In summer, air conditioning is essential for keeping your space cool and comfortable, and produces one very useful byproduct that you might not even know about – air conditioner water.
Here, HVAC experts share their favorite ways to make the most of this demineralized water from your air conditioning types, from watering plants to cleaning windows.
How to collect air conditioner water
As Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and founder of Air Conditioner Lab, explains, when your air conditioner runs, it pulls moisture from the air inside your home.
'That moisture condenses on the evaporator coil and then drips into a drain pan before being funneled outside,' he says. 'This can add up to several gallons of water per day in hot, humid climates.
'That’s clean water from the air, not from your plumbing, and while it’s not filtered or treated, it doesn’t contain chlorine or salt like tap water. That makes it useful in more ways than people think.'
To collect it, he advises, simply place a container or bucket, such as the bestselling Sterilite Spout Pail available at Walmart, under the condensate drain line where it exits your home.
'If your system drains into a utility sink or floor drain, you can reroute it with some tubing,' continues Josh. 'Just make sure the container doesn’t overflow and the line doesn’t get pinched or blocked.'
Additionally, adds Lane Martin, co-founder of Modern PURAIR, just be sure to empty it fairly often. 'No one wants stagnant water sitting around,' he warns.
Once you've collected it, here's how to use it:
1. To water plants
One of the best ways to be sustainable at home and reuse air conditioner water is by watering your plants with it, says Alex Atkinson, plumber and HVAC technician at Super Brothers.
'It's most suited for ferns, orchids, blueberries, or azaleas,' he advises.
Tammy Sons, a seasoned plant expert, and founder and CEO of TN Nursery, agrees, adding, 'I water my outdoor plants with it during dry spells, especially for more delicate flowers.'
You can also reuse dehumidifier water for the same purpose.
2. For cleaning
Another clever way to reuse your air conditioner water is by cleaning with it.
'This water works well for everyday chores,' says Martyn Fowler, founder of Elite Renewables. 'For example, you can use it to clean floors, or clean windows.
'Because it lacks minerals, it won't leave streaks or build-up like hard tap water often does,' he explains.
Outdoors, Lane suggests using it for outdoor cleaning tasks, like cleaning garden tools or outdoor furniture, and, as Josh adds, you can even use it to do laundry, for soaking stains or spot-cleaning, paired with an effective detergent.
We recommend the ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters available at Walmart.
'If you’re using it to rinse workout clothes or spot-clean rugs, it helps stretch your wash cycles without running your machine every time,' he says.
3. When ironing
Beyond doing laundry, you can use air conditioner water for ironing with an ironing board and unwrinkling clothes without an iron, by steaming garments.
'I even use it in the steam iron,' says Tammy. 'This saves me from using distilled water every time.
'It's one of those simple little habits that add up over time and feel good to do. Reusing what we have already makes sense, and it feels like the kind of small act that honors both nature and home.'
And, as Alex adds, this water will never leave behind minerals that could clog the iron or steamer, or stain your fabrics.
Importantly, though, only do so if you know the water's coming from a clean system, warns Lane.
Can you drink air conditioner water?
There might be many ways to reuse your air conditioner water around the house, but that's certainly not to say that it's suitable for everything.
'It’s important to note that although it looks clean, this water isn't potable,' says Alex. 'It may carry bacteria or contaminants from dirty coils or air filters, so it's not safe for drinking or cooking unless properly filtered and treated.'
It can also run the risk of mold, as the pipes and tubing inside the unit and the HVAC system may harbor mold.
But, says Josh, 'For most cleaning and outdoor uses, it's a good way to reuse something that would normally go straight down the drain.'
Similarly, you can also try rainwater harvesting.
What to shop
This colorful and cute watering can is petite yet practical, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Use this bucket to collect your air conditioner water, then use the microfiber mop to remove 99.9% of bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals.
This bestselling clothes steamer is portable with a large tank, to provide up to 15 minutes of continuous, penetrating steam.
Meet our experts
'For practical uses around the house, air conditioner water is a free resource that can help lower your mains water use without any downside,' says Josh.
Just remember: You can't drink it or cook with it!
If you're looking for more ways to be more sustainable at home, why not invest in the best eco-gadgets for sustainable living.
