How Does the Drainage System Work?
Genuine Comfort units are designed to manage condensation produced during heating and cooling operation. Depending on the model, the drainage system may include a Styrofoam component, drain pan, drain valve, and wall sleeve drainage opening.
During Cooling Mode
Water collected inside the unit is reused on the outdoor coil to assist with cooling and improve heat transfer.
During Heating Mode
Water is directed through the drainage system in the following sequence:
- Water collects in the Styrofoam drainage component.
- Water flows into the unit's drain pan.
- Water drains into the wall sleeve.
- Water exits the sleeve toward the exterior of the building.
Depending on the installation, water may drip directly below the unit or be redirected away from the building using a compatible drain kit.
Drain Pan Foam
The Styrofoam component is part of the unit's drainage system. During heating operation, water flows through the drainage area into the unit's drain pan before reaching the wall sleeve.
Important: Do not remove the factory-installed Styrofoam component. It is part of the unit's drainage design and should remain in place.
Styrofoam component used in the Genuine Comfort drainage system.
Location of the Styrofoam drainage component inside the unit.
Drain Valve
The drain valve helps manage condensation and prevent water from freezing inside the unit during colder outdoor conditions.
During normal cooling operation, collected condensation is reused to help cool the outdoor coil.
As outdoor temperatures decrease, the drain valve gradually opens to allow accumulated water to drain from the unit.
- At approximately 20°C (68°F) outdoor temperature: The valve begins to open.
- At approximately 0°C (32°F) outdoor temperature: The valve reaches its maximum opening of approximately 7 mm, allowing water to drain more freely and reducing the risk of freezing.
Important: The drain valve is only included on Genuine Comfort units equipped with a heat pump. Not all units have this feature.
Drain Valve
Drain Hole and Wall Sleeve Drainage
During heating operation, water flows from the unit's drainage system into the wall sleeve, where it exits through the drainage opening.
The drain hole allows collected water to leave the sleeve and drain toward the exterior of the building.
Important: Do not block or seal the drainage opening. A blocked drainage path may cause water to accumulate and potentially leak into the room.
Drainage opening in the wall sleeve where condensation exits.
What Is the Purpose of a Drain Kit?
A drain kit is an accessory designed to redirect condensation away from the exterior wall of a building.
Without a drain kit, water may exit the wall sleeve and drip directly down the building's exterior surface. Over time, this can leave visible water marks or staining.
When a compatible drain kit is installed, condensation can be directed away from the building toward a suitable drainage location.
Important: Drain kits are separate accessories and may not be included with the unit. Contact Genuine Comfort Support to confirm compatibility with your specific model.
Genuine Comfort Drain Kit Components –
Drain kit components used to direct condensation away from the wall sleeve and building exterior.
Why Is Water Dripping Down the Exterior of My Building?
Condensation exiting the wall sleeve can be a normal part of the unit's operation.
However, if water repeatedly runs down the building's exterior, it may leave visible staining or water marks.
Installing a compatible drain kit can help redirect this water away from the building and reduce the possibility of staining.
If water is leaking inside the room instead of draining outdoors, check that:
- The wall sleeve is installed with the correct pitch according to the applicable installation manual.
- The drainage opening is not blocked by dirt or debris.
- The unit and wall sleeve are properly installed.
If the issue continues, contact Genuine Comfort Support for further assistance.
Need Assistance?
If you are unsure whether your unit has a drain valve or is compatible with a drain kit, please provide your model number when contacting Genuine Comfort Support.
Our team can help identify the appropriate drainage components for your unit.