Window AC Condensate?

[pony67]

Hi, quick question. I have 3 window AC units, all different models and age. One has a drain tube, and water regularly drains from it. It works great.

The other 2 have no such drain, and I never see any water coming from them. Is this normal? One is a 2 year old Maytag, and it seems to run loud and not as cool as you would expect. Not sure if its related. The manual mentions nothing of leaving an angle to drain properly.

thanks
Bob

 

[Stormin Mormon]

Some window AC spray the condensate on the back coil. And the theory is that the water evaporating helps cool the back coil.

So, "not dripping" can be normal.

 

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Hi, quick question. I have 3 window AC units, all different models and age. One has a drain tube, and water regularly drains from it. It works great.

The other 2 have no such drain, and I never see any water coming from them. Is this normal? One is a 2 year old Maytag, and it seems to run loud and not as cool as you would expect. Not sure if its related. The manual mentions nothing of leaving an angle to drain properly.

thanks
Bob

The units should be mounted level or have just the slightest pitch to the back. Inside there is a drain pan to catch the condensate. In most cases, the fan has a slinger ring that tosses the water against the coil and aids in cooling it. You should see no dripping. I have not seen an AC with a drain tube for many years.

NEVER drill a hole in the bottom to drain the water. Many ACs have been trashed by that.

As for the Maytag, there may be other issues. Fan motor bearings going, poor design, restricted air flow, etc.

 

[pony67]

Thanks for the replies!

Actually, the one with the drain is only 2 years old, its a Kenmore casement style large 8000 BTU (I think). It actually runs the best and quietest of the three.

The oldest is a Fedders, 1989

Bob

 

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Thanks for the replies!

Actually, the one with the drain is only 2 years old, its a Kenmore casement style large 8000 BTU (I think). It actually runs the best and quietest of the three.

The oldest is a Fedders, 1989

OK, the casement is made a bit differently so it may have a drain instead of a fan slinger ring. Casement units are sort of stood on end.