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Should I Be Worried About a Mini Split's Condensate in the Winter? - Ask the Expert Episode 133
Kevin wants to know what in the world you're supposed to do with a mini split's condensate in the winter. Won't it freeze?
Video Script:
So, the question comes from Kevin on the internet. "Hey Dan, I just got a ductless mini split heat pump installed. Is there a concern about the condensate in the tubing freezing in the winter?"
Simply put, no, there shouldn't be a concern. When you're running the air conditioning and it's cooling, you're going to have condensation. That's when you will need the drain for the condensate. If it's winter, however, you're going to be running the heat. There shouldn't be any condensate building up in the air handler when it's heating. If it does, then there's something wrong because there shouldn't be any water in it. You should definitely get the unit serviced if it does.
Have more questions? Just ask them in the comments below or on Facebook or on Twitter.
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If a minisplit unit has low Freon in the winter does that effect the heating abilities?
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It certainly can. The