Air Conditioner NOT Leaking Water to the Outside?

Question

I have a pretty new window AC unit and have been running it all summer. The strange thing I've noticed is that its NOT leaking water to the outside like normal AC units. Every apt or house I walk by with an operating AC unit, I see water leaking/draining out. But not mine..which is strange.

I can hear water gurgling within the unit and occassional splashes so I know theres water moving around the unit...but I dont see any water coming out. I have my unit tilted towards the outside and have yet to see any water coming out.

Is this normal? I find it rather strange and wonder if I installed it wrong? Other than that, the unit works fine. I have a thru-wall metal sleeve in my room that my AC unit is in..not a window. Not sure if that makes a difference or not.

Answer 1

Some units are designed to dispose of water via evaporation. I would say that yours falls into this category. If you see any evidence to the contrary, like dripping or water stains, be sure to open up the plastic covering and do some quick investigation.

I did a little sleuthing and picked up a blurb that may prove to be of value:

"In regard to condensate drain pans not draining well. This is not a new concept. Many window units have a ring around the outer circumferance of the condenser fan, which is technically called the "Slinger Ring). In normal operation the bottom edge of the fan passes through the condensate pan and picks up water which is the slung into the condenser coil. The evaporation of that water off the condenser coil actually increases the efficiency of the machine.

You are correct that bacteria can breed in condensate pans and create a slimy biofilm which has be linked to legionairse disease. To prevent the formation of biofilm you can periodically pour a half ounce or so of ordinary household laundry bleach into the pan to sanitize it or while at the HVAC parts house you can get a small pack of "PAN TABS". Pan tabs are a slow release choline product in tablet form that is made specifically for HVAC condensate trays. They are very inexpensive and can be used in both window AC and Central AC evaporator units."

Answer 2

Water Air Conditioner

Answer 3

Listen, there is nothing wrong with your unit, Some units have drain holes on the bottom of the tray and others do not. The water will evaporate really fast and nothing to worry about. Sit back and relax.

Answer 4

i once had an AC that wasn't tilted quite enough and the water stayed on the inside and froze solid across the front. I had to defrost my AC...but that was an old machine. Take the front off and see if there is any ice buildup from non draining.

Answer 5

Yes this is normal. One of the more energy efficient uses of the water is that it is splashed on the hot side and used as an evaporation effect. It makes the compressor run cooler and less energy is wasted.

Answer 6

all of this is new to me. My a/c unit that outside is leaking water in the house. I have no idea what to do or whats the problem! HELP!!

Answer 7

it was water leakage before but no water leakage this year

Answer 8

air conditioner have a tray inside for the water to fall in ,after some month you will see the different of the water licking

Answer 9

initially i ws worried , bt now got relieved ...... mine is a 5 star energy efficient hitachi model window type ac...

it also doesn't drip water like other ac but evaporates after striking the condenser saving energy in a significant way .....

Answer 10

it's got a built in water trap,(hey nice unit) and the water evaporates before it fills up... hang onto that one it sounds like a good model