Is Your Heat Pump Leaking Water?
Heat pumps are a reliable way for homeowners to create their ideal indoor environment. However, even the best heat pumps will run into issues over time. One of the most common issues you will find is a heat pump leaking water. A leak is an indication of your heat pump not working properly. It can mean there is a problem with a certain component or the whole system.
How Heat Pump Leaks Happen
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There are many different reasons why a heat pump may leak. If you know why these issues occur, you’ll be able to prevent problems or at the very least, reduce the risk of them happening.
Dirty Heat Pump Coil
The evaporator coil is the main part of a heat pump. The coil collects moisture from the air. Moisture and condensation move through the evaporator coil and then into the drain pan. This pan is attached to a drain so the water can be removed easily.
The evaporator coil also collects dirt. If it gets too dirty, it won’t drain the condensate correctly. The water might run off the coil instead of draining into the pan. This would cause a leak.
Solution: If you notice any issues, contact a professional to take a look at your heat pump. They may need to clean the system if there is a dirty coil.
Frozen Heat Pump Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil can freeze if the heat pump is running low on refrigerant. It will cause ice formation in the system. At some point, the ice will melt. This is what causes leaking.
Another problem you’ll run into with frozen coils is that they prevent the heat pump from working accurately. With this issue, you may notice higher energy costs. This is due to the heat pump having to work more to keep up with the temperature requirements.
Solution: An HVAC tech can remove any ice from the system and top off the refrigerant.
Condensate Drain Clog
A properly working heat pump will collect condensate and get rid of it with the built-in drainage system. The drain itself can become clogged with dust and dirt.
A clogged drain will not remove water properly, and it can build up in the drain system. Heat pumps are not meant to hold a lot of water, so the water will leak from the pump.
Solution: Regular maintenance from a professional HVAC technician will fix this problem and keep it from happening in the future.
Poor Heat Pump Maintenance
A common reason heat pumps leak is because of a lack of maintenance. Heat pumps will perform their best with regular maintenance and checkups. These help to identify potential issues before they become a major problem. A professional HVAC technician will be able to recognize problems and fix them right away. Many times, heat pump problems are just a simple issue that a technician can easily fix, like dirty and frozen coils.
Solution: Supplemental heat pumps should be serviced once a year. Pumps being used as a primary source of heating and cooling should be serviced twice a year.
Cracked Overflow Pan
An important feature of heat pumps is that they remove moisture from the air. This is a necessary step in the cooling process. The evaporator coils collect moisture and deposit it into the drain pan. The pan can develop holes and cracks or become corroded since it is in contact with water. This can lead to leaks in the system.
Solution: Check the drain pan periodically to make sure there is not too much water collected. If there is, contact a professional HVAC technician.
Preventing Leaks In Your Heat Pump
If your heat pump was installed by professionals, you shouldn’t run into too many issues. Preventing leaks is possible with regular and preventive maintenance. Follow the steps recommended by your technician to make sure your system is in good shape. Always keep your eye out for any potential problems. The earlier a problem is caught, the quicker it can be resolved. Finally, don’t attempt any heat pump repairs by yourself. Always contact a trained professional for any tune-ups or repairs.
Call Lawes Company For Your HVAC Requirements
Lawes Company offers exceptional heating and cooling services in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. We only hire the best technicians to provide you with great HVAC services like installations, tune-ups, repairs, and replacements. All of our professional and licensed techs have lots of knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system properly.
Lawes Company guarantees the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in this area. Our HVAC services can increase your home comfort and energy efficiency while lowering your home cooling costs. If you need an HVAC repair or replacement system, we can recommend the best one for your home and your budget. To ensure your satisfaction, we back all of our work with a guarantee. Call Lawes Company today to schedule your tune-up or service appointment. We also offer free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!