Why is My Heat Pump Leaking Water?

A heat pump is an efficient cooling and heating system that keeps your home comfortable during the day-to-day. Unfortunately, many people have problems with their heat pumps due to a lack of care and upkeep. If you notice your heat pump is leaking water then you should work to solve the issue immediately since the longer you let it leak the more damage it can cause.

Understanding How Heat Pumps Work

In order to help identify why your heat pump is leaking, you must first understand what a heat pump is and how it works. In short, a heat pump is a system that extracts air from one area and moves it to another either by transferring your home’s air outdoors or the outdoor air into your home. During this process, condensation commonly builds up and drips, however, this does not indicate a leak.

4 Reasons Your Heat Pump May Be Leaking Water

1. Low Refrigerant Levels

If your refrigerant levels are too low on your heat pump then the evaporator coil will freeze causing ice to build up inside the system. Because of this, whenever the ice melts you may notice leakage starting to occur. Thankfully a professional can easily remove the ice and add refrigerant to the pump which helps to prevent any further issues.

2. Dirty Coils

Your heat pumps coils work in a similar way to your home’s air filters, meaning that if your coils happen to be caked with dust they may cease to function properly. So similar to changing out air filters in a gas furnace, you need to work to take care of your coils by cleaning them regularly. Use specific cleaners or soap and water and carefully wipe down the coils thoroughly. You should also hose wash the outside fins.

3. Clogged Drain Line

The water that results from the condensation is sent to a drain pan which is then sent down a line to be carried away from your heat pump. If things such as mold or debris get in the drain line, clogging can start to occur. It’s fairly easy to clean out any debris that may have gotten into the system. However, mold and algae are harder to get rid of. You may have to call a professional to get the system completely clean.

4. Broken Condensate (Overflow) Pan

Over time the pan that carries the condensation on your heat pump can break down and rust due to extended use. This results in cracks that cause water to overflow onto the floor causing a mess you’ll have to clean up. In order to avoid this, you should schedule annual checkups in which you can get an expert’s opinion on whether or not you’ll be safe for another season.

Not Sure What to Do?

If you’re not sure how to solve the leak or can’t find the problem then don’t hesitate in calling a professional. There are many problems you can experience with your heat pump that take too much money and time to do yourself. Even if you are only experiencing small problems it’s imperative that you nip them in the bud as soon as you can so you can avoid bigger problems down the line. Being tempted to brush off a little leakage is natural but you’ll pay the price if you have to replace your whole heat pump because you ignored the warning signs.

Call and Schedule Your Heat Pump Inspection Today!

ABE Heating and Cooling offer great products with iron-clad warranties and superior installation services, all at manageable prices suitable for any budget. We are located in Brighton, Colorado, and serve the entire Denver Metro Area, and if you would like to learn more about high-efficiency furnaces please contact us today to discuss the possibilities.