De'Longhi Portable Air Conditioner HL — What It Means & How to Fix It
Also shown as Ft on some models.
HL (or Ft) on a De'Longhi portable air conditioner means the unit is full of water and has to be drained.
What this code means
De'Longhi's US support FAQ says the Ft and HL messages mean the unit is full of water and needs draining. Its Pinguino Extreme page expands HL as "High Level" — the internal tray is full. Condensate that is not evaporated out through the exhaust collects in a safety tank, and the unit stops when that tank fills.
De'Longhi's US FAQ covers HL and Ft together for its portable air conditioners, and its GB page for the Pinguino Extreme gives the "High Level" wording. Drain positions vary between Pinguino models, so follow the draining section of your own manual.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Internal safety tank full of condensate | Very common | Yes — no tools |
| Very humid weather producing more water than the unit can evaporate | Common | Yes — drain more often |
What you can try yourself
- Switch the unit off and unplug it.
- Move it to where you can drain it, or slide a shallow tray under the drain at the back.
- Find the drain hose on the back of the unit, pull out the stopper and let the water run out.
- Refit the stopper firmly, plug the unit in and restart it.
When to call a technician
- HL or Ft returns immediately after a full drain.
- Water is leaking from the casing instead of the drain.
Typical professional repair cost: Free. If the message will not clear after draining, contact De'Longhi customer service.
Frequently asked questions
How do I drain a De'Longhi Pinguino?
The drain hose is on the back of the unit. Unplug its stopper and let the water flow into a tray or a floor drain, then put the stopper back.
What does Ft mean on a De'Longhi air conditioner?
De'Longhi's US FAQ treats Ft the same as HL: the unit is full of water and needs to be drained.
Sources checked
- De'Longhi US FAQ: My unit is displaying an HL or Ft error message, what does this mean?
- De'Longhi GB FAQ: Pinguino Extreme error messages Lt/Lh/HL/PF/FI/F2
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related De'Longhi codes
- De'Longhi Portable Air Conditioner Lt Lt on a De'Longhi Pinguino means "Low Temperature" — the frost protection has paused the unit, and it restarts by itself after defrosting.
- De'Longhi Portable Air Conditioner PF PF on a De'Longhi Pinguino means "Probe Failure": a probe is damaged, and De'Longhi says to contact customer service.
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