Does an air conditioner need to be tilted or level?

Question

Should we tilt the AC so the water leaks outside, or should it be level?
we thought it was tilted, but it's leaking into our windowsill and into the basement, help!!

Answer 1

It should have a slight angle downward, away from the house. That way the condensation runs to the farthest corner and then drips, so It won't damage your wood in your house.

The unit in my room has an adjustment right on it, but the one in my son's room didn't, so we had to put a support under it with a couple washers under the bracket, too. There should be some instructions or suggestions in the manual that came with the unit (if you still have them...).

Answer 2

All window a/c units must have a slight tilt to the outside about 1/2 a bubble on a spirit level. If you do not it will be leaking inside.

If the unit is assembled and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions you automatically get the proper tilt.

If you have it installed properly and it is leaking inside then the drain is blocked and needs to be cleaned.

Answer 3

Most window air conditioners are designed with a drain pan already tilted at a proper angle inside. Your problem is most likely a dirty unit front (evaporator) causing excessive condensation or plugged drain. Unplug the power to unit and clean using pressured air where any electrical items are and pressured water on the coils and pan. Or have a professional clean it.

Answer 4

It says that if it is in normal operation and water is coming out of the overflow hole, then the AC is incorrectly tilted, this is from an instruction manual.

Though a whole lot of people installs Angled a little downward, what I did was kept the little feet (where the accordions go under the unit) inside of the lip on the inside of the window, and having the AC lean on the window frame. This made a visible slope on the AC unit and water is coming out of the black griddle, I find this method really good.

Answer 5

You need to clean it. I have two window units, the newest of which is from 1983. I have no problems with mine draining because I clean them 2-3 times a year. One needs to be level and one needs to be tilted slightly

Answer 6

it's probably draining inside because the holes to drain outside are clogged. Take it out of the sleeve and hose it down.

Yes they should tilt slightly toward the outside.

Answer 7

yea it needs to be a tilt so the water does not drip inside

Answer 8

you are still using an a/c that old??
get a newer one, there's no kind of condensation..