap: E1 indicates a fan, F3/F4 a sensor, ED a defrost system. If the code returns after the reset — the problem is physical, not software.
Why is No Frost the root of most problems with the air conditioner?
Air coolers work on the No Frost principle: a fan distributes cold air throughout the refrigerator, and a heating element melts the ice that accumulates every few hours on the cooling fins (evaporator). When one of these components breaks down, ice builds up, blocking the airflow — and the refrigerator stops cooling.
Therefore, unlike an older refrigerator with only a thermostat, troubleshooting the HRF-628, HRF-663, and HRF-5800 requires an understanding of all three components: the defrost sensor, the defrost heater, and the evaporator fan. From our experience atMarom Service, over 60% of calls about a refrigerator that doesn't cool start there.
According to the manufacturer's instructions, the defrost heater operates several times a day to melt ice on the cooling fins. A heater failure causes ice buildup that blocks airflow within 24-48 hours.Source: Haier Service Manual, HRF-628/663 Series
What makes No Frost failures unique: They develop gradually. Sometimes the customer notices that the refrigerator is "not as cold as it used to be" weeks before it stops completely. Therefore, a refrigerator that is cooling less than usual is an early sign that should be addressed before food starts to spoil.
Common question: If I disconnect for 24 hours and the refrigerator works again — is the problem solved?
Not necessarily. The disconnection thawed the ice blocking the block, but if the heating element is faulty, the ice will return within a day or two. If the problem recurs twice or more, it's time for a technician.
Error Code Table — Models HRF-628, HRF-663, HRF-5800
Air conditioners display an error code on the display panel as soon as the system detects a fault. Know the code before calling a technician — that way the technician will know what to bring with them and you'll save a second visit.
| Error code | meaning | Initial home inspection | Requires a technician? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E0 | Disconnecting communication between PCB board and display board | Disconnect for 10 minutes, reconnect. | If it comes back - yes |
| E1 | Freezer fan motor malfunction | Check for ice blockage on the fan. | Yes — Engine replacement |
| E2 | Cooling fan motor malfunction | Clean dust behind the refrigerator | Yes — Connection check |
| E5 | Damper controller (air shutter) malfunction | Disconnect for 15 minutes | Yes — Damper replacement |
| ED | Defrost heating system malfunction | Check for ice buildup, defrost for 24 hours | Yes — Replacing the heating element |
| Er/EI | Ice maker malfunction | Turn off ice maker, check water supply | According to the finding |
| F2 | Freezer temperature sensor malfunction | Disconnect for 10 minutes | Yes — Sensor replacement |
| F3 | Refrigerator temperature sensor malfunction (R1) | Disconnect for 10 minutes | Yes — Sensor replacement |
| F4 | Defrost sensor malfunction | Check for ice buildup. | Yes — Sensor replacement |
| F5 | Environmental sensor malfunction | Check for extreme heat in the room | Yes if it comes back |
| FC | Ice maker sensor malfunction | Check water supply to the tube. | Yes — Sensor test |
E codes (E1, E2, E5) = Motor or controller problem — requires a technician. F codes (F2, F3, F4) = Sensor problem — usually a simple sensor replacement. ED code = Heart of the problem: Defrost system.
4 Home Inspections Before Calling a Technician
Before you pick up the phone, go through these four tests. At least one of them resolves about 30% of the inquiries we receive.
Check 1: Is the temperature set correctly?
Sounds basic, but an accidental press changed the setting. Make sure the refrigerator is set to 4 degrees and the freezer to minus 18 degrees. On digital models like the HRF-5800, the setting is listed on the front panel.
Check 2: Do the doors close properly?
Check the rubber seals. A rubber seal that is cracked, hard, or loses its grip lets in warm air every day. A simple test: Place a sheet of paper between the door and the refrigerator and close it. If the paper comes off easily, the rubber seal needs to be replaced.
A properly installed rubber seal for the freezer door ensures a hermetic seal and prevents ice buildup. Replacing the rubber seal in a timely manner saves on more expensive repairs later. For details on original rubber seals for your model, contact the Marom call center at *2620.
Check 3: Is there any noticeable ice buildup inside?
Open the freezer door and check the back wall. A thick layer of ice (over a centimeter) on the wall indicates a No Frost problem. This is a reason to disconnect the power for 24 hours before any other action.
Check 4: Is there sufficient ventilation behind the refrigerator?
The compressor needs at least 10 cm distance from the back wall and 5 cm from the sides. A refrigerator close to the wall overheats and reduces cooling capacity. Also, clean dust from the bottom ventilation grill — accumulated dust increases electricity consumption and shortens the life of the compressor.
Technician malfunction Marom Service We encounter it again and again: a refrigerator that displays an E2 code when it is against the wall. Proper placement cures the problem without replacing a part.Source: Field experience, team of technicians Marom Service
How to reset the air conditioner correctly
A proper reset is different from a normal shutdown. Here is the method that resets both the control circuits and the defrost system.
