Why is water coming out of my air conditioner?
Your air conditioner dripping water doesn't always indicate a serious fault. Discover the reasons for this and when you should take action.
You're relaxing on your sofa, watching TV on a particularly hot July afternoon when, suddenly, you hear it: plink, plink, plink. Your air conditioner is dripping water and a small puddle is starting to form on the floor. Why is it leaking water? Is it broken? Do I need to call the maintenance service?
It is common for air conditioners to leak water, which often concerns many users. However, this is a normal part of the system’s operation and does not necessarily indicate a serious problem.
What does this article cover?
How does an air conditioning system work and why does it produce water?
To understand why your air conditioner might expel water, it's first important to know how it works. Climate control systems cool the air by means of evaporation and condensation.
In a split-type air conditioning system, the refrigerant changes from liquid to gas in the evaporator unit in order to extract heat from the room. As the refrigerant circulates through the evaporator, the warm indoor air passes through it, cooling down in the process.
As the air cools, its humidity reaches dew point and condenses into water, which collects at the base of the evaporator. The indoor unit therefore needs a drain to expel this condensed water, which is normally collected in a tray.
Why is water dripping from the air conditioner?
Natural condensation process
As mentioned earlier, the air conditioner cools warm air, causing the humidity to condense into water. This process is completely normal and essential for the correct operation of the system. Most appliances have a drainage system that allows this water to be removed safely.
Dirty filters
The filters in your air conditioner play a vital role in keeping the system clean and efficient. When the filters are dirty, they may obstruct the flow of cold air, potentially causing more serious faults. If this happens, we recommend contacting a professional.
Drainage problems
If the drainage system becomes clogged or damaged, the condensed water will not drain properly from the air conditioner, which can cause dripping. It is advisable to check the drain tank and pipes regularly to ensure they remain unobstructed.
Outdoor temperature and humidity
Climate conditions also affect the amount of water your air conditioner produces. On very humid days, the system has to handle higher levels of moisture in the air, which can lead to increased condensation. This is normal and generally no cause for concern.
When might water dripping from the air conditioner become a serious issue?
Although water dripping can be perfectly normal, it can sometimes indicate a problem that requires attention.
Suspected internal leaks: If water is dripping inside your home, it could mean that the drainage system is faulty.
Unusual noise: If you hear unusual noises alongside the dripping, it could indicate a mechanical issue.
Unpleasant odour: Stagnant water can cause mould and unpleasant odours, which would suggest a maintenance problem.
In short, water dripping from an air conditioner is common and usually does not indicate a serious problem. This occurs as part of the usual cooling and condensation process in climate control systems. However, it’s important to recognise when this behaviour could be a sign of a problem needing professional attention. Regular maintenance and staying alert to unusual changes in your system’s operation will help maintain its efficiency and extend its lifespan.