Heat pumps are an effective house heating method, but even the highest quality equipment might develop a leak. Like an HVAC system, a heat pump can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
With the help of refrigerant, a heat pump may move warm air into a residence during the colder months and out of it during the warmer ones. Your heat pump may leak, but this may be due to a variety of other issues as well.
Mechanics of a Heat Pump
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how an air-source heat pump works.
A heat pump draws heat from inside and releases it into the surrounding environment to keep a building cool. Simply put, it transfers heat from the outside to a house’s indoors.
In addition to its intended purpose, this technique has the secondary consequence of drying the air out. In the past, dehumidification was the main feature.
The technology behind modern air conditioners and heat pumps was initially developed to lower humidity in paper storage facilities. Things have changed a lot since then.
Air condenses during the dehumidification process, producing water. Then, that water builds up on the coil. This is the source of the water damage to your heat pump. In an air handler, the condensate drops from the coil into a pan and drains outside.
Dripping Water from Within the Unit
Water seeping inside your home isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes the leaks are fairly manageable and lead to no structural damage. However, don’t let this interior leak go unchecked, or you risk water damage and mold.
As a result of the air handler dehumidifying the excessively humid air in your home, condensation forms. Condensation should collect in a tray beneath your evaporator coil, then drain through the condenser and out the window.
Condensation will overflow and drip inside your home if the condenser drain is clogged or obstructed.
Dripping Water from Outside the Unit
The moisture you see on your heat pump’s outside unit when the heat is on is perfectly natural. The exterior unit is dehumidifying the air in preparation for heating your home, and this condensation results.
Extra ice on the coils could cause condensation to drip from this outdoor unit, which is not typical. Over time, the ice melts which makes it look like the device is “leaking.”
In that instance, the presence of water near your heat pump IS cause for concern, as excessive ice buildup on the system’s coils is not normal. Contact us if you have any doubts about the significance of the pool of water near your heat pump.
Is It Serious If My Heat Pump Springs a Leak?
If you ignore a heat pump leaking, it could cause water damage and mold growth in your home. Additionally, water sitting within the system can cause electrical problems and wear on the components.
While dealing with a leak is straightforward, repairing a short-circuited unit can imply a significant investment you don’t want to make yet! This is why you need to determine the true cause of your heat pump’s leaks.
Here are some of the most typical causes of a heat pump leak:
The Evaporator Coils Have Frozen
Low refrigerant levels can cause ice to build on the cooling coils, which is especially problematic in the summer. This will hamper the cooling process and prevent the heat pump from working correctly.
Icing up the evaporator coils is a sign of insufficient refrigerant. This is troublesome because it hinders the cooling process, which impacts the pump’s capacity to perform. As the ice melts, it causes pools of water that might leak into your system.
The Condensate Drain is Blocked
A few tubes are needed for the condensate drain system to drain any condensation into the outdoors. The flow may be halted if there is a physical obstruction. With a clog, water will pool until it overflows the drain pan and leaks.
Overflow Pan Cracked
A heat pump’s cooling mechanism is very similar to that of a conventional air conditioner in that it removes moisture from the air. As the water accumulates on the coils, it eventually makes its way to the overflow.
Over time, the pan may begin to rust, leading to its cracking. Should the pan fracture, you will end up with a leak resulting in plenty of water on your floors.
Drain Problems
Most heat pumps contain a drain pan that collects moisture from the unit. If this pan becomes blocked with dirt, mold, or even algae, it could overflow and create a puddle surrounding your pump.
If the drain line is clogged or the condensate pan is placed wrongly, the water will run over and produce a leak. In many circumstances, the heat pump system will automatically cut off before this occurs. Nevertheless, the problem will still need rectification before your pump can run again.
Ratty Old Windings
Condensation forms in the air and drains down the cool evaporator coil of your unit into a pan, which then leads to another drain. A clogged coil can lead to water leakage and malfunction.
Some Tips for Keeping Your Heat Pump Watertight
The most accessible approach to keeping water from escaping your heat pump is to fix any issues that might arise. With yearly inspections, you can avoid leaks and other damage to your heat pump system.
As HVAC problems go, leaks aren’t exactly something to freak out over. However, a professional specializing in heat pump repair should have no trouble fixing it.
It may be easy to solve, but that doesn’t imply you should disregard it. After you discover the leak, it’s best to have a professional come out and take a look.
Conclusion
There are a few potential reasons why your heat pump may be leaking. It could be due to a problem with the condensate line or drain pan, or there may be an issue with the unit itself. Whatever the case, you’ll only know how severe it is if you determine the root cause.
If you notice any leaks, it’s essential to have a professional inspect the unit to determine the cause and make any necessary repairs.
HVAC Swami is a small group of HVAC experts who have worked in every state in the U.S., Canada, and the UK. Our goal is to help homeowners find the most up-to-date information on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. We also want to help them find the best advice and products on the Internet. Do you need an advanced heating and air conditioning repair specialist? HVAC Swami can help you! Contact us today to find the best person for your area.
