Method of Operating a Laundry Treatment Appliance to Diagnose Faults

The present subject matter relates generally to laundry treatment appliances, and more particularly to diagnosing faults within laundry treatment appliances.

Laundry treatment appliances such as washing machine appliances generally include a tub configured to store wash water and a wash basket rotatably provided within the tub. Laundry articles may be placed into the wash basket or drum to be cleaned. Water and a detergent are supplied to the laundry articles and one or more washing phases such as tumbling, agitating, rinsing, spinning, or the like are performed to remove dirt and contaminants from the laundry articles. Further, many current laundry treatment appliances include multiple operational components, such as sensors, valves, motors, and the like which assist in automated performance and efficiency.

Such laundry treatment appliances may be susceptible to faults. For instance, one or more of the operational components may malfunction, break, wear out, or the like. In such instances, laundry operations are halted, and service may be required to alleviate the issue or issues. However, current laundry appliances exhibit several drawbacks. For example, a service technician may be required to disassemble the laundry appliance to find the source of the fault. For another example, multiple points of the appliance need to be checked to find the source of the fault and ensure the problem is fixed.

Accordingly, a laundry treatment appliance which obviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be beneficial. In particular, a method of immediately diagnosing and cataloguing faults within the appliance would be useful.

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry treatment appliance is provided. The laundry treatment appliance may include a cabinet; a tub provided within the cabinet; one or more operational components positioned within the cabinet, each of the one or more operational components being configured to monitor a function within the laundry treatment appliance; and a controller operably coupled with the one or more operational components, the controller being configured to perform an operation. The operation may include initiating a laundry operation within the laundry treatment appliance; detecting a fault within the laundry treatment appliance while performing the laundry operation; performing a postmortem diagnostic sequence at the one or more operational components upon detecting the fault, the postmortem diagnostic sequence including generating a diagnostic report; analyzing the diagnostic report; and implementing a responsive action after analyzing the diagnostic report.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a laundry treatment appliance is provided. The laundry treatment appliance may include a tub and one or more operational components, each of the one or more operational components being configured to monitor a function within the laundry treatment appliance. The method may include initiating a laundry operation within the laundry treatment appliance; detecting a fault within the laundry treatment appliance while performing the laundry operation; performing a postmortem diagnostic sequence at the one or more operational components upon detecting the fault, the postmortem diagnostic sequence including generating a diagnostic report; analyzing the diagnostic report; and implementing a responsive action after analyzing the diagnostic report.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within apercent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring now to the figures, an exemplary laundry appliance that may be used to implement aspects of the present subject matter will be described. Specifically,is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washer/dryer appliance(e.g., washer and condenser dryer combination appliance), referred to herein for simplicity as laundry treatment appliance or laundry appliance.is a side sectional view of laundry appliance. As illustrated, laundry appliancegenerally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. Laundry applianceincludes a cabinetthat extends between a topand a bottomalong the vertical direction V, between a left sideand a right sidealong the lateral direction, and between a frontand a rearalong the transverse direction T.

Referring to, a wash basket or laundry basketmay be rotatably mounted within cabinetsuch that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to the illustrated embodiment, axis of rotation A is substantially parallel to a horizontal direction (e.g., the transverse direction T), as this exemplary appliance is a front load appliance. A motor, such as a pancake motor, is in mechanical communication with wash basketto selectively rotate wash basket(e.g., during an agitation or a rinse phase of laundry appliance). Motormay be mechanically coupled to laundry basketdirectly or indirectly (e.g., via a pulley and a belt-not pictured). Wash basketmay be received within a tubthat defines a chamberthat is configured for receipt of articles for washing or drying. A sensor, such as a speed sensor or accelerometer, a current sensor, or the like, may be operably connected with motor. Sensormay monitor or sense an operation of motor(e.g., a power draw, a rotational speed, etc.). Thus, sensormay be configured to determine or sense certain faults or malfunctions of motor.

As used herein, the terms “clothing” or “articles” includes but need not be limited to fabrics, textiles, garments, linens, papers, or other items from which the extraction of moisture is desirable. Furthermore, the term “load” or “laundry load” refers to the combination of clothing that may be washed together or dried together in laundry appliance(e.g., the combination washer and condenser dryer) and may include a mixture of different or similar articles of clothing of different or similar types and kinds of fabrics, textiles, garments and linens within a particular laundering process.

