Why does window A/C have a bellows controlled drain valve?

[dougwalker]

LG thru-the-wall 1 ton A/C unit with heat... there's a drain valve in the rear corner of the pan, but why not just have a hole? The darn thing appears to be thermostatically controlled, here's it's part number:

5220A30006A

[jumptrout]

It is there because accumulated condensation assist in cooling the refrigerant lines for correct operation.

[dougwalker]

Oh, as much sense as that makes, then when does it ever open? I haven't seen it open yet, and there are no wires going to it...

It appears to have a bellows so it must be thermostatically controlled.

[nickfixit]

Maybe it drains when it gets cold, or when heat functions are selected. They would not want water to freeze in the pan, and the water would not aid the heat functions.

When in cooling mode, the condenser fan slings water onto the hot condenser thus aiding the heat dissapation.

Yes, I need spell check... but why itsn't there one in Windows 7, or IE, or AOL, or this forum?

Stupid brain lets me down

Edited July 1, 2012 by nickfixit

[dougwalker]

hmmm.... opens when cold? That's a twist. One of these days I'm going to pop one of these in the freezer and then hit it with a blow dryer just for poops n giggles. THANKS FOR SHARING!

Best regards ~

Doug

[DADoESTX]

I do recall reading some tech info on a window unit of a brand I don't recall. A heat/cool unit, which had a condensate drain valve as NickFixIt suggests ... opens when cold so any standing water doesn't freeze and jam the condensor fan.