Water from an air conditioner comes from condensation, a natural process occurring when warm, moist air is cooled.
The Condensation Process in Your AC
Here's a breakdown of how this happens within your air conditioning system, as highlighted by the provided reference:
- Air Intake: Warm, humid air from your room is drawn into the AC unit.
- Cooling: This air passes over the evaporator coil, which is cold because of the refrigerant circulating within it.
- Condensation: As heat is removed from the air, water condenses. In simpler terms, the warm air rapidly cools down, and the water vapor in the air turns into liquid. This process is similar to how dew forms on grass during a cool morning.
- Collection: The condensed water (also called condensate) collects on the evaporator coil.
- Drainage: This water then drips down into a condensate drain pan, and from there, it usually flows through a drain line or is removed by a condensate pump.
Key Steps in the Process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Warm Air Enters | Air that is moist and warm from your home is drawn into the air conditioning unit. |
| 2. Cooling Occurs | The air passes over cold evaporator coils. |
| 3. Condensation | As heat is taken away, the water vapor in the air turns to liquid water on the evaporator coil's surface. |
| 4. Water Drainage | The collected water drips into a drain pan and is directed out via a drain line. |
Why is the Water "Leaking"?
Sometimes, the water may seem to leak from the AC unit. In many cases, this is simply the condensate, which is the water removed from the air during the cooling process.
Potential Reasons for Water Leaks:
- Clogged Drain Line: A blocked drain line can prevent the water from flowing out properly, causing it to back up and potentially leak.
- Full Drain Pan: If the drain pan is full, it cannot collect the condensed water efficiently.
- Faulty Condensate Pump: If your unit has a condensate pump, a malfunction can lead to water overflow.
Understanding that the water is a natural by-product of the cooling process can help in troubleshooting issues. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the drain line and checking the condensate pan, can prevent most leaks.