Tubmay hold wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basketwithin tub. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Indeed, for simplicity of discussion, these terms may all be used interchangeably herein without limiting the present subject matter to any particular “wash fluid.”

Wash basketmay define one or more agitator features that extend into chamberto assist in agitation, cleaning, and drying of articles disposed within chamberduring operation of laundry appliance. For example, as illustrated in, a plurality of baffles or ribsextend from basketinto chamber. In this manner, for example, ribsmay lift articles disposed in wash basketand then allow such articles to tumble back to a bottom of drum wash basketas it rotates. Ribsmay be mounted to wash basketsuch that ribsrotate with wash basketduring operation of laundry appliance.

Referring generally to, cabinetmay include a front panelwhich defines an openingthat permits user access to laundry basketand tub. More specifically, laundry appliancemay include a doorthat is positioned over openingand is rotatably mounted to front panel. In this manner, doorpermits selective access to openingby being movable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a tuband a closed position () prohibiting access to tub. Laundry appliancemay further a latch assembly(see) that is mounted to cabinetor doorfor selectively locking doorin the closed position or detecting the doorin the closed position. Latch assemblymay be desirable, for example, to ensure only secured access to chamberor to otherwise ensure and verify that dooris closed during certain operating cycles or events.

In some embodiments, a windowin doorpermits viewing of laundry basketwhen dooris in the closed position (e.g., during operation of laundry appliance). Doormay include a handle (not shown) that, for example, a user may pull when opening and closing door. Further, although dooris illustrated as mounted to front panel, it should be appreciated that doormay be mounted to another side of cabinetor any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments.

Referring again to, laundry basketmay also define a plurality of perforationsin order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basketand tub. A sumpis defined by tubat a bottom of tubalong the vertical direction V. Thus, sumpis configured for receipt of and generally collects wash fluid during operation of laundry appliance. For example, during operation of laundry appliance, wash fluid may be urged by gravity from basketto sumpthrough plurality of perforations.

In some embodiments, a drain pump assemblyis located beneath tuband is in fluid communication with sumpfor periodically discharging soiled wash fluid from laundry appliance. Drain pump assemblymay generally include a drain pumpwhich is in fluid communication with sumpand with an external drainthrough a drain hose. During a drain cycle or phase (e.g., as a portion of a wash cycle), drain pumpurges a flow of wash fluid from sump, through drain hose, and to external drain. More specifically, drain pumpincludes a motor (not shown) which is energized during a drain cycle such that drain pumpdraws wash fluid from sumpand urges it through drain hoseto external drain.

A spoutis configured for directing a flow of fluid into tub. For example, spoutmay be in fluid communication with a water supply() in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water or wash fluid) into tub. Spoutmay also be in fluid communication with the sump. For example, pump assemblymay direct wash fluid disposed in sumpto spoutin order to circulate wash fluid in tub.

As illustrated in, a detergent draweris slidably mounted within front panel. Detergent drawermay receive a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and direct the fluid additive to wash chamberduring operation of laundry appliance. According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawermay also be fluidly coupled to spoutto facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive.

In optional embodiments, a bulk reservoiris disposed within cabinetand is configured for receipt of fluid additive or detergent for use during operation of laundry appliance. Moreover, bulk reservoirmay be sized such that a volume of fluid additive sufficient for a plurality or multitude of wash cycles of laundry appliance(e.g., five, ten, twenty, fifty, or any other suitable number of wash cycles) may fill bulk reservoir. Thus, for example, a user can fill bulk reservoirwith fluid additive and operate laundry appliancefor a plurality of wash cycles without refilling bulk reservoirwith fluid additive. A reservoir pump (not shown) may be configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from bulk reservoirto tub.

