Condensation is a natural part of the operation of air conditioning systems. When the indoor unit extracts humidity from the air during cooling, the moisture condenses out as water: this is called air conditioning condensation. The question is how to drain the air conditioning condensation water properly and without problems.
For many people, the first time they start to deal with this is when the water is dripping from the balcony, running down the façade or the neighbour is knocking. But complying with air conditioning condensation rules is a legal and technical responsibility.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the drainage solutions available, where condensation water should and should not be led, and the differences between condominium and detached house designs.
Why is air conditioning condensate drainage important?
An average 3.5 kW air conditioner is a hot one, steamy can produce several litres of water per hour on a summer day. This is a perfectly normal phenomenon. The problem starts when this water drips uncontrollably, soaking masonry, cladding or other people's property, and even causing mould growth as stagnant water. Proper drainage of air conditioning condensation is an integral part of the installation.
What solutions exist?
There are two basic ways to drain condensation from an air conditioner: gravity drainage or pumping.
Gravity drainage
This is the most common and reliable solution. The system consists of a condensate pipe with a suitable slope to a designated point. Advantages of the gravity system:
- simple design
- no moving parts
- quiet operation
- low possibility of error
In such solutions, care must be taken to ensure that the pipe runs with a constant gradient, that there are no backward bends and that no water stagnation occurs.
Condensed water pumped drainage
Gravity slope cannot always be solved. This is where a condensate pump comes into play, actively moving the water in the desired direction. The use of a pump is justified if, for example, the piping has to run upwards or if an internal courtyard or special architectural design requires it.
The advantage of a pumping system is its flexibility, but the disadvantage is that it requires maintenance and creates some noise.
SMARTAIR experience: where possible, we recommend a gravity solution because it is the most convenient in the long term.
Where should air conditioning condensate be drained?
One of the most important issues in air conditioning condensate control is where the water can go. The standard and accepted solution is to connect to the sewerage network, to a gutter, to a designated drainage system. The key word is controlled, managed drainage.
Where should you not drive?
Dripping into public areas, dumping on the pavement, or spilling onto a neighbour's balcony or property is not a good practice. You should avoid water running down the facade and, in principle, you should not charge the common parts of the building without permission.
What is the reason for the strict regulations?
Many people think that condensate is „clean water” and therefore harmless. And although it is not sewage, it can cause damage to paving if it drips continuously, freeze in winter and cause accidents.
Air conditioning condensate drainage in a condominium
Regularity is particularly important in a condominium environment. It should take into account:
- the provisions of the SDMSZ
- the uniform appearance of the façade
- the common property involved
- the authorisation of the joint representative in certain cases
Is it easier for a family house?
A family house has more room for manoeuvre, but the basic principles apply here too: water should not soak the masonry, should not burden the neighbour's plot, should not cause a risk of slipping.
SMARTAIR professional position
Air conditioning condensate drainage is a measure of the quality of the installation. A well-constructed system is invisible, inaudible and causes no conflict. We consider the drainage route for each installation in advance and choose the most stable technical solution possible. We also take into account the legal and condominium aspects.
If you are unsure about the correct and technically correct solution for your situation, it is worth consulting a professional before installation.