Although dripping water is usually a bad sign for most appliances, it’s also a good sign that your AC is not working correctly. It takes all the moisture out of the air and puts it somewhere. There are several grounds why your air conditioner might not be working correctly.
If the window air conditioning or AC does not drip water, it could be a sign that it’s not cooling well. Other reasons could be that it’s not in good condition or has been producing dry air.
You need to contact trusted professionals to clean and fix your AC to ensure that you will have cool air, especially in the summer.
You can scroll down to read more about why is your window AC not dripping water and how you can fix it!
Contents
Is It Normal for Window Airconditioning to Drip Water?
While your AC is working hard to extract water vapor from the air, where will all the water go? The moisture in the air squeezes the evaporator chain. Beads are formed, much like the drips from a cold beer bottle.
The resulting residue stays in a saucepan. The tape is squeezed out through gravity or drained using a narrow pipe called the “condensate drain.”
If the pan is full of standing water, the drain line is probably blocked, so the water is not flowing correctly. Having a good service facility and running your air conditioner are reasons water is not dripping.
Reasons Why Your Window AC Is Not Dripping Water
Although a dripping air conditioner might seem like a bad sign, it usually means the unit is working correctly. An air conditioner will circulate air and remove humidity from the atmosphere. It also gets rid of the water by putting a drain in it.
Something Blocks the Condensate Drain
The condensate drain is a hole in the back of an air conditioning unit that allows water to drain. To clean it, clean the base of the air conditioning unit. Then use a cotton swab to clean it.
AC Tilts Too Much
If you want your AC unit to drain outside, it should go towards the back. However, if it’s tilted or level, it might allow water to pool at the front.
To ensure the unit’s drain positions properly, just read the instructions carefully and adjust the angle of the air conditioner. It will help you determine where the water should go.
Slinger Ring Is Intact
Many newer window air conditioners have a slinger ring, which allows the water collected from the drain pan to flow back onto the coils. It helps cool the unit and prevent dripping.
A slinger ring is not needed to prevent a drip in an air conditioner. You should only use it if there is a problem with the unit.
Quick Fixes to Ensure Your AC Is Dripping Correctly
A properly functioning air conditioning system can lower your home’s temperature even when it’s hot outside. It can also remove humidity from the air by cooling the warm air inside.
When the cold air from the window gets inside the evaporator, it creates a layer of vapor known as condensation.
Unplug the AC and Check Its Angle
Before you start working, ensure your window air conditioning is stable. You can also have an assistant help you while you are doing so. It can help remove the air conditioning unit from the window if necessary.
If the window unit is level or tilted toward the ground, it should be easy to tell if it’s working correctly. Also, ensure that the unit’s rear portion is lower than the front. If it’s hard to tell, lay a level across the top.
Tilt the AC Backward to Drain the Water
Lower the rear of your unit to encourage good drainage and increase its angle. New ACs that don’t drain may have an overflow drain in case there’s too much water in the tank.
To do this, you can install the unit by lifting it slightly forward and lowering it. Braces may need to be adjusted or cut to allow the rear to drop, and various other accessories may need to be reduced or cut.
Check the drain hole or plug designed to remove excess water from your unit. Usually, it’s underneath the unit’s exterior portion. On older models, the gap may be underneath the part of the unit that’s generally very small.
Also, if a window air conditioning system has a hole on the side, the water will drain away when the level reaches a certain point.
Unplug the Drain Hole of the Unit
If you see that the drain hole is blocked, remove it immediately. Doing so will allow the water to drain. To unclog it, use a wire or a baby bottle nipple cleaner, and work it through the hole like you’re brushing your teeth.
Remove the unit’s outer casing and set it on a clean surface when necessary. Cover the switch and fan motor with a thick cloth to keep the AC running smoothly. To remove debris and dirt buildup, spray the unit with low-pressure water.
Remove the AC’s Base Pan
To clean the internal drain system or the base pan, remove it. Unscrew or pull it from the bottom. You can also use a water-soaked rag to remove the base pan, called a drip tray. If it’s damaged or has poor drainage, you can replace it with a new one.
Look for small tubes that run from the front pan to the rear, where they release condensation. Use a wire or brush to clean these hoses, and then start scrubbing them with a small circular motion to remove clogs.
Drill a New Base Pan and Assemble
If the product literature indicates that a second hole should be added to the base pan, ensure that one already exists. After removing the pan, use a small drill to enlarge or add a spot to the outer edge of the pan.
Prepare the air conditioning unit by removing the base pan and attaching it to the casing. Reinsert it in the window to allow the air to circulate correctly. For a couple of days, avoid running the air to ensure that everything is dry.
Importance of Connecting Drainage Pipes in Your AC
You must remove the water from the unit to keep the water in the air conditioner from getting stagnant. Always remember that you must regularly drain the water.
The continuous use of the air conditioning unit can cause water to accumulate in the system, leading to higher humidity levels. It is why it’s essential to maintain a constant supply of water.
Draining the water is also essential to prevent bacteria from growing in the cooling device. Having a professional service company handle the repairs and maintenance of your air conditioning unit will separate you from the individuals involved in your unit’s operation.
To get rid of the water from your air conditioning unit, you can use a drainage pipe, which can fit nicely on the side of the device’s spout.
Ensure that the pipe you use is long enough to allow the water to flow out of the room. This type of pipe is beneficial as smaller pipes, such as those through the window, cannot drain the water out of the room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should My Window AC Unit Be Dripping Water?
It’s typical for an air conditioning system to leak a small amount of water while it’s working. It happens because it creates a layer of water that can condense on the surface of the condenser unit. If you notice a puddle near the AC, which tends to get quickly dried out, you’re not panicking.
Do All Window ACs Have a Drain?
Modern window air conditioners often create a layer of water on the pan below the unit. These units don’t have plugs or drain holes to remove this water. If the water levels get high enough, this will cause the pan to get damaged.
Should Window Air Conditioner Be Tilted?
A window unit’s tilt should be slightly away from the building to keep the condensation from pooling in the drip pan outside the room instead of puddling through the wall. The manufacturer’s installation guide should explain how to install the unit.
Conclusion
If the window air conditioning unit does not drip water, this could mean that it’s not cooling well. Other possible reasons are that it’s in poor condition or producing dry air.
Never plug an air conditioning unit in while it’s still in its initial cleaning or installation stage. Doing so will remove any traces of moisture that could cause damage. After moving the unit, the cooling system’s fluid should settle to prevent corrosion.