A water supply valve or control valvemay provide a flow of water from a water supply source (such as a municipal water supply) into detergent dispenseror into tub. In this manner, control valvemay generally be operable to supply water into detergent dispenserto generate a wash fluid (e.g., for use in a wash cycle) or a flow of fresh water (e.g., for a rinse phase). It should be appreciated that control valvemay be positioned at any other suitable location within cabinet. Laundry treatment appliancemay include multiple water valves. For instance, the multiple water valves may include a water valve for the detergent/water wash fluid mixture, a resupply water valve, a drain water valve, or the like. Further, a flow sensormay be included. Flow sensormay be positioned at or near water supply valve. Flow sensormay be configured to monitor or sense an amount or volume of water supplied to or within laundry treatment appliance. For instance, each respective water valve may include an individual and dedicated flow sensor or flow meter.

In some instances, laundry treatment appliance includes a pressure sensor. Pressure sensormay be positioned at or near tub. Pressure sensormay be configured to sensor or monitor a pressure (e.g., a water pressure) within tub. Accordingly, a water volume within tubmay be determined according to the pressure reading from pressure sensor. It should be noted that the location of pressure sensormay vary according to specific embodiments, and the disclosure is not limited to the location described herein.

A control panelincluding a plurality of input selectors(e.g., buttons, knobs, toggles, touch screens, etc.) is coupled to front panel. Control paneland input selectorscollectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a displayindicates selected features, a countdown timer, or other items of interest to machine users.

Operation of laundry appliancemay be controlled by a controller or processing device() that is operatively coupled to control panelfor user manipulation to select laundry cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel, controlleroperates the various components of laundry applianceto execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controllermay include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controllermay be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry-such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control paneland other components of laundry appliancemay be in communication with controllervia one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

During operation of laundry appliance, laundry items are loaded into wash basketthrough opening, and a washing or wash/dry operation (e.g., having discrete wash and dry cycles) is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors. Tubis filled with water, detergent, or other fluid additives (e.g., via spoutand or detergent drawer). One or more valves (e.g., control valve) can be controlled by laundry applianceto provide for filling wash basketto the appropriate level for the amount or number of articles being washed or rinsed. By way of example for a wash cycle, once wash basketis properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basketcan be agitated (e.g., with ribs) for washing of articles in wash basket.

After an agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, tubcan be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to tub, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. Ribsmay again provide agitation within wash basket. One or more spin cycles or phases may also be used. In particular, a spin phase may be applied after the wash cycle or after the rinse phase in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a final spin cycle, basketmay be rotated at relatively high speeds and drain pump assemblymay discharge wash fluid from sump. Following the wash cycle, a dry cycle may be executed or operation a user may selectively remove the articles from laundry basket(e.g., by opening doorand reaching into wash basketthrough opening), as will be described in greater detail below.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis laundry appliance, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that horizontal axis laundry applianceis provided by way of example only. Other laundry appliances having different configurations, different appearances, or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well (e.g., vertical axis laundry appliances). Indeed, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may further apply to other laundry appliances. In this regard, the same methods as systems and methods as described herein may be used to implement travel cycles for other appliances, as described in more detail below. Additionally or alternatively, it should be understood that the methods described herein may be applicable to any suitable domestic appliance including one or more operational components, such as a refrigerator appliance (including a closed-loop refrigerant circulation system), an oven appliance (including heating elements), an air conditioning appliance (including air flow systems and refrigerant systems), or the like. Indeed, laundry applianceis provided as a single example.

Referring still to, a schematic diagram of an external communication systemwill be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication systemis configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications with laundry appliance. For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, user instructions or notifications, performance characteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information for improved performance of laundry appliance.

External communication systempermits controllerof laundry applianceto communicate with external devices either directly or through a network. For example, a consumer may use a consumer deviceto communicate directly with laundry appliance. For example, consumer devicesmay be in direct or indirect communication with laundry appliance, such directly through a local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. or indirectly through network. In general, consumer devicemay include its own user interface and be any suitable device for providing or receiving communications or commands from a user. In this regard, consumer devicemay include, for example, a personal phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or another mobile device.

