Condensate Removal Rate
Calculator

Inputs

Condensate removed (kg/h)
5.76

Results

Condensate removed (kg/h)
5.76
Condensate removed (L/day)
138.239999
Latent cooling load (W)
3,919.999999
Dry air mass flow (kg/s)
0.399999

HVAC and plumbing results

Condensate removed (kg/h)5.76
Condensate removed (L/day)138.239999
Latent cooling load (W)3,919.999999
Dry air mass flow (kg/s)0.399999

formula-map diagram

Condensate removed (kg/h)
5.76
Condensate removed (L/day)
138.239999
Latent cooling load (W)
3,919.999999
Dry air mass flow (kg/s)
0.399999

HVAC and plumbing relationship

Formula

ṁw = Q × ρ × Δw

= 5.76

Note

This is a simplified model: it applies a standard engineering formula to the numbers you entered. Conversions between BTU/h and kW use the exact factor 1 kW = 3412.142 BTU/h, but every sizing figure is an estimate. Air conditioner sizing uses the common 20 BTU/h per square foot rule of thumb, not a room-by-room load calculation, and it ignores insulation, glazing, orientation, ceiling height, infiltration and local climate. Heating loads use a single volumetric heat-loss factor in W/m³·K rather than a fabric-by-fabric U-value calculation. Air properties are fixed at 1.2 kg/m³ and water at 1000 kg/m³ and 4186 J/kg·K, with no correction for temperature, altitude or glycol. Duct and pipe results use the ideal continuity equation and ignore fittings, bends, roughness and system effect unless you enter those losses yourself. The Hazen-Williams equation is valid only for water in full turbulent flow at ordinary temperatures. Water hammer uses the Joukowsky surge, an upper bound for instant closure. Tank drainage assumes a prismatic tank and steady free discharge. Hot water recovery and condensate figures ignore standing losses and coil bypass. Size real systems with a proper heat-loss survey and have the work checked by a qualified HVAC or plumbing professional.

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Frequently asked questions

What is condensate in an HVAC system and why does it need to be removed?+

Condensate is the water that forms when moist air passes over a cooling coil and water vapor condenses out, similar to dew forming on a cold glass. It must be actively drained away or it will overflow the drain pan and cause water damage.

How is the condensate removal rate estimated?+

It's typically estimated from the system's cooling capacity and the humidity level of the air being conditioned — a unit removing more moisture from more humid air produces significantly more condensate than the same unit operating in a drier climate.

Why does humidity affect condensate volume more than temperature?+

Condensate forms specifically from water vapor being removed from the air, so it's driven by how much moisture the air contains (humidity) rather than by temperature alone — a hot, dry climate can produce less condensate than a mild, humid one.

What happens if the condensate pump or drain is undersized for the system?+

An undersized removal system can't keep up during peak humidity and cooling load, causing the condensate pan to overflow, which can trigger a safety switch to shut down the unit or, without one, lead to water damage around the equipment.

Does condensate removal rate change with the season?+

Yes — it peaks during hot, humid weather when the system runs longest and removes the most moisture from the air, and drops significantly in cooler or drier conditions when the cooling system runs less and dehumidifies less air.