Has anyone had experience with modding Haier 5200 BTU AC units to be quieter/get rid of the water noise?

Question

I've read you can drill a drain hole in it to keep the water from pooling, which leads to the annoying paddle noise and ice noise, as well as spitting water back inside and smelling bad. Has anyone done this and have advice on where on the unit to drill?

Answer 1

Your problems may just be due to lack of maintenance.

Sound like water is being held up in the evaporator coil area probably due to a plugged drain.

No water should be spitting into the room.

The evaporator coil sits in usually a styrofoam pan that has a drain slot to divert the water to the back side.

Cleaning properly would require removal of the unit from the window and disassembly of the covers to access for cleaning.

The water is used in the rear of the unit were the slinger ring around the fan picks up the water and throws it on the condender coil where it evaporates.