Using a Rain Barrel to Recycle Air Conditioner Water Condensation

Areas in severe drought may not have any rainwater to collect. But this does not mean that you cannot make use of rainwater harvesting techniques!

Most homeowners in dry areas invest in air conditioning. The condensation from your air conditioner produces ample condensate water that is usually emptied into a drain or an outside line. This condensate water is an untapped source of free water that is perfectly suited for watering household plants, or your backyard garden!

Did you know that a 7-ton air conditioner generates approximately 500 pints of water each day?  This water could easily be diverted into a rain barrel! And here's how:

  1. Locate the condensation drain or discharge pipe on your air conditioner. This pipe carries the condensation from the air conditioner and usually empties into a drain or an outside line.

  2. Disconnect the pipe from the drain or outside line.

  3. Place the end of the disconnected pipe into a rain barrel. All of Algreen's rain barrels come with a top opening where this pipe can be inserted into. Be sure to place the rain barrel below the point where condensation exits the air conditioner. Gravity should empty the water into the rain barrel.

  4. Collect the rainwater from your air conditioner!