One of the most convenient options for keeping a room cool in the hot summer months is to use a portable air conditioner. These air conditioners are made by companies such as DeLonghi and are easy to set up, only requiring an exhaust vent to be placed in a window.
However, these air conditioners need to be drained, but how often is sometimes confusing. So below we’ll look at how often you should drain your Delonghi portable air conditioner.
How Often Should You Drain Your Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner?
As often as every 8 hours or as long as once a season, it all depends on the humidity in your area.
Portable air conditioners cool the air in a room, but they also remove excess humidity to make it feel more comfortable.
This excess humidity is stored in a tank at the bottom of the portable air conditioner.
If you live in a very dry area, you may only need to drain it once at the end of the summer for cleaning reasons.
But if it’s humid where you live, you may want to empty this at least once a day or more when the tank starts to fill.
How To Drain A Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner
Draining a Delonghi air conditioner is a pretty easy process and one that only takes minutes to do.
1. Locate the drain cap
All Delonghi portable air conditioners will have a drain plug. They are located on the back of the unit and usually in the middle. It’s very hard to miss and you should be able to find it quickly regardless of what model you have.
They will look like a threaded cap, usually with a gripping surface to make it easier to remove and tighten.
2. Get a pan or bowl ready to collect the water
You will need something to catch the water once you remove the drain cap. This can be a bowl or shallow pan if you don’t want to move the unit at all during the draining.
You can also move the unit to a place where the water can be dumped, such as outdoors or in a shower stall.
Once you have decided where to collect the water, simply unscrew the drain cap and let the water drain out.
You may want to tip the unit slightly towards the drain cap to make sure all water is removed from the portable air conditioner.
Only tip the unit slightly, as moving it too much will upset the liquid refrigerant inside.
If the unit is tipped over fully, wait an hour after setting it upright before starting it up again.
Of course, the unit should be unplugged and not running during this entire procedure.
3. Replace the drain cap
After the water has been drained, simply replace the drain cap and you’re ready to start the unit up again and use it.
If you don’t replace the drain plug, water will just flow out of the drain as the air conditioner runs and will likely damage the floor. Make sure to check for leaks periodically around the drain cap to ensure it is tightly secured in place.
Why Does My Delonghi Portable Conditioner Keep Filling With Water?
This is actually normal and it simply needs to be drained. All air conditioners remove excess humidity from the air and that humidity needs to be drained in the form of water.
Window air conditioners simply drip this water to the outside, and central air units drain it outside or to a floor drain.
With portable air conditioners, it is stored in a tray since it can’t be drained on the floor of your room.
Simply drain the unit when it becomes too full to continue using it.
If the unit is filling with water in other parts instead of the reservoir tank, then there may be a leak somewhere inside the unit and it requires maintenance. Additionally, one of the drainage areas may be clogged.
Does A Portable Air Conditioner Need A Drain Hose?
If you want to run your portable air conditioner without ever needing to drain it, then you’ll need a drain hose running from the unit to somewhere it can drain safely.
Without a drain hose, the unit will still work, but the internal water storage will become full and need to be drained. This can be anywhere from a few hours to a few months depending on the humidity in your area.
Draining Your Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner FAQ
Where is the drain on a Delonghi air conditioner?
The drain is located on the back of the unit, towards the middle. It should be easy to spot on all models.
Turn the drain counterclockwise to remove it and drain the unit.
Do you have to empty water from a Delonghi air conditioner?
Yes. Periodically as the internal tray fills with water you will have to empty or drain it.
Depending on the humidity in your area, this can be anywhere from every few hours to once a season. The more humid it is , the more you will have to drain the water.
Delonghi portable air conditioner is not evaporating water?
Some Delonghi portable air conditioners use the water normally drained in the tank to cool some of the internal components to help them run more efficiently.
This also makes draining a less frequent task.
However, in a very humid climate, you will still need to drain the internal tank regularly as the evaporative cooling in the unit will not be enough to get rid of all the water.
In very dry climates though you may be able to go all season before having to drain the tank.
Final Thoughts On Draining Your Delonghi Portable Air Conditioners
Delonghi portable air conditioners are well reviewed and should give you years of faithful service when used and maintained properly.
Following the steps in this article should give you the information you need to drain your DeLonghi air conditioner and keep it running all summer long.