Pull the plug out of the socket completely — it’s not enough to turn it off with the button. It’s the physical disconnection that resets the circuits.
Wait 24 hours — not 10 minutes. 24 hours allows any ice buildup to completely thaw. 10 minutes only resets the software.
Plug it back in and don't open the door for the first hour — let the refrigerator reach a stable temperature.
Redefine the temperature: 4 degrees for the refrigerator, minus 18 for the freezer.
Wait 6 hours before placing food in — not 24, because No Frost cools quickly. Check for an error code after 6 hours.
If the error code returns within 48 hours of resetting — the problem is physical. Continued operation without treatment may lead to food spoilage and further damage to the compressor.
Common question: The refrigerator stopped cooling but there is no error code on the screen — what do we do?
In No Frost, a refrigerator that does not cool without a code often suffers from ice buildup that has not yet reached the threshold for activating a code. Perform an ice test (test 3) and disconnect for 24 hours. If after resetting the refrigerator cooled normally — the body is weak and needs to be checked.
Repair or replace the air cooler? Cost table
The general rule: If the repair cost exceeds 50% of the price of a similar new refrigerator, it is worth considering replacement. But not every repair is worth the same. Here is an up-to-date cost table for common parts:
| Repair/replace part | Estimated cost range | profitability |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature sensor replacement | 290-400 NIS (including visit) | It is always worth it. |
| Replacing the door seal | 150-250 NIS | It is always worth it. |
| Replacing the defrost heating element | 400-700 NIS | Suitable for up to 8 years old |
| Fan motor replacement | 500-900 NIS | Suitable for up to 7 years old |
| PCB board replacement | 800-1,500 NIS | Consideration according to the age of the refrigerator |
| Compressor replacement | 1,500-2,500 NIS | Usually not worth it in an old refrigerator |
The air coolers in HRF models are considered reliable. Therefore, repairing a sensor, rubber band, or defrost heating element is almost always worthwhile, even in a 6-7 year old refrigerator. On the other hand, a faulty compressor in a 10 year old refrigerator is already a topic of conversation with the technician.
According to the 60335 standard (safety of household electrical appliances), any repair work that involves access to internal electrical systems must be performed by a qualified technician. Opening the back of the refrigerator without certification may compromise liability and safety.Source: Standard T.I. 60335, Ministry of Economy
Original spare parts for the Haier refrigerator
Using genuine Haier parts preserves the warranty and prevents recurring failures. Non-genuine “compatible” parts may physically fit but work less efficiently — and in the case of a sensor, cause an incorrect reading that leads to new failures.
The most common parts we replace:
- Original temperature sensor for Haier refrigerator and freezer (0064000024) — Including a technician visit, 290 NIS
- Original water filter for 4-door refrigerator (0060869187) — For model HRF5800BS, replace every 6 months
- Freezer door seal — for different models, contact the hotline to check compatibility
- Cooling and defrosting fans — by model
- Vegetable drawers and shelves — All refrigerator accessories at the Merom store
Before purchasing a replacement part, tell us the full model number listed on the sticker behind the refrigerator. This way we can make sure the part fits exactly and not send you on another trip.
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FAQ
The Haier HRF-628 air conditioner displays an E1 code and is not a refrigerator — what should I do?
The E1 code on the HRF-628 model indicates a fault in the freezer fan motor. Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes and check for ice blocking the fan blades. If the code returns after resetting, the fan motor must be replaced, a job that requires a qualified technician.
The Haier 4-door refrigerator HRF-5800 freezes vegetables — what is the reason?
Vegetable freezing in the Haier HRF-5800 refrigerator is most often caused by a damper controller stuck in the open position, or a faulty temperature sensor that reports a higher temperature than the actual temperature. Check that the temperature setting is 4 degrees. If the problem persists, replace the original temperature sensor.
How often do you replace the water filter in the Haier HRF5800BS refrigerator and what are the signs that it's time?
The water filter in the Haier HRF5800BS refrigerator should be replaced every 6 months. Signs that it's time: weak water flow from the built-in faucet, a changed taste or odor, and a filter indicator that is fogging up. Original filter, part number 0060869187, ensures full filtration and maintains the warranty.
Air conditioner service in Jerusalem — do you have a technician?
Yes. ToMarom Service Jerusalem branch at 10 Madapisim, Atarot Industrial Zone. Technicians come to all Jerusalem neighborhoods — open a service call through Private area Or call *2620.
Is the air conditioner still not cooling?
A certified technician with original spare parts — comes to you all over the country. Holon, Jerusalem, Beer Sheva, Haifa.
Sources
- Haier Service Manual — HRF-628/663/5800 Series (Manufacturer's Instructions)
- Standard TI 60335 — Safety of household electrical appliances, Ministry of Economy
- Field experience: Team of technicians Marom Service, thousands of service visits to Air models
- midrag.co.il — Questions and reported problems about the Air Cooler
