How do "in window" air conditioners drain?

Question

i have an "in window" (haier) air conditioner that has water in it's base pan.

I can take the unit out of the window, and manually drain the water out. but shouldn't the unit drain automatically? I don't see any drainage outlets on the unit...am I missing something?

Answer 1

It is normal to have some water in the bottom of the pan. They have drain holes built into them.

Look on the bottom of the unit outside. There should be some holes in it. Use a q-tip or stick to unclogg them. Be carefull not to hit the unit.  If that doesn't work, you will need to take the unit out and use a srub brush and water hose to clean the frame out.  

Answer 2

A window unit should be tilted slightly to the outside, which allows it to drain outside.

Answer 3

some when brand new have a plastic plug underneath that pops out..it is usually the same color as the ac casing..Alot of people do not realize this and fail to remove it causing problems later..if it does not have a plug then on the back side the frame that is around the coils wraps around the outside on the back of the frame with about a 3/8 inch lip which is actually part of the casing..then on the bottom part of this casing frame you will see where the frame has a piece that is only about 1/8 an inch  and the water will drip out there..here is a simple line drawn representing the bottom part of the casing...this is where the water goes..if it isn't dripping any water..look for the plug..or take a small wire and dig any debris out of the "dip in the frame..

here is what the frame dipping will look like..

-------------!_____!------------------...

Answer 4

Check to make sure its level in the window.  If it is, then look for a plugged drain hole.  Last ditch effort would be to drill your own drain hole(s), but be very careful not to hit anything but the tray the water accumulates in.  See if you can find the low spot and drill there.

Answer 5

All window shakers(A/C's) have a motor which has a fan at each end. One blows air in the house and the second is a condenser fan which blows hot air outside.  The blade on the outside has, what is called a slinger ring that pumps water up on to the condenser to help evaporate the water and cool the condenser.  

The manufacture takes this into consideration when they build the unit so don't drain all the water.  

In heavy humidity the a/c will but out more water than the fan can handle and the rest should drip outside.  It it is leaking inside make sure the unit is tilted slightly to the outside.