Many homes rely on heat pumps to make the indoor environment comfortable. Heat pumps are quite reliable but even the best ones will begin to show issues over time. One of these issues is a heat pump leaking water. Now, we have been trained to watch out for equipment that leaks and this is for a good reason. If your heat pump leaks, then it is not functioning properly. There may be problems with the components or the system itself.
How Heat Pump Leaks Happen
There is a number of reasons why heat pumps leak water. Understanding why these issues happen can go a long way to help prevent problems or at least, reduce their risk of occurring.
Dirty Heat Pump Coil
One of the components in a heat pump is the evaporator coil. This coil collects moisture from the air around it. Moisture or condensation is then drained down the evaporator coil and into a drain pan. The pan is connected to a drain so the water may be disposed of.
The evaporator coil can also collect dirt and when it becomes too dirty, it may not drain the condensate properly. Instead of draining through to a pan, water could run off the coil, causing a leak.
Solution: Call a professional HVAC contractor to check the heat pump. If a dirty coil is the problem, the system may only need a complete cleaning.
Your local trusted technician has all the right tools for the job.
Frozen Heat Pump Evaporator Coil
When the heat pump runs low on refrigerant, the coil can turn too cold and freeze. Ice will begin to form within the system. Leaking occurs when the ice on the coils melt.
Frozen coils also present another problem. When the coils are too cold, they will prevent the heat pump from working properly. This type of issue is often followed by higher energy costs because the heat pump simply works harder to keep up with the temperature demand.
Solution: A professional technician can check the system and remove the ice. He/She can also top off the refrigerant to prevent the evaporator coil from freezing.
Condensate Drain Clog
If the heat pump is working correctly, it will be able to collect condensate from the air and eliminate it using its built-in drain system. However, the drain itself also collects dirt, dust, and other debris, causing it to become clogged.
A clogged drain prevents water from being eliminated properly. As a result, water will begin to build up inside the drain system. Since the heat pump is not designed to hold that much water, the fluid will simply leak out of the pump.
Solution: Call a professional technician and have the system checked. Regular maintenance can help fix the problem and prevent it from re-occurring.
Poor Heat Pump Maintenance
Lack of heat pump maintenance is one common cause of heat pump leaks that many homeowners are guilty of. Heat pumps, like all types of equipment, perform better and more efficiently if they undergo regular checkups and maintenance work. Regular tune-ups help identify problems before they worsen. A professional heat pump technician can also check problems and correct them immediately. Very often, problems with the heat pump start off as simple issues. Dirty and frozen coils, for example, can easily be remedied if they are identified and corrected early by a professional technician.
Solution: If your heat pump is a supplemental pump, have it serviced once a year by a trained and licensed technician. If the pump is being used as the primary source of heating and cooling, it should be serviced twice a year.
Cracked Overflow Pan
The process of pulling moisture from the air is a key function of the heat pump. This is part of the steps necessary for the cooling process to occur. Moisture is collected on the evaporator coils and is directed into a drain or pan. Because of its constant contact with liquid, the pan could become corroded and develop cracks and holes. These, in turn, lead to water leaks in the heat pump system.
Solution: Periodically check the drain pan for water. If the heat pump is producing too much water which is collected in the pan, have it checked by a professional.
Preventing Leaks In Your Heat Pump
As long as the heat pump unit matches the heating and cooling needs of a home and it was installed correctly by professionals, the best ways to prevent leaking are a combination of prudence and regular preventive maintenance. Make sure to follow recommended care and use to ensure that the system is working properly. It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of a problem. The earlier this problem is resolved, the better it will be for the lifespan and performance of the heat pump system. Lastly, never attempt to make repairs on the heat pump on your own. Unless you are a trained professional, tinkering with the system could do more harm than good. Always call a licensed and trained technician to perform checkups, tune-ups, and repairs.
Call Point Bay Fuel For Your HVAC Requirements
Point Bay Fuel offers superior heating and cooling services in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, New Jersey. We hire the best certified technicians who can provide you with excellent HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each of our techs has the knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system correctly.
Point Bay Fuel guarantees the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in the area. Our maintenance services can improve your comfort, increase your energy efficiency while reducing your home cooling costs. If you happen to need an HVAC repair or replacement system, we can recommend the best one for your home while staying within your budget. We back all of our work with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. To schedule a heating or cooling tune-up or service appointment, give Point Bay Fuel a call today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!
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