Heat Pump Coil Dripping

[randynavarro]

Split system. Heat pump / AC condenser at the exterior. Air handler at the interior.

The heat pump ran frequently during my inspection and was dripping water at the exterior out the bottom of the evaporator coil.

This is normal because the exterior coil is acting like the evaporator in heating mode, correct?

Also, the buyer indicated that on an earlier visit, the exterior coil was frozen. I know that's bad, but what could it be?

In my ongoing quest to wrap my brain around heat pumps / AC's. . .

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by randynavarro

Split system. Heat pump / AC condenser at the exterior. Air handler at the interior.

The heat pump ran frequently during my inspection and was dripping water at the exterior out the bottom of the evaporator coil.

This is normal because the exterior coil is acting like the evaporator in heating mode, correct?

Also, the buyer indicated that on an earlier visit, the exterior coil was frozen. I know that's bad, but what could it be?

In my ongoing quest to wrap my brain around heat pumps / AC's. . .

Dripping water is normal and to be expected.

Limited frost is ok.

Actual ice is a problem.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[inspector57]

Ditto

And the amount of water and ice depends on the operating temperature and humidity.

[jon_ran]

More than likely, the coil was not frozen but frosted. During your inspection, you noticed it in the defrost mode with the frost melting and dripping onto the pad.

Both are normal and expected.