Locate the drainage port at the bottom of the unit. Place a shallow container below the drainage port to collect the water. Remove the plug or cap from the drainage port and allow the water to flow into the container. Once the water has drained completely, replace the plug or cap securely.
If your air conditioner doesn't drain properly, the water will pool in the drain pan. This can clog the AC's condensate drain line and eventually cause the system to shut down. Regular air conditioning condensate drain cleaning and maintenance can prevent this issue and keep your AC running smoothly.
But if you don't, it could do water damage and allow mold to grow all around your AC unit. This mold can cause health complications and damage to flooring, walls, etc.
Water leaking from your AC unit isn't dangerous, but refrigerant leaks are. Exposure to refrigerant leaks for extended periods is poisonous to your body. Air conditioners use refrigerant to turn warm air into cool air.
That's normal, and the system can handle it. Condensation that forms in your AC system drips into the drainage pan and then out of your house through the condensate drain line. Provided the system has no excess moisture buildup, you have no reason to worry.
Types of Water Damage to Expect
Air conditioner leaks can also cause damage to the AC system itself. Humid air can cause corrosion and rust, and this damage can lead to a mechanical breakdown and require the replacement of the entire air conditioning system.
Without prompt attention, excess condensation could overwhelm your air conditioner's drainage system, causing damage within your home. This damage can range from high humidity levels that lead to mold and mildew proliferation and spots, to structural damage from drainage water that accumulates and puddles.
If the air-conditioner has been in use, it will have moisture and probably also water in it. Before you begin the cleaning process of your AC, it is essential to dry it. Set the air-conditioner on 'Fan Mode' and run it for 30-40 minutes as this will help the moisture evaporate.
The unit is designed to collect the moisture from the air in the room. If the room has a high humidity level, the unit will work harder to cool the air thus collecting more water. Once the air in that room has been cooled, the unit will collect less water.
It's completely normal for your AC to drain 5-20 gallons of water outside of your home (via the condensate drain).
Water inside the vents
Though it can be rare, water can still find its way into your vents and ducts. If condensation forms on the inside surfaces instead, it can even freeze or melt. The only solution as to how to get water out of ac ducts is to use a wet/dry vacuum to get it out.
There could be several reasons why your AC unit is not releasing water. One reason can be that there is a clog in the drain line, which prevents the moisture from draining properly. Another possibility is that there's an issue with the condensate pump responsible for pumping out excess moisture.
Condensation Is the Key
This is because the evaporator coil condenses water vapor in the air. It does this by blowing the warm air from your home over the cool evaporator coil. The cool coil pulls the moisture from the indoor air, removing it and draining it from your home via the condensate array.
When the summer season is in full swing and humidity is high, it's normal for your air conditioner to drain anywhere between 5 and 20 gallons of water each day.
Can I still use my AC if it's leaking water? It's not recommended to use your AC if it's leaking water. Water leaks often indicate problems like a clogged drain line, frozen evaporator coils, or a damaged condensate pan. Running the AC could worsen the issue, leading to water damage or further mechanical problems.
The most common cause of AC leaking water outside or inside at home is because your unit has a clogged condensate drain line. Often, the condensate line gets clogged with dirt and dust that passes through it. Over time, it mixes with the moisture of the air conditioning unit and sticks to the sides of the drain line.
A leak from your air conditioner can cause significant damage to the system. Whether there's more moisture on or near your AC than usual or water is ponding near the drain line, consider it an emergency. The damage from water can quickly escalate and spread to nearby equipment, materials, and furnishings.