A portable air conditioner creates condensate from the coolant process. This is because they’re constantly removing moisture from the atmosphere when they’re used.
Most units can evaporate some of the moisture on their own. You can buy a special extension for a drain hose that lets you extend it towards a drain or get a condensate pump (or similar device) that pushes the water through the drain pipe.
Portable air conditioners often use a bucket system, collecting all condensates as they accumulate, preventing them from spilling everywhere.
While this system helps prevent spills, many people often forget that the condensate accumulates, even if they don’t use it for many hours. This leads to just letting the water sit in the bucket or pot for extended periods without boiling.
This can lead to either one of two things. First, let the water sit in the unit for at least a few hours so it overflows. However, if you’re not in the room when it does, you may have a mess to clean up.
The other outcome is the water stays there for weeks on end. Eventually, it creates mold. This mold will then get into the room air and possibly into the unit, which will cause many more problems, including allergies.
If you have a hose system, ensure the hose is constantly running into the drain on the floor correctly. If you have a container that collects condensation, check it often and empty it if there is any water present.