Recently, a Nigerian man took to his social media page revealing how he earns millions of naira by collecting and selling the water that drips from his air conditioner (AC), encouraging others to venture into the unusual but profitable business.
In the video posted on TikTok, the man explained that he harvests the water from his AC into kegs and sells it to resellers, who in turn sell it at a higher price.
According to him, the water serves several purposes beyond toilet flushing, which is why there is a growing demand for it in the market.
Another man, also made the same claim in a video, saying he has at least made ₦2 million monthly selling AC water, adding that it’s been his hustle for over 4 years.
He noted that the business is lucrative only that getting the buyer is still an issue in Nigeria.
These have sparked mixed reactions as many expressed both surprise and curiosity over the claims. But is selling of AC water a legitimate opportunity or just another overhyped side hustle?
What is AC water?
It’s the water that dripping from your air conditioner. This water is a result of condensation — it forms when an AC removes moisture from the air to cool a room, and that moisture turns into water, which is drained out through a small pipe or hose.
You’ll often see AC water dripping outside buildings or collected in a bucket, especially in offices, shops, or homes with split units or window units.
This water is usually low in minerals (soft water) and free of chlorine fluoride and most impurities.
What are the uses of AC water?
Most people see it as waste as it not drinkable unless treated, but it has many other uses which include;
household and toilets cleaning
Ironing clothes
Washing cars, watering plants, or cooling machines.
Battery sellers or inverter repairers
Laboratories and hospitals
Cosmetic or pharmaceutical producers
Fact-checking uses of AC water
While it is clear that AC water has many uses, not all are safe or practical. Let’s fact-check some of these suggestions, especially those that deal with commercial value.
AC water as distilled water? This is partly true. Industries do use distilled or demineralised water for various technical processes that require water free from minerals and impurities.
But, and this is important, AC water is not the same as professionally distilled or deionised water. AC water is relatively pure, but can still pick up contaminants from the coils, metal parts, pipes, or even algae growing inside the drainage system.
Use to top up batteries? Some people say you can collect water from your AC and sell it to car or inverter battery shops. But let’s clear things up — that idea isn’t really safe. Experts warn that using AC water for batteries can actually do more harm than good.
Even though the water might look clean, it can carry tiny bits of metal, dust, or even spores from the air conditioner. These hidden impurities can mess up the battery plates, damage them over time, and reduce how long the battery lasts.
If you keep using AC water in a car battery, it could start affecting how well the battery works, and might even cause swelling or corrosion.
So, what’s the right kind of water? Batteries need distilled, demineralised, or deionised water — the type that’s been properly cleaned and filtered. Not just any water that drips from your AC, no matter how clear it looks.
Can you make millions of naira selling AC water?
Due to the current economic situation in Nigeria, citizens are turning almost anything into a business, so as to have change of story. The most recent of all is the selling of AC water which is being discussed.
Truth to be told, AC water can be sold to make money, but it is not as easy as it is being said. It only has a potential and cannot give you overnight wealth.
How can you make money from selling AC water?
You can make some cash from selling of AC water, if
You’re collecting large amounts daily
You’re in a location with heavy AC use (e.g., hotels)
You can supply it cleanly and consistently
You find buyers who don’t need high-grade distilled water
On the final note, as said earlier, you can make some money from AC water but don’t expect to get rich from it soon. Like most business trends, you need intentional operations and real customers to actually profit.
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