Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space (and vice versa) to make the cool spaces cooler and the warm spaces warmer, in a similar way to your refrigerator. In the winter, this works to pull heat from the outdoors to move it into your home to keep your house nice and warm. In the summer, it pulls heat from inside your house to the outdoors to keep your home cool.
While there are multiple different kinds of heat pumps, one of the most common is an air-source heat pump which uses outside air to regulate the temperature inside your home. There is typically an indoor portion of the system and an outdoor part.
Why Would a Heat Pump Leak?
Typically, moisture from the heat pump collects in a condensate pan and drains through a line. It is possible the line itself becomes clogged or the pan cracks (or becomes otherwise damaged).
You could have dirty coils preventing condensation from properly making it to the condensate pan. In a particularly cold winter, the coils could be frozen over resulting in a similar problem.
Should an Air Source Heat Pump Be Dripping Water?
An air source heat pump is generally thought of in its two main parts, the interior and exterior. The one inside your home should absolutely not be dripping water. The outdoor unit is expected to have a certain amount of water coming off it if it is doing its job right.
However, if the water seems extensive or you suspect a leak, then you should contact a professional. If you notice any strange gurgling sounds from the unit, an excess of pooling liquid around the heat pump, or a higher and normal heating bill, then you may have a refrigerant leak.
Can a Leak in a Heat Pump Be Fixed?
Removing the blockage, cleaning off the coils, or replacing the pan are often pretty simple fixes to frustrating problems. If the leaking persists, you should contact an expert for assistance.
Is It Normal for Heat Pumps to Leak Water Outside?
As Heat Pumps deal with converting and regulating temperature, small amounts of water near the outside unit are not out of the ordinary. In unusual circumstances, a large amount of water gathering likely means something is wrong with your heat pump system.
Why Is My Heat Pump Leaking Water?
If you are having a leak inside, then you may be looking at an issue with the condensate drain line being blocked or clogged. If you can get it unstuck, it should solve your problem. Though if you have a ductless mini-split heating system with a leakage issue, then it’s possible the unit may not have been installed on a flat, horizontal space.
On the outside, a heat pump giving off water is a perfectly natural part of its process. However, you want to be sure it’s draining as it should and not damaging anything with the runoff. Some older model heat pumps struggle with extreme cold and their condensate buildup will freeze on the outside coil itself.
Tragar Heat Pumps Keep Your Home Toasty Warm
Tragar Home Services has partnered with Lennox – a respected name in home heating and cooling – to offer heat pumps designed to provide reliable, energy-efficient service for decades. As a Lennox Premier Partner, we offer valuable savings and rebates to our customers as well as outstanding service. Contact us today for more information about heat pump installation and to set up a free consultation.
