Why Is My Heat Pump Leaking Water Inside?

Heat pumps are an excellent option for many homeowners looking for a hybrid system that can heat a home in the winter and reverse function in the summer to deliver cool air. However, the technology is similar to what you’ll find in the standard air conditioner, so they also develop similar problems.

Thus, heat pumps can leak water inside the home, just like air conditioners. As the top choice for heat pump repair in Roxbury Township, NJ, we always get property owners asking us, “Why is my heat pump leaking water inside?” We’ll cover the answers in this blog post.

Refrigerant Leak 

Your heat pump requires fully charged refrigerant to work efficiently, and any leak will disrupt the cooling process. When the cold air stops flowing through normally, condensation will form within the indoor unit, causing leaks as the system functions or after you turn the air conditioner off.

If you notice water leaks from your heat pump’s indoor unit, you should request an inspection to prevent more serious damage.

Dirty Coils

The evaporator coil removes condensation from the air and drains it from your heat pump. If the coil gets clogged by dirt and debris, it can interfere with the normal condensation drainage process. So, instead of the moisture exiting the heat pump through the right channels, it will stay in the system and leak into your home.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

A frozen evaporator coil is another common cause of indoor leaks. It’s likely the reason you’ll get when you ask, “Why is my heat pump leaking water inside?”

You’ll experience a frozen coil if the refrigerant in your system gets too cold. At this point, ice will form on the evaporator coils as the heat pump works.

When you turn off the system, the ice will start to melt. The excessive water can overflow the drain, causing a pool of water around the indoor unit.

Why does the refrigerant get too cold? The main reasons include the following:

• Closed vents
• Refrigerant leak
• Dirty air filters

Closed vents and a dirty air filter inhibit the amount of warm air that blows over the evaporator coil. The refrigerant can get too cold without enough warm air to maintain a balance, causing the evaporator coil to freeze.

Similarly, leaks in the refrigerant lines can lower the refrigerant temperature, freezing the evaporator coils.

Confirm that you don’t have closed vents or dirty air filters. If you do, it’s an easy fix. Otherwise, you’ll need to call an expert to check for refrigerant leaks. The technician will identify the source of the leak, fix it, and then restore the refrigerant levels.

Incorrect Air Handler Installation

This possible cause of a heat pump leak is one you’ll only see in a ductless split heat pump system.

Professional installers line up the air handlers in a mini-split heat pump in a position that allows gravity to draw condensate buildup away from the system. Improper installation will distort the process.

Fortunately, a professional installer can realign the indoor unit in a few minutes.

Clogged Condensate Drain

Your heat pump expels moisture from the air through a condensate drain system. After a while, a buildup of dirt, algae, and debris can cause a clog in the system. 

In this scenario, the water building up as the heat pump functions will follow the path of least resistance, which is typically back inside your home.

Depending on the extent of the clog, the heat pump may shut down. You can prevent this problem by scheduling regular maintenance to keep the condensate drain line unclogged.

Let’s Help You Stop Heat Pump Leaks and Prevent a Recurrence

If you have a heat pump leak, you need to request a professional heat pump inspection to prevent further damage to your indoor or outdoor unit and water damage inside your home.

Our expert team can arrive at your property quickly and isolate the cause of the leaks. When we identify the cause of the leaks, we’ll get to work to fix it. We do the job right the first time.

Upon completion of the repairs, we’ll recommend a maintenance schedule to keep the problem from recurring. As you can see above, all the answers to “Why is my heat pump leaking water inside?” are preventable with regular maintenance and professional installation.

Call the Comfort Specialists team in Kenvil, NJ, today at (973) 490-4881 for expert repairs. Let’s help you return to enjoying the advantages of a heat pump.