Your Gree aircon is showing an error code like E1, E6, H3, or C5 and you need to know what it means. You need three things: how to read the code on your Gree display, what each code actually represents, and whether you can fix it yourself or need to call a technician.
This guide answers all three. At Lion City Aircon, we’ve serviced over 22,000 aircon units across Singapore since 2016, including a growing number of Gree splits and multi-splits. Gree is one of the world’s largest aircon manufacturers and increasingly common in Singapore homes, both under its own name and through Tosot, which is Gree’s sub-brand. This page is based on Gree’s official documentation cross-checked against what we actually see in real Singapore homes.
Jump to your section:
- How to Read Your Gree Error Code
- Common E-Codes (E1 to E8)
- H, C, F and U Codes
- Repair Cost in Singapore
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Read Your Gree Error Code
Gree aircons display error codes on the indoor unit’s LED display, the same panel that normally shows the set temperature. When a fault triggers, the display alternates or switches to the code.
Gree uses four main letter categories:
- E codes: system protection faults like pressure, current and communication (E1 to E8)
- H codes: compressor and motor protection faults (H1 to H6)
- C and U codes: control board and configuration faults (C5, U8)
- F codes: sensor and refrigerant faults (F0 to F5)
One important note before you panic: H1 is not a fault. It means the unit is running its defrost cycle, which is normal. The code clears itself when defrosting finishes.
If You Can’t See the Code Clearly
- Take a photo of the indoor unit display.
- For intermittent codes, take a 30-second video.
- WhatsApp +65 8818 5781. We can identify the code and likely cause before sending a team.
How to Reset the Display
- Switch off the aircon at the wall switch.
- Wait 5 minutes for the system to fully discharge.
- Switch back on.
- If the same code reappears, the underlying fault is still present. Repeated resets without fixing the cause can make things worse.
Common Gree Error Codes (E Series)
E1: High Pressure Protection
The refrigerant circuit pressure is too high. One of the most common Gree codes we attend in Singapore.
Common causes:
- Dirty outdoor condenser coils restricting heat dissipation (#1 cause in Singapore)
- Blocked outdoor unit airflow (mounted too close to a wall, dust accumulation)
- Refrigerant overcharge from a previous service
- Failed high pressure switch
What to do: Clean the outdoor unit first. If E1 persists, it needs a refrigerant and pressure switch check. Severity: High. Do not keep running the unit.
E2: Anti-Freeze Protection
The indoor evaporator coil is freezing up.
Common causes:
- Severely dirty air filter restricting airflow (#1 cause)
- Low refrigerant level
- Blocked or restricted indoor airflow
What to do: Clean your filters first. If E2 returns, the coil needs a proper clean or there is a refrigerant issue. Severity: Medium.
E3: Low Pressure Protection
Refrigerant pressure is abnormally low, which almost always means gas has leaked.
What to do: A pressure test finds the leak; topping up without finding it is money down the drain. See our gas top-up guide. Severity: High.
E4: Compressor Discharge Temperature Protection
The compressor is running too hot.
Common causes:
- Low refrigerant
- Dirty condenser
- Blocked capillary or expansion valve
What to do: Switch off and call a technician. Running a compressor hot shortens its life fast. Severity: High.
E5: Overcurrent Protection
The system detected excessive electrical current, often during voltage fluctuations or when the compressor is struggling.
Common causes:
- Unstable supply voltage
- Dirty condenser making the compressor work harder
- Failing compressor
What to do: Reset once. If it returns, diagnosis needed. Severity: High.
E6: Communication Error
The indoor and outdoor units have stopped talking to each other.
Common causes:
- Damaged or corroded signal cable (common after renovation or rewiring)
- Water in the connection points
- Failed communication board
What to do: This is wiring or PCB territory, not DIY. Severity: Medium, but the unit usually won’t run until fixed.
E8: High Temperature Protection
The unit shut down to protect itself from overheating, usually the outdoor unit baking in afternoon sun with a dirty coil.
What to do: Check the condenser is clean and has airflow clearance. If placement is the issue, it will keep happening. Severity: Medium.
H, C, F and U Codes
H1: Defrosting (Normal)
Not a fault. The unit is defrosting its coil and will resume shortly. If it defrosts constantly, gas may be low.
H3: Compressor Overload Protection
The compressor’s thermal protector has tripped. Causes overlap with E4: low gas, dirty condenser, aging compressor. Needs diagnosis. Severity: High.
H5: IPM Protection
The inverter power module has detected a fault. Can be triggered by voltage spikes or a failing module. If it repeats, the outdoor PCB needs attention. Severity: High.
H6: Indoor Fan Motor Failure
No feedback from the indoor blower motor: the fan is stuck, jammed with dirt, or the motor has failed. A common one on units that have skipped servicing for years, because a dirt-caked blower wheel strains the motor. Severity: Medium. Repairable, usually $200 to $350 for a motor replacement.
C5: Jumper Cap Malfunction
The control board’s jumper cap is missing, loose or wrong. This usually appears after a PCB has been replaced with the wrong configuration. A technician visit sorts it quickly. Severity: Low to Medium.
F0: Refrigerant Collection / Lack of Refrigerant
The system suspects it is short of gas or has a blockage. Treat it like E3: find the leak, don’t just top up. Severity: High.
F1 to F5: Sensor Faults
Open or short circuits on the temperature sensors: F1 indoor ambient, F2 indoor coil, F3 outdoor ambient, F4 outdoor coil, F5 discharge sensor. Sensors are one of the cheaper fixes, from $130 including parts. Severity: Low to Medium.
U8: Zero-Cross Detection Fault
The indoor fan motor’s zero-crossing signal is faulty, a control board issue. Needs a PCB check. Severity: Medium.
What Gree Repairs Cost in Singapore
Diagnosis is $80, waived if you proceed with the repair. Typical ranges from our actual jobs: sensor replacements from $130, fan motor replacements $200 to $350, PCB repairs $250 to $600, gas top-up $80 to $200 after confirming the leak situation, pressure test from $190. All repairs carry our 30-day labour warranty.
Gree parts are generally affordable and available in Singapore, which is part of why the brand’s budget models have become popular. If your unit is over 10 years old and facing a compressor-level fault, ask us honestly whether repair or replacement makes more sense. We’ll tell you straight.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Gree aircon shows H1. Is it broken?
No. H1 is the defrost cycle, which is normal operation. It clears by itself. Only worry if it defrosts constantly, which can indicate low gas.
Can I fix Gree error codes myself?
Two safe DIY steps: clean your filters (helps E2) and check the outdoor unit isn’t blocked or filthy (helps E1, E4, E8). Everything else involving refrigerant, wiring or boards needs a technician.
Why does my Gree show E6 after my renovation?
E6 is a communication fault between indoor and outdoor units. Renovation work frequently damages or disturbs the interconnect cable. Have the wiring checked before assuming the PCB failed.
Is my Tosot aircon the same as Gree for error codes?
Largely yes. Tosot is Gree’s sub-brand and shares the same platforms, so the code tables above generally apply. WhatsApp us a photo of your display if unsure.
Do you repair Gree aircons in Singapore?
Yes. We’re brand-neutral and service and repair Gree, Tosot and every major brand across Singapore, with same-day slots in most areas.
Gree aircon showing an error code right now?
WhatsApp a photo of your display to +65 8818 5781 and we’ll tell you what it means and what it’ll likely cost, before we come down. $80 diagnosis, waived if you proceed with the repair. 30-day labour warranty on all repair work. 1,600+ five-star Google reviews.
