Daikin AC Error Code HC — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

HC on a Daikin AC means the outdoor unit has detected an overcurrent condition — the electrical current drawn by the compressor or inverter circuit has exceeded safe limits. Daikin stops the compressor immediately to protect the inverter board and compressor from damage. This is a serious fault that requires a technician.

Affected Models

Daikin FTKF Series
Daikin FTKG Series
Daikin ATKF Series
Daikin Inverter Split AC (all models)
Daikin 1 Ton / 1.5 Ton / 2 Ton Inverter

Common Causes

Compressor drawing excessive current — a sign the compressor is starting to fail or is under extreme load
Refrigerant overcharge — too much refrigerant forces the compressor to work against very high pressure, increasing current draw
Low refrigerant combined with a partially blocked expansion valve — compressor strains and overheats
Inverter PCB fault — IGBT transistors or current sensing components malfunctioning
Mains voltage drop during peak demand causing the inverter to draw higher current to maintain power output
Outdoor unit heat exchanger severely blocked — compressor runs hot and draws excess current

How to Fix It

Turn off the AC at the remote and at the circuit breaker immediately.

Do not attempt repeated restarts. If the compressor is drawing excessive current, each restart risks burning out the inverter board or compressor windings.
Check that the outdoor unit heat exchanger is not blocked.

Look at the outdoor unit fins — they should be clean and open. Heavy dust or debris between the fins forces the compressor to work harder and draw more current. Clear any obvious blockage and ensure at least 50 cm clearance on all sides.
Allow the unit to rest for 30 minutes before calling a technician.

If HC appeared during unusually high ambient temperature or after the AC ran for many hours, the compressor may have thermally tripped. A rest period sometimes allows a thermal protector to reset.
Call a Daikin technician to diagnose the root cause.

The technician will measure the compressor running current with a clamp meter, check refrigerant pressure, and test the inverter PCB. Do not allow refrigerant top-up without first understanding why HC appeared — an overcharge makes HC worse.

When to Call a Professional

HC on Daikin always requires a licensed technician. Do not attempt to restart the unit repeatedly — if the compressor is the cause, continued running risks permanent compressor failure. Daikin India customer care: 1800-103-3666.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HC on Daikin always mean the compressor is failing?

Not always. HC can appear due to mains voltage issues, refrigerant problems, or inverter PCB faults — not only compressor failure. A technician with a clamp meter and manifold gauge set can tell which component is drawing excess current within one visit.

Can refrigerant overcharge cause HC on Daikin?

Yes — this is one of the less obvious causes. If a technician added too much refrigerant during a previous service, the high-side pressure becomes very high. The compressor must work much harder to push refrigerant through the system, which increases current draw and triggers HC.

How much does it cost to repair HC on a Daikin AC?

If the cause is a blocked outdoor unit or mains voltage issue, the repair cost is very low — just the service call fee. If the inverter PCB needs replacement, expect 5,000-12,000 rupees depending on the model. If the compressor has failed, a replacement compressor for a Daikin inverter model costs 8,000-20,000 rupees including installation.