Code: HC🔧 Gree Mini Split

Gree Mini Split Error Code HC: PFC Protection (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-24 · Based on 5 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Gree's service manuals list HC as "PFC protection" in their malfunction tables: the 27 SEER Jasmine manual, the Multi21+ manual (MULTI18HP230V1CO / MULTI24HP230V1CO), the Free Match manual (where the indoor lamp blinks 6 times) and Gree Australia's Mini After-sales Service Manual. PFC stands for power factor correction, the stage on the outdoor board that uses a reactor (an inductor coil) to turn the incoming AC into the DC bus that drives the inverter compressor. The Jasmine table says that during cooling and drying the compressor stops while the indoor fan operates, and during heating the complete unit stops. On larger Kinghome / Super Free Match 48K-56K outdoor units, the outdoor board's yellow LED flashes 7 times for "PFC current protection" and the testing board shows HC. Gree's Multi21+ manual groups it with capacity charging malfunction and lists the main checking points as whether the reactor ("induction") wiring is connected well, whether the reactor is broken, and whether the mainboard is broken. HC is different from H5 (IPM protection) and from P8, which on some Gree outdoor units covers IPM or PFC over-temperature.

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

The PFC circuit, reactor and DC bus capacitors are on the outdoor inverter board, which stays charged at high voltage after power is switched off. Don't open the outdoor unit yourself; leave voltage, reactor and board checks to a qualified HVAC technician.

  1. Note whether HC appears right at start-up or after running a while, and whether lights flicker or other appliances act up at the same time; that points to a supply problem.
  2. Clear anything blocking the outdoor unit (covers, plants, snow, debris), and clean the indoor filters. Gree lists dirty heat exchangers and blocked inlets or outlets as a cause.
  3. Make sure the unit is on its own correctly sized circuit and not on an extension cord or shared, overloaded circuit.
  4. Switch the unit off at the breaker or disconnect for a few minutes, then restore power and see if it runs normally.
  5. If HC comes back, stop resetting it and book a service call; the remaining checks are on the outdoor board and reactor, which hold high voltage.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • Measure the supply at the outdoor terminal block. Gree's Jasmine outdoor flowchart checks L to N for 210 to 240 VAC and has the supply repaired if the input is outside 180 to 260 VAC.
  • Shut off power and wait 20 minutes, or measure the electrolytic capacitor with a DC meter until it reads below 20 V, before touching the board (Jasmine manual).
  • Check the reactor (L) and its connection wires: tight, not pulled out, correctly connected. Replace the reactor if it's damaged (Multi21+ flowchart).
  • Check and clean the indoor and outdoor coils and confirm both fans run.
  • If the supply, reactor and wiring are good and HC persists, replace the outdoor main board as Gree's flowcharts direct.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

⚙

Outdoor control board (inverter board)

Gree's last step once supply voltage and the reactor check out. Must match your outdoor unit's exact model; have a technician confirm before ordering.

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Digital multimeter

For checking supply voltage at the terminal block (by a qualified person).

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Coil cleaner

For a dirty indoor or outdoor heat exchanger, one of the causes Gree lists.

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Sources

  1. Gree 27 SEER Jasmine mini split service manual: malfunction table (HC PFC protection; compressor stops in cool/dry with indoor fan running, whole unit stops in heat) and outdoor capacity charging malfunction check (L-N 210-240 VAC, 180-260 VAC input, capacitor below 20 V, reactor L wiring, replace outdoor mainboard AP1)
  2. Gree Multi21+ service manual, models MULTI18HP230V1CO / MULTI24HP230V1CO: error list (PFC protection HC) and 2. PFC protection malfunction, capacity charging malfunction (checking points and flowcharts: power supply, reactor, outdoor mainboard)
  3. Gree Free Match service manual: error list (PFC protection HC, lamp blinks 6 times)
  4. Gree America Kinghome / Super Free Match 48K-56K service manual: outdoor error table (PFC current protection, yellow LED flashes 7 times, testing board HC)
  5. Gree Mini After-sales Service Manual (error code manual, Gree Australia): PFC protection (flash 6 times; unstable supply, plug/wiring board/reactor connection, dirty heat exchangers or blocked airflow, outdoor main board) and code list HC PFC protection

Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.