AC water is the latest money-making trend in Nigeria, with social media buzzing about claims that you can turn the water dripping from your air conditioner into millions of naira. If you’ve been on X (formerly Twitter), you’ve probably seen viral posts saying things like “Stop wasting the water — it’s liquid gold!”
But is this hype or a real hustle opportunity? Let’s find out if you can make money from air conditioner water.
What Is AC Water?
That clear water dripping from your air conditioner isn’t a leak or leftover tank water — it’s condensate.
When your AC cools warm air, moisture in the air condenses on the cold evaporator coil and drains out as water. Many people refer to this as distilled water, but technically, it’s not the same as professionally distilled or deionised water.
What Are the Uses?
According to trending posts, you can sell the water to:
- Battery or inverter repair shops
- Laboratories and hospitals
- Cosmetic or pharmaceutical companies
- People who use steam irons or humidifiers
Indeed, industries often use distilled or demineralised water for certain processes, but the water may contain tiny metal particles, dust, or algae from the unit’s pipes and coils. So, it’s not guaranteed to meet the purity standards required for delicate equipment or products.
Can You Use It for Batteries?
One popular claim is that AC water can be used to top up car or inverter batteries. However, experts advise against this. Using the water in batteries can:
✅ Introduce impurities that damage battery plates
✅ Shorten battery lifespan
✅ Cause swelling, corrosion, or poor performance
For batteries, only certified distilled or deionised water is recommended — not just condensate from your AC.
Is There Money in AC Water?
Yes — but it depends on how much you can collect and who your buyers are.
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A single household AC unit doesn’t produce enough water to sell profitably. However, if you manage a hotel, office complex, or shopping mall with multiple AC units, you could collect tens or even hundreds of litres daily in Nigeria’s humid climate.
If you store it safely, filter it, and maybe treat it with UV light, you could sell it for:
- Cleaning electronics
- Filling steam irons and humidifiers
- Watering plants
- Low-grade cosmetic or cleaning production
Still, you’ll need steady buyers and proof that your water is clean enough for their needs.
Bottom Line: Should You Sell AC Water?
The water has some value, but it’s not a guaranteed way to get rich.
For households, it’s best reused for chores like mopping floors, gardening, or ironing clothes, helping you save on your water bill. For large buildings, selling them in bulk could become a small side hustle if handled properly.