heat pump on legs?

[ngerrald]

Why should a heat pump condensing unit be installed on legs?

[jpb2]

defrost

[ngerrald]

how does that help the defrost mode

[heatermanbob]

installing legs on the condensing unit helps prevent water from refreezing under the unit and lifting it. i was always taught that the main time to use legs is in an area that gets signifigant snowfall that can partially block the coil and restrict airflow.

[dna]

When the OD unit goes into defrost, a unit 4"-5" above the slab/pad gives a place for the water to go. If not elevated, the water will melt and refreeze, building up on the coil. I have also seen coils and fins damaged by this. As a company, we even install our straight air OD units with pump ups to keep debris and moisture out:) .

[coolguysfl]

While we install only a small % of heat pumps, we use the 4" pump up legs on all condenser installs to allow the air to circulate better & keep the units from rooting against the concrete.

[SBuckJ]

Here in central PA I use 10" legs. Most HVAC contractors use 6" legs but for the extra few dollars I think the 10" is worth it. Drifting snow can be a problem at times and the extra 4" might be worth it. Of course, this year snow isn't a problem here (which is OK with me).
SRJ

[dngtig]

Carrier used have the "round ones" on their snow racks, needed a ladder to reach od fan motor. Thank god for global warming we don't get winter in New England anymore.

[kuryakin]

I raised all of mine up on legs. Why? SNOW!! I was ALWAYS digging the CUs out when we had a heavy snow. Not any more!

[beenthere]

Here in central PA I use 10" legs. Most HVAC contractors use 6" legs but for the extra few dollars I think the 10" is worth it. Drifting snow can be a problem at times and the extra 4" might be worth it. Of course, this year snow isn't a problem here (which is OK with me).
SRJ

Guilty of only using the 6" legs.

But like you said, this year there snow isn't a problem.

[Chad711]

Its for the snow, I gotta dig up an old pic, ho built his own "stand". Might still be in the hall of shame, Ill go look.