I recently installed an AC unit in my fourth-floor apartment, but the outdoor condenser is mounted on my balcony. As summer hit, I began dealing with a huge problem: with the intense heat and humidity, my AC is creating massive amounts of water daily. I've set up a bucket to catch the water, but it fills up extremely quickly, and I'm looking for alternatives before I have to empty it multiple times a day. Is there a better way to manage this without just getting a larger bucket or altering the drain tube?
3 Answers
Aside from letting the water drain freely if you can, adding a small condensate pump in your setup would let you run a hose to a spot that won’t bother your neighbors. That may save you from all the hassle!
If it's possible, you might want to consider how the rainwater is managed on your balcony as it could give you some ideas. One practical solution would be to attach a piece of tubing to your bucket so that water can be directed elsewhere. If the water needs to be moved upwards, a condensate pump could really help.
Have you thought about whether other residents in your building face the same issues? If your balcony has a drain that could handle the water, it might just be a matter of getting permission to use it if it’s a concern for others below you. That way, you wouldn’t need the bucket at all!
Yeah, the management is a headache about it. They’ve complained about water splashes from balconies above. Plus, most of the people below me have closed-off balconies, which doesn’t help.
Rain does hit the balcony sometimes, and there's a drain, but the landlord isn't keen on folks using it. It’s been a mess for sure!