No, you should not drink water collected from an air conditioner.
Why AC Water is Unsafe to Drink
Air conditioner water, also known as condensate water, is formed from the condensation of moisture in the air. Unlike treated drinking water, AC water does not undergo filtration or purification processes. This means it can contain various contaminants, including:
- Heavy metals: Depending on the materials used in the AC system.
- Harmful impurities: These could include bacteria and other microorganisms.
- Lack of essential minerals: Unlike treated tap water, AC water is generally lacking in minerals beneficial for health.
Several sources confirm the dangers of consuming AC water:
- Reddit: A discussion on Reddit highlights that while the condensate might appear clean, it's unsafe for consumption due to potential impurities. (https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/wasdgj/can_you_drink_the_condensate-water-from-an-air/)
- Quora: Quora answers consistently advise against drinking AC water, emphasizing its unsuitability for ingestion. (https://www.quora.com/Is-waste-water-from-an-air-conditioner-safe-to-drink)
- HVAC-Talk: Experts on HVAC-Talk forums strongly discourage drinking AC water due to non-food-grade materials in the AC unit and potential biological and chemical contaminants. (https://hvac-talk.com/vbb/threads/2220356-How-to-make-AC-water-potable)
- Twitter: A medical professional warns against drinking AC water, citing the risk of Legionnaires' disease, a serious bacterial infection. (https://twitter.com/theliverdr/status/1853035493807800381)
While some sources mention that the water is theoretically "good enough to drink" after evaporation, this is misleading and unsafe without proper treatment. The potential for contamination outweighs any perceived benefit.
In summary: Do not drink water from your air conditioner. It is not safe for human consumption.
