How Much Water Should Drain From an AC? (2024)

When the mercury rises and the dog days of summer settle in, air conditioning systems across Illinois kick into high gear. Amidst the hum and whir of these trusty machines, you may find yourself pondering a common question: “Just how much water should drain from an air conditioner?”

As the go-to provider ofprofessional AC maintenance services in Elgin, IL, we at Leith Heating & Cooling know the internal workings of HVAC equipment like the back of our hand. In this guide, we break down the details and help you navigate the ins and outs of your AC’s drainage situation.

You can also call us at (847) 851-8698 to schedule professional AC repair or a tune-up.

Why Does My AC Drain Water?

In the sweltering heat, your air conditioner doesn’t just cool the air; it also becomes a dehumidifier. The unit extracts moisture out of the air through condensation — the process that transforms water vapor into liquid water.

The transition kicks in when the air becomes saturated with moisture and chills below its dew point. As soon as you crank up your AC unit, it will draw in the warm, humid air inside your home and expose it to the much colder evaporator coil. This clash of temperatures triggers condensation, leading to the formation of droplets that trickle down into a collecting pan.

The same thing happens when you leave a cold glass on a hot summer day, and beads of water form on the surface.

How Much Moisture Should an AC Drain?

So, how much water should drain from an air conditioner? On average, a functioning air conditioner in a typical home can drain anywhere from five to 20 gallons of water per day. Keep in mind that these numbers are ballpark figures, so don’t feel alarmed if your unit shows slightly different behavior.

How much water your AC drains depends on multiple factors, such as:

• Usage: The more a unit stays in operation, the more condensation it produces and drains. When you’re running your AC 24/7, expect a substantial amount of water from your drainpipe.
• Humidity: In humid climates like the Land of Lincoln, an AC can drain a fair amount of water. The slightly drier winter months may produce less water as the moisture content in the air drops.
• Unit size: A more powerful AC model cools the air quickly, condenses more moisture, and drains more water.

Diagnosing AC Drainage Issues

Beneath the cool comfort of your air conditioner lies a finely tuned balance of moisture collection and drainage. Occasionally, this balance can tip off-kilter, veering into the territories of too little or too much water drainage.

No Drain Water

Do you suspect that your AC doesn’t drain enough water? Most of the time, you shouldn’t worry. If you want peace of mind, you can conduct a simple test by purchasing a hygrometer from your local hardware store. It’s a nifty device for measuring humidity, and it will give you the moisture levels in your home.

When it reveals humidity levels consistently above 50% but you see no water in your AC drain pan, it might stem from issues such as:

• Frozen evaporator coils: This can occur from constantly running units or clogged filters that restrict airflow. When the coil can’t keep up with the constant onslaught of warm, humid air, it freezes over, trapping the condensation in ice instead of trickling down into the pan.
• Damaged condensation pump: If your unit is in the basem*nt or any area below ground level, it relies on a condensation pump to pull the collected water uphill to the drain. Over time, this component can wear out or break down and stop the water from draining.

Overflowing Drainage

How much water should drain from an air conditioner? A bit of extra water drainage is usually normal, especially during hot Illinois summers.

When you see moisture running down the sides of your unit and wreaking havoc on your walls, floors, or belongings, though, turn it off immediately. Common culprits include:

• Clogged condensate drain line: Dirt, algae, insect nests, or even mold can obstruct the water’s path, causing it to back up and overflow.
• Faulty installation: If the condensation pan doesn’t have proper leveling or your unit size isn’t appropriate for your property, it can lead to water overflow.
• Damaged drain pan: Age and wear and tear can lead to cracks or holes in the pan, providing an escape route for the water.

How to Maintain Your AC’s Drainage System

Just like a carefully choreographed dance routine, your air conditioner’s drainage system relies on a flawless performance of its parts. Here are a few expertAC maintenance tipsto keep the system running smoothly:

• Get annual maintenance: Scheduling professional tune-ups and inspections can help nip any problems in the bud. A licensed HVAC crew will evaluate your system, address any issues, and keep it running in tip-top shape.
• Regularly replace the air filters: Replacing the air filters every 45 to 90 days can prevent a host of issues, including frozen evaporator coils. Air can pass through clean filters more easily, preventing the coils from freezing and increasing the efficiency of your unit.
• Clean the drain line: Minimize the risk of clogs and backups by pouring 1/3 cup of white vinegar down your condensate line every one to three months, depending on usage. If it already has a blockage, you can use a wet shop vacuum to suck it out.

Reach Out to Trusted HVAC Specialists at Leith Heating & Cooling

We hope we’ve thoroughly answered your question, “How much water should drain from an air conditioner?” At Leith Heating & Cooling, we believe in giving you the best possible solutions for all your HVAC needs, with a commitment to excellence and a keen eye for detail. Whether you need helprecharging your ACor want to uncover the cause of unusual water drainage, our team of professional technicians is up for the task.

Give us a call at (847) 851-8698 today to schedule an AC inspection.