In addition, a remote servermay be in communication with laundry applianceor consumer devicethrough network. In this regard, for example, remote servermay be a cloud-based server, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. In general, communication between the remote serverand the client devices may be carried via a network interface using any type of wireless connection, using a variety of communication protocols (e.g. TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g. HTML, XML), or protection schemes (e.g. VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

In general, networkcan be any type of communication network. For example, networkcan include one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, a personal area network, a local area network, a wide area network, the internet, a cellular network, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, consumer devicemay communicate with a remote serverover network, such as the internet, to provide user inputs, receive user notifications or instructions, etc. In addition, consumer deviceand remote servermay communicate with laundry applianceto communicate similar information.

External communication systemis described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication systemprovided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more laundry appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring now specifically to, a heater included with or provided as a heat pump system, a condenser system, a refrigerant-based air conditioning system, or another suitable conditioning systemfor facilitating a drying process or dry cycle within laundry appliancewill be described in more detail. As illustrated, conditioning systemmay be mounted to tubsuch that it is fluidly coupled to chamber. More specifically, as illustrated, tubextends between a front portionand a back portion(e.g., along the transverse direction T). Laundry basketalso includes a back or rear wall(e.g., at back portion of laundry basketor proximate back portionof tub). Rear wallof laundry basketmay be rotatably supported within cabinetby a suitable bearing or may be fixed or rotatable.

In some embodiments, laundry basketis generally cylindrical in shape. For instance, laundry basketmay have an outer cylindrical walland a front flange or wall that defines an openingof laundry basket(e.g., at front portionof laundry basket). As shown, openinggenerally coincides with openingof front panelof cabinet(e.g., to provide user access to chamberfor loading and unloading of articles into and out of chamberof laundry basket).

Conditioning systemmay include a return ductthat is mounted to tubfor circulating air within chamberto facilitate a dry cycle. For example, according to the illustrated exemplary embodiments, return ductis fluid coupled to tubproximate a top of tub. Return ductreceives heated air that has been heated or dehumidified by a conditioning systemand provides the heated air to laundry basketvia one or more holes defined by rear wallor cylindrical wallof laundry basket(e.g., such as perforations).

Specifically, moisture laden, heated air is drawn from laundry basketby an air handler, such as a blower fan, which may generate a negative air pressure within laundry basket. As the air passes from blower fan, it enters an intake ductand then is passed into conditioning system. In some embodiments, the conditioning systemmay have a heater that includes or is provided as an electric heating element (e.g., a resistive heating element) or a gas-powered heating element (e.g., a gas burner), as would be understood. According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, laundry applianceis a heat pump dryer appliance and thus conditioning systemmay be or include a heater including a heat pump having a sealed refrigerant circuit, as described in more detail below with reference to. Heated air (with a lower moisture content than was received from laundry basket), exits conditioning systemand returns to laundry basketby a return duct. After the clothing articles have been dried, they may be removed from the laundry basketvia opening.

As shown, laundry appliancemay further include one or more lint filters() to collect lint during drying operations. The moisture laden heated air passes through intake ductenclosing screen filter, which traps lint particles. More specifically, filtermay be placed into an air flow pathdefined by laundry basket, conditioning system, intake duct, and return duct. Filtermay be positioned in the process air flow pathand may include a screen, mesh, other material to capture lint in the air flow. The location of lint filters in laundry applianceas shown inis provided by way of example only, and other locations may be used as well. According to exemplary embodiments, lint filteris readily accessible by a user of the appliance. As such, lint filtershould be manually cleaned by removal of the filter, pulling or wiping away accumulated lint, and then replacing the filterfor subsequent drying or dry cycles.

According to optional embodiments, laundry appliancemay facilitate a steam dry process. In this regard, laundry appliancemay offer a steam dry cycle, during which steam is injected into chamber(e.g., to function similar to a traditional garment steamer to help remove wrinkles, static, etc.). Accordingly, as shown for example in, laundry appliancemay include a misting nozzlethat is in fluid communication with a water supply(e.g., such as water supply) in order to direct mist into chamber. Laundry appliancemay further include a water supply valve or control valvefor selecting discharging the flow of mist into chamber. It should be appreciated that control valvemay be positioned at any other suitable location within cabinet.

provides a schematic view of laundry applianceand depicts conditioning systemin more detail. In the illustrated embodiments, laundry applianceis a heat pump dryer appliance and thus conditioning systemincludes a sealed system. Sealed systemincludes various operational components, which can be encased or located within a machinery compartment of laundry appliance. Generally, the operational components are operable to execute a vapor compression cycle for heating process air passing through conditioning system. The operational components of sealed systeminclude an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and one or more expansion devicesconnected in series along a refrigerant circuit or line. Refrigerant lineis charged with a working fluid, which in this example is a refrigerant. Sealed systemdepicted inis provided by way of example only. Thus, it is within the scope of the present subject matter for other configurations of the sealed system to be used as well. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, sealed systemmay include additional components (e.g., at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, or condenser). For instance, sealed systemmay include two evaporators.

In performing a dry cycle, one or more laundry articles LA may be placed within the chamberof laundry basket. For instance, following a wash cycle, articles may remain within the chamber. Hot dry air HDA may be supplied to chambervia return duct. The hot dry air HDA enters chamberof laundry basketvia a tub inletdefined by laundry basket(e.g., the plurality of holes defined in rear wallor cylindrical wallof laundry basketas shown in). The hot dry air HDA provided to chambercauses moisture within laundry articles LA to evaporate. Accordingly, the air within chamberincreases in water content and exits chamberas warm moisture laden air MLA. The warm moisture laden air MLA exits chamberthrough a tub outletdefined by laundry basketand flows into intake duct.

After exiting chamberof laundry basket, the warm moisture laden air MLA flows downstream to conditioning system. Blower fanmoves the warm moisture laden air MLA, as well as the air more generally, through a process air flow pathdefined by laundry basket, conditioning system, intake duct, and return duct. Thus, generally, blower fanis operable to move air through or along the process air flow path. The duct system includes all ducts that provide fluid communication (e.g., airflow communication) between tub outletand conditioning systemand between conditioning systemand tub inlet. Although blower fanis shown positioned between laundry basketand conditioning systemalong intake duct, it will be appreciated that blower fancan be positioned in other suitable positions or locations along the duct system.

As further depicted in, the warm moisture laden air MLA flows into or across evaporatorof the conditioning system. As the moisture-laden air MLA passes across evaporator, the temperature of the air is reduced through heat exchange with refrigerant that is vaporized within, for example, coils or tubing of evaporator. This vaporization process absorbs both the sensible and the latent heat from the moisture-laden air MLA-thereby reducing its temperature. As a result, moisture in the air is condensed and such condensate water may be drained from conditioning system(e.g., using a drain line, which is also depicted in).

Laundry appliancemay include a temperature sensorthat is generally configured for detecting or monitoring a temperature of, e.g., air flowing through air flow path. Temperature sensormay be positioned at or near filter. For instance, temperature sensormay be configured to determine or monitor the temperature of air at or around filter. As used herein, “temperature sensor” or the equivalent is intended to refer to any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature. Thus, for example, temperature sensormay each be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-based integrated circuit temperature sensors, etc. In addition, temperature sensormay be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to a controller that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature being measured. Although exemplary positioning of temperature sensors is described herein, it should be appreciated that appliancemay include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature, humidity, and/or other sensors according to alternative embodiments.

In optional embodiments, a condenser tank or a condensate collection tankis in fluid communication with conditioning system(e.g., via drain line). Collection tankis operable to receive condensate water from the process air flowing through conditioning system, and more particularly, condensate water from evaporator. A sensoroperable to detect when water within collection tankhas reached a predetermined level. Sensorcan be any suitable type of sensor, such as a float switch as shown in. Sensorcan be communicatively coupled with controller(e.g., via a suitable wired or wireless communication link). A drain pumpis in fluid communication with collection tank. Drain pumpis operable to remove a volume of water from collection tankand, for example, discharge the collected condensate to an external drain. In some embodiments, drain pumpcan remove a known or predetermined volume of water from collection tank. Drain pumpcan remove the condensate water from collection tankand can move or drain the condensate water downstream (e.g., to a gray water collection system). Particularly, in some embodiments, controlleris configured to receive, from sensor, an input indicating that water within the collection tank has reached the predetermined level. In response to the input indicating that water within collection tankhas reached the predetermined level, controllercan cause drain pumpto remove the predetermined volume of water from collection tank.