The water that condenses and is expelled from air conditioners is often an underestimated resource.
With climate change and the growing scarcity of water resources, reusing air conditioner water can not only help reduce waste, but also foster a sustainable and eco-friendly habit.
Here's how to reuse air conditioner water and the benefits we can derive from it.
What is air conditioner water?
The water produced by air conditioners is the result of the cooling process.
When warm air passes through the cold coils of the air conditioner, the moisture in the air condenses on the cold surfaces, turning into water droplets.
This process is similar to what happens when you take a cold can and condensation forms on its surface in a warm environment.
Characteristics of air conditioner water
It's important to know that air conditioner water is distilled, meaning it lacks the mineral salts and other impurities typically found in drinking water.
This makes it ideal for some uses, but less suitable for others, such as watering plants that require nutrients present in tap water.
However, with some precautions, the water collected from the air conditioner can be used in many useful ways.
Domestic Uses of Air Conditioner Water
- Watering Plants
Despite the lack of nutrients, air conditioner water can be used to irrigate ornamental plants or plants that do not require much soil fertility.
To improve the water quality, you can add a bit of liquid fertilizer.
Learn how to water plants using air conditioner water.
- Household Cleaning
Distilled water is excellent for cleaning as it leaves no limescale residues.
It can be used to clean windows, mirrors, and smooth surfaces, ensuring a brilliant streak-free clean.
- Steam Iron
Distilled water is perfect for use in steam irons.
Being free of minerals, it prevents the buildup of limescale that can damage the appliance over time.
- Toilet Flushing
To reduce the use of drinking water, air conditioner water can be used for toilet flushing.
This can be done manually or with a more sophisticated collection and pumping system.
External Uses of Air Conditioner Water
- Car Washing
Air conditioner water can be used to wash the car.
The lack of salts and minerals helps prevent stains and streaks on the bodywork.
- Filling Fountains and Ponds
If you have a fountain or pond in your garden, air conditioner water can be used to keep them filled.
This becomes particularly useful during drought periods.
- Evaporative Cooling
Air conditioner water can be used in evaporative cooling systems, which utilize the evaporation of water to cool the air.
Safety Considerations
Although air conditioner water is distilled, it is important to ensure that it is not contaminated by dust or dirt from the coils.
Before using it, it is advisable to filter it to remove any impurities.
How to Collect Air Conditioner Water
Collecting air conditioner water is simple.
Here are some methods:
- Containers under the drain
The simplest method is to place a container under the water drain pipe of the air conditioner.
Make sure that the container is large enough to hold the water produced without overflowing.
- Custom collection systems
For those who want a more sophisticated solution, it is possible to install a collection system that channels the water into storage tanks.
These systems can also include filters to ensure that the water is clean.
- Use of pumps
If the air conditioner is located in a place where it is difficult to directly collect the water, a pump can be used to transfer the water to a collection tank.
Benefits of reusing air conditioner water
Water savings - Reusing air conditioner water helps reduce the consumption of drinking water, a significant benefit in areas prone to drought or with scarce water resources.
Cost reduction - Using air conditioner water for household tasks can reduce water bills, as it reduces the consumption of tap water.
Sustainability - Reusing air conditioner water is an eco-friendly practice that contributes to environmental sustainability. Every liter of water saved is a step towards the conservation of natural resources.
Environmental awareness - Adopting water reuse practices can increase environmental awareness, not only at home but also in the community, promoting more sustainable habits.
Reusing air conditioner water is an effective and simple way to contribute to environmental sustainability and save water resources.
With a little creativity and some adjustments, it is possible to transform an often overlooked by-product into a valuable resource.
Whether it's watering plants, cleaning the house, or reducing bills, the possibilities are many.
Adopting these practices not only helps the environment but also promotes greater awareness of natural resource management, a crucial step towards a more sustainable future.