When an air conditioner is running, water droplets may form and drop out of the unit. This phenomenon is known as condensation, and it occurs due to the cooling process involved in air conditioning. Here's a brief explanation of how it happens:
Cooling process: Air conditioners work by removing heat and humidity from indoor air to create a more comfortable environment. The cooling process involves the following steps:
a. Evaporator coils: Inside the air conditioner, there are evaporator coils that contain a cold refrigerant. When warm indoor air is blown over these coils, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, cooling it down.
b. Dehumidification: As the warm air cools down, it reaches its dew point—the temperature at which the air can no longer hold all the moisture in the form of water vapor. This excess moisture condenses into liquid water droplets on the surface of the evaporator coils. Think of it like dew forming on the grass in the early morning when the air temperature drops.
Collection and drainage: The water droplets that form on the evaporator coils need to be collected and drained away to prevent any potential damage to the air conditioner or indoor space. In most air conditioning systems, a drain pan is located below the evaporator coils to catch the condensate. From there, the water is channeled through a drain line and discharged outside the building or into a drain system.
Dripping water: If the air conditioner is not properly installed or maintained, water may drip or leak from the unit, causing potential issues such as water damage, mold growth, or reduced cooling efficiency. Regular maintenance and inspection are essential to ensure that the condensate drainage system is functioning correctly and prevent any problems related to condensation.
In summary, water drops out from the air conditioner due to the condensation of moisture in the air as it passes over the cold evaporator coils. The water is collected and drained away from the unit to maintain proper cooling efficiency and prevent any damage or indoor moisture-related issues.