Houston’s humidity means a window or portable unit removes a lot of water from the air. That water should leave the unit, not drip into the room.
Check these in order
- The tilt. A window unit should lean slightly toward the outside so water drains out. Level or an inward lean sends water into the room.
- The filter. A clogged filter lets the coil freeze and then melt, overflowing the pan.
- The drain hole. Find the small drain hole at the back of the base pan; clear it with a thin wire if it is blocked.
- The window seal. Gaps let hot, humid air in, adding more condensation than the unit can shed.
- Portable units. Empty the internal tank or confirm the drain hose slopes downward without kinks.
Ice on the front is a different issue
If the coil behind the filter has frozen, turn the unit off and let it thaw for a few hours. Frost often comes from airflow or low refrigerant, and a thaw can hide which. If it freezes again after cleaning, a repair is needed.
Limits
We service plug-in window and portable units only. Ducted systems and mini-splits need a licensed HVAC contractor.
Because a room unit of ten years or more may cost nearly as much to repair as to replace, we say honestly when the repair does not pay off.
Rinse the filter every few weeks while the unit runs all summer. In a humid climate it clogs faster than owners expect, and it is the cheapest way to keep the unit from freezing.
If cleaning and leveling do not stop the dripping, we can inspect the unit. See the room air conditioner page, then pick your county on the service area page to request a visit.