It is normal for an air conditioner to produce condensation in the form of vapor or steam on its cooling coils. When warm air passes over the cold coils, moisture in the air condenses into water droplets on the coils' surface. This is a natural part of the cooling process in an air conditioner.
However, you might not always see water dripping on the ground underneath the air conditioner. The absence of water dripping can be due to a few reasons:
Evaporation: In hot and humid conditions, the water droplets formed on the cooling coils can evaporate quickly before they have a chance to accumulate and drip to the ground. This is especially true for high-efficiency air conditioners, which are designed to maximize cooling while minimizing water runoff.
Drainage system: Most air conditioners have a drainage system built-in to collect and remove the condensate. This drainage system consists of channels or pipes that direct the water away from the cooling coils and towards a designated drainage point. The water is then either discharged outside the building or collected in a pan and pumped away. If the drainage system is working correctly, the water will not drip onto the ground but will be properly managed.
Internal re-evaporation: Some air conditioners have a feature called "re-evaporation" or "self-evaporative" mode. In this mode, the unit uses the condensate to help cool down the hot condenser coils, promoting energy efficiency. As a result, the water may not accumulate enough to cause visible dripping.
Overall, the presence of vapor or steam inside an air conditioner is normal due to the cooling process. However, if you notice a significant amount of water leaking inside your home or around the air conditioner, it could be a sign of a drainage issue or a malfunctioning component. In such cases, it's best to have a professional HVAC technician inspect and service the unit to prevent any potential damage or inefficiency.