Water leak outdoor AC unit

[txjeff]

Howdy;

I have a 4 year old AC system in a new house. (Heat pump in attic and outdoor 3.5 ton unit). I noticed today (no rain) that there was a collection of water on the cement near my AC unit outside. I looked inside the unit and it looks like it is centered directly under the compressor. I thought condensation but I don't think it should be that much. What do you think?

[skippedover]

Just like a refrigerator, a HP in the heating mode will make ice under certain atmospheric conditions. In order to deal with the ice, just like a modern refrigerator, there must be a defrost operation that melts the ice. The water you're seeing is the rusult of melting ice and is absolutely normal. That is the reason the HP should be elevated several inches off the ground, to allow the water to drain from the bottom of the HP outdoor unit pan.

[txjeff]

Just like a refrigerator, a HP in the heating mode will make ice under certain atmospheric conditions. In order to deal with the ice, just like a modern refrigerator, there must be a defrost operation that melts the ice. The water you're seeing is the rusult of melting ice and is absolutely normal. That is the reason the HP should be elevated several inches off the ground, to allow the water to drain from the bottom of the HP outdoor unit pan.

Well, thanks for that fast response! We have had weather here where it's 90 degrees on Friday and Saturday, dropping to 40 degrees last night so we switched from AC to Heat last night. And still cool out today so heat still on (although it's around 55 out today). So I guess that is still normal.

I thank you for your insight. I won't worry about it.

[skippedover]

You're quite welcome and worry has no place with the situation. :grin2: