Portable air conditioners, also known as mobile or freestanding air conditioners, provide localized cooling for single rooms. Unlike window air conditioning units, portable AC units don’t need to be secured in or mounted to a window but can be moved from room to room. They offer more flexibility in installation since they only need access to a nearby window for the exhaust hose that removes hot air from the room. One of the top portable AC brands is LG, known for quality appliances and electronics. But as with any AC unit, proper maintenance is required for optimal performance. This includes periodically draining your LG portable AC of excess condensation.
Page Contents
- 1 How Do Portable Air Conditioners Work?
- 2 When to Drain an LG Portable AC
- 3 How Often to Drain an LG Portable AC
- 4 Step-by-Step Draining Process
- 4.1 1. Turn off and unplug the AC unit.
- 4.2 2. Locate the drain valve or outlet.
- 4.3 3. Place a pan or bucket beneath the drain outlet.
- 4.4 4. Remove the drain cap.
- 4.5 5. Allow water to drain fully.
- 4.6 6. Replace the cap or close the valve.
- 4.7 7. Discard drained water as needed.
- 4.8 8. Restart your portable AC unit.
- 5 Tips for Easier Draining
- 6 When to Call a Professional
- 7 Conclusion
How Do Portable Air Conditioners Work?
LG portable AC units contain components similar to window ACs or central AC systems. There is a condenser, evaporator coil, compressor, and fans. Room air is drawn in and passed over the cold evaporator coil which absorbs heat from the air and cools it. The refrigerant in the coil absorbs this heat energy and carries it to the condenser outside where it is expelled along with the hot air generated.
Moisture is also removed from the room air as it passes over the cold evaporator coil. Just like a glass of ice water will sweat, moisture condenses on the cold coil and drips down into a drain pan. The condensed water needs to be drained regularly. Most portable ACs will have a couple methods for drainage:
Self-Evaporative System
Many LG portable ACs are equipped with a self-evaporating system. The condensate collected in the drain pan gets recycled through the condenser side of the AC unit. As it passes through the hot condenser, the water evaporates and exits along with the rest of the hot air. This eliminates the need to manually empty drain water under normal operating conditions. It’s an efficient process when humidity levels are low to moderate.
Gravity Drainage
For areas with high humidity, the AC may produce condensate faster than the self-evaporating system can dissipate it. In this case, gravity drainage may be needed. Most portable AC units will have a drain outlet that connects to a drain hose. This allows condensed water to drain continuously through the hose into a bucket, floor drain or outside.
When to Drain an LG Portable AC
To keep your LG portable AC running at optimal efficiency, periodic draining maintenance is required. Here are some signs it’s time to drain the excess condensation:
Reduced Cooling Power
If the internal drain pan becomes too full, it can’t efficiently absorb heat from the evaporator coil and your AC won’t be as effective at cooling. Draining the condensed water restores full contact between the coil and drain pan.
Leakage
You may notice water dripping or leaking from your portable AC if the internal drain reservoir becomes overloaded. This indicates it’s time to drain the collection tank.
Display Warnings
Many LG portable ACs have a digital display and control panel. Error notifications related to drainage may appear here, such as “P1” for drainage problems. Refer to your owner’s manual for the specific code. The manual can also provide tips for clearing clogs related to condensed moisture.
Humidity Readings
If your portable AC has a humidistat that displays the room’s humidity level, this can help indicate when drainage is required. If humidity readings remain high even when the AC is running, excess moisture may be building up internally. Draining it can improve dehumidification capabilities.
Outside Humidity
On days when the outdoor humidity levels are very high, your AC will need to work harder to remove moisture from indoor air. Check and drain your LG portable AC more frequently on humid, rainy days or during peak summer cooling seasons. Increased moisture in the air leads to increased condensate production.
Noisy Operation
If you notice gurgling sounds or the AC seems noisier than normal, check the internal reservoir. When it’s filled with condensation, airflow can be obstructed and cause noises. Draining the tank should resolve this.
How Often to Drain an LG Portable AC
How frequently you need to drain condensation from your LG portable AC depends primarily on two factors:
1. Humidity Levels
Areas with high humidity, such as coastal climates or the Southeastern U.S., will require drainage more often. Times of year when humidity is higher, like summer, also leads to more condensate production.
2. Usage
The number of hours you run your portable AC daily impacts drainage frequency. If you only use it occasionally, drainage might be needed a couple times per week. But running it all day can fill the reservoir faster, requiring draining every 1-2 days.
Here are some general guidelines for draining frequency under typical conditions:
Self-Evaporating Systems:
– Drain every 2-4 weeks
Gravity Drainage:
– Drain 1-2 times per week with moderate use
– Drain daily with extended use
Adjust according to humidity levels and your specific usage patterns. Checking the reservoir occasionally when first using the AC can help you determine optimal draining frequency.
Step-by-Step Draining Process
Draining an LG portable AC takes just a few simple steps:
1. Turn off and unplug the AC unit.
Make sure power is disconnected before maintenance.
2. Locate the drain valve or outlet.
Consult your owner’s manual if needed. Drain access may be located on the back or bottom side.
3. Place a pan or bucket beneath the drain outlet.
This will catch the condensation as it drains out.
4. Remove the drain cap.
In some models, you simply slide a release lever to open the valve. Others require manually unscrewing a drain plug.
5. Allow water to drain fully.
All condensed moisture should empty from the reservoir into your collection pan or bucket.
6. Replace the cap or close the valve.
Securely seal the drain outlet again when finished.
7. Discard drained water as needed.
Dump the collection pan or bucket.
8. Restart your portable AC unit.
Plug back in and power on the LG AC. Cooling should operate smoothly again.
Repeat this simple drain process whenever condensation builds up based on your unit’s needs. Proper drainage helps prevent leaks, noise, reduced performance and moisture-related repairs.
Tips for Easier Draining
Here are some useful tips to make draining your LG portable AC faster and simpler:
– Drain first thing in the morning when the reservoir is most full after all-night use.
– When lifting or tilting the unit, have someone assist so you don’t strain yourself or spill water.
– Use a large pan, bucket or floor drain to catch water so it doesn’t overflow.
– Avoid kinks in the drain hose that could block water flow.
– Periodically clean the drain pan and hose of algae, mold and debris.
– Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended cleaning solution. A diluted bleach or vinegar solution typically works well.
– Consider installing a condensate pump if lifting and draining the unit is difficult. Pumps automatically remove moisture.
– Purchase a Yan drain tray to collect leaking condensation if your AC doesn’t drain properly.
When to Call a Professional
While periodic drainage is part of normal portable AC maintenance, there are some situations when professional service may be needed:
– If the drain outlet becomes clogged with sediment or debris.
– If algae, mold or mildew accumulates in the drain pan.
– For extensive condenser or evaporator cleaning.
– If error messages related to drainage persist even after attempting to drain the unit.
– If water leaks from your AC even right after being drained.
– For repairs to any leaking hoses, valves or fittings.
– If the portable AC needs recharged with refrigerant due to not cooling properly.
– For diagnosis of any unusual noises coming from the unit.
– If regular drainage maintenance used to resolve cooling issues but no longer seems effective.
Conclusion
Like any air conditioning system, LG portable units periodically need condensate water drained out to maintain performance and prevent problems. Draining helps remove moisture from high humidity intake air and restore cooling capabilities. Most portable ACs either recirculate water automatically with a self-evaporating system or allow manual drainage through a hose. Check your owner’s manual to drain the reservoir based on frequency recommendations and when warning signs appear. Proper drainage takes just a few minutes and keeps your AC running efficiently all cooling season long.