Heat pumps are an efficient means of heating your home, however, even with the best quality unit, it is possible for them to have a leak. Your heat pump helps to cool your home in the summer months and warm your home during the winter, similar to an HVAC system.
A heat pump functions by transferring heat into your home during the winter and out of your home in the summer using refrigerant. However, there are a number of factors that can contribute to your heat pump leaking.
Is a Heat Pump Dripping a Big Problem?
As far as HVAC issues go this is not one that needs to cause great alarm. While it does need to be addressed, it’s actually a common issue that can easily be addressed by a heat pump repair professional.
Even though it’s typically a simple fix, this doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Rather once you notice the leak, we recommend you contact a professional immediately to come to your home to check out the issue. Ignoring a leaking heat pump can lead to water damage in your home and mold infestations. Additionally standing water within the system can lead to component wear and electrical issues. While repairing a leak is simple, but repairing a short-circuited unit can mean a huge investment you don’t want to make just yet!
Here are some of the most common causes of a heat pump leak:
Drain Problems
Most heat pumps have a drain pan which is used to collect condensation from the unit. If this pan becomes clogged with debris, mold, or even algae, it could overflow and create a puddle around your pump. If the drain line gets clogged or the condensate pan is set improperly, the water will run over and cause a leak. In many cases, the heat pump system will automatically turn off before this occurs, however, the problem will still need to be addressed before your pump can run again.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
In the summer, low levels of refrigerant can lead to ice forming on the cooling coils. This will impair the cooling process and prevent the heat pump from working properly. If refrigerant levels are lower than they should be in the system, it can create ice on the evaporator coils. This is problematic because it restricts the cooling process, which impacts the pump’s ability to function. As the ice melts, it creates puddles of water that might leak in your system.
A Dirty Coil
The cold evaporator coil in your unit collects condensation from the air and drains it down the coil into a pan which then leads to another drain. Should this coil get dirty, it can malfunction and cause the water to drip onto the ground.
Cracked Overflow Pan
Similar to an air conditioner, a heat pump pulls humidity out of the air as part of its cooling process. The humidity collects on the coils and drips down into the drain or overflow pan. Over time the pan may begin to corrode, which can lead to it cracking. Should the pan crack you will end up with a leak that will result in plenty of water getting onto your floors.
A Clogged Condensate Drain
The condensate drain system relies upon a few tubes to carry moisture out and away from your home. Physical blockages can result in a physical blockage that stops the flow. If a blockage occurs the water will back up until it begins to flow out of the drain pan causing a leak.
Preventing Leaks in Your Heat Pump
Addressing potential problems is the best way to prevent leaks in your heat pump system. By scheduling yearly inspections of your heating unit leaks and other damage to your heat pump system can be prevented. Additionally, hiring a professional to take care of any necessary heat pump maintenance will increase the energy efficiency of your unit and lower your energy costs.
Contact Us for Heat Pump Repair and Installation Today
Heat pump maintenance and repair will help you stay warm during the colder months. If you have a heat pump installed in your home already that needs repairing or would like to inquire about installing a new heat pump in your home, contact us today at (210) 409-7271 to learn how we can help. If you need assistance with home repairs beyond your heat pump, consider reaching out to The Smart Fix Handyman. They handle a variety of home repair projects.