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The Condensed Water From Air Conditioning Can Have Multiple Uses, From Watering Plants to Cleaning, As Long As It Is Used Correctly and With Proper Care.
According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Brazil has approximately 36 million air conditioning units installed. Projections indicate that by 2050, this number could reach 160 million, an increase of about 350%.
This increase is driven by economic development and the country’s predominantly warm climate. The phenomenon also occurs on a global scale: according to the IEA, the number of installed units worldwide could rise from 2 billion to 5.5 billion in the same timeframe.
The trend toward increased use of these devices is related to factors such as urbanization, rising income, and, above all, the worsening of climate change, which raises temperatures and increases the need for artificial cooling.
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With the popularization of air conditioning, interest also grows in a byproduct that is often wasted: the condensed water released from the units’ drainage. But how is this water formed? And what are its real possibilities for use?
How Is Air Conditioning Water Generated?
The water that comes from the air conditioning is derived from the air cooling process. The unit uses a refrigerant fluid to absorb heat from the environment through the evaporator.
When warm air comes into contact with the cold surface of the evaporator, moisture condenses and turns into water droplets. This water is then directed to a drain and discarded.
Is Condensed Water Potable?
A common question is whether this water can be consumed. The answer is NO. Although it is derived from the water vapor in the air, it passes through components of the unit that may contain dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants. Studies indicate that it is unsuitable for human and animal consumption but can be used for non-potable activities.
Study Proves Reuse Potential
A study from the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), conducted between 2018 and 2020, showed that water generated by air conditioning is suitable for various uses, such as floor washing, plant irrigation, and flushing toilets.
“A large portion of the water used at UFPB comes from the water supply company. With the growing water scarcity, alternative sources of water are emerging year after year. As an example of these sources, we have the water vapor and droplets present in atmospheric air, which are extracted by machines through air condensation,” explains researcher Jéssika de Oliveira.
The analysis indicated that this water meets the parameters of the NBR 16.783/2019 standard, which regulates the use of alternative water sources. With filtration and chlorination, it can be even safer for non-potable applications.
The amount of water produced varies depending on the unit’s power. Small units of 7,500 BTUs generate about 0.20 liters per hour, while larger units of 80,000 BTUs can produce up to 6.81 liters per hour.
In a commercial or residential setting, this capture can result in a considerable volume of water over time.
Ways to Reuse Air Conditioning Water
The reuse of air conditioning water can be done in various ways:
Gardening: Air conditioning water is a good option for watering plants that do not require potable water. Small gardens and vegetable patches can benefit from using this resource. Additional filtration may be required to remove potential contaminants.
Cleaning: It can be used to wash floors, sidewalks, and yards. It is also useful for cleaning tools and utensils that do not come into contact with food. It can also be used in humidifiers, steam irons, or other devices that require demineralized water.
Reservoirs: It is possible to direct the drain to a cistern and store the water for later use. This can be especially useful in commercial buildings and condominiums.
Vehicle Maintenance: Condensed water can be used to fill windshield wipers or wash cars, reducing the consumption of potable water.
Regulation and Incentives in Brazil
In Brazil, some initiatives already regulate the reuse of this resource. In Pernambuco, Law 16.584/19 requires that commercial and public buildings capture and reuse condensed water from air conditioning systems for non-potable purposes. In Recife, some shopping centers and stores have already implemented this practice.
The reuse of this water aligns with global efforts to conserve natural resources. Sustainable initiatives, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encourage efficient water management. Small habits, like collecting water from air conditioning, can make a difference in daily consumption.
Benefits of Using Condensed Water
- Water Conservation: Reduces the dependence on potable water for non-potable purposes.
- Cost Reduction: Lowers utility bills for industries and residences.
- Sustainability: Helps mitigate environmental impact by reusing water that would be wasted.
To ensure safe usage, some precautions are necessary. The capture system must be kept clean to prevent the proliferation of bacteria. It is also important to never use this water for drinking or cooking.
In residential settings, a simple bucket may be sufficient to store the water for daily watering. In commercial buildings, larger systems can direct the water for collective uses.
The practice of reusing air conditioning water may seem small, but it represents a significant step in conserving water resources.
With the increasing awareness of sustainability, turning waste into a solution is an efficient strategy for the future.
Agua condensada dos aparelhos de ar condicionado deve ser drenada para o esgoto. Ela possui bactérias e fungos que são bastante conhecidos pelos profissionais que trabalham com manutenção destes aparelhos.
A água de condensação dos aparelhos de ar condicionado só deve ser reaproveitada para limpesa regar plantas ou arvores de futo ou para maquinas de vapor por ser isenta de **** , se os ares condicionados tiverem uma limpesa priodica tanto dos evaporadores como com os tabuleiros e tubos de esgoto da água , não é aconselhável o aproveitamento dessa água se os aparelhos trabalharem onde há muitas bactérias pode ser prigoso a utilização dessa água .
A desinfecção desses aparelhos é muito importante tanto para o ambiente ventilado como para aproveitar a água .