Updated at: 12-04-2023 - By: Sienna Lewis

Many people find air conditioners to be something of a black box. They can be installed easily in a window and provide a welcome blast of cool air into the home, but beyond that, their purpose is often unclear. This begs the question: exactly where are the drain holes on a window AC unit? You need to be aware of the location of the drain holes and their function for a few different reasons. We’re here to (metaphorically) clear the air and tell you where the drain holes are, what they’re for, and how often you should clean them if you have a window air conditioner.

What Are the Drain Holes in an Air Conditioner?

To achieve this, air conditioners draw in ambient air from outside and run it through a freezing coil. Condensation forms when warm air passes over a cold evaporator. This water must drain away from your property, as no one desires a leak inside their home.

The water collected from this condensation flows out of the drain holes, allowing the air conditioner to continue its work and maintain a comfortable temperature in the room.

When you unplug your air conditioner at the end of the warm season, you may get a little wet. And it can splash you with a lot of water at times. The water that was slowly seeping out of the cracks. If this happens again, unplug your air conditioner from the window for a full day before reinstalling it.

How to drain your Window Air conditioner without drilling. - YouTube

Where Are the Drain Holes on a Window Air Conditioner?

On the bottom of the part of the window unit that extends from the window, you’ll find the drain holes. You need not be concerned about water accumulation because it will drain to the exterior. The size of the holes may change, but they remain in the same general area of the device.

A modern window air conditioner collects condensation in a pan and reuses it to re-cool the air. Unfortunately, the extra water simply runs out of the bottom drain holes of older models.

Older models may have smaller holes, which eventually clog. Newer window units store some of the water that falls on them, so the holes in them are larger but still don’t drain as much water.

Importance of Air Conditioner Drain Holes

The performance of the air conditioner relies heavily on the presence of drain holes. Your home would be in disarray without them, and the air conditioner wouldn’t work as well. Your air conditioner can now run without interruption thanks to the holes that allow the excess water to drain.

Without the holes, the air conditioner would frequently turn off, and maintenance would involve emptying a water-filled tray.

Where Are the Drain Holes On a Window Air Conditioner? | Home Air Guides

Do all window air conditioners have drain holes?

As a result of the cooling process, condensation forms on the outside of most modern window air conditioners and drips into a collection pan below the unit. Unlike traditional window air conditioners, there are no drain holes or plugs required to empty the water. Water will leak out of the back of the air conditioner if the water level rises too high.

Why doesn’t my window air conditioner have a drain hole?

No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to get the excess water from a window room air conditioner’s cooling coils. A “slinger ring” encircles the fan blade in the back of air conditioners. The purpose of the fan is to draw moisture from the pan’s base and propel it into contact with the condenser’s metal fins.

Is it normal to hear water in your window air conditioner?

In-Unit Water Noises

There may be some water sloshing around in your window air conditioner every once in a while. The noise is nothing to worry about; it’s perfectly typical. Your window air conditioner draws in warm, muggy air from the room, runs it through the indoor coil, and then blows the cooled air back into the space.

Is my window AC supposed to have water in it?

It is normal for condensation water to leak out of the back of a running air conditioner. The cooling coil drips water into channels that are sloped to the device’s rear. Most of the water will drip out of the machine, but some of it will be used to cool the heating coils.

How often should I drain my window air conditioner?

You may have to empty the water from your portable air conditioner as often as once every 8 hours if you live in a particularly humid environment. To be sure, you shouldn’t have to empty your portable AC’s water tank that frequently. Living in a dry climate means you can go longer without emptying the water from your portable air conditioner.

Tips For Maintaining Air Conditioner Drain Holes

If your AC isn’t performing as well as usual, there are a few things you can do to get it back in working order and restore comfort to your home.

Help the Water Drain

Holding onto the unit securely while opening the window will allow water to drain more quickly. Having assistance is highly recommended, particularly if you live on the second or higher floor. If you try to tackle this on your own, you could put yourself in harm’s way.

As you open the window, gently lean the air conditioner out the opening. You can direct the water away from the unit and into the drain holes by tilting the air conditioner.

Air conditioner REMOVE WATER NO HOLES TO DRILL 2018 update - YouTube

Unclog Holes

The holes in a durian can get clogged up with dirt and other debris from the outside world. Cleaning out the drains is a quick and easy fix. Use a pipe cleaner, an unfolded clothes hanger, or anything else that is long and skinny.

Drop the implement into the opening and work it back and forth until water flows freely out.

Turn it Off

Only in the case of older models that aren’t performing optimally would it be advisable to power down the unit. Simply turning off the window unit will allow the water to drain out more quickly. It will prevent water from flooding the apparatus.

Bottom Line

If you take a few moments to educate yourself on how your air conditioner works, you can ensure that you always have a pleasant environment in your home. A window air conditioner will not work properly without drain holes.

If you want to keep your air conditioner in good working order and avoid problems that lead to an overly hot and muggy home, check to see that it is releasing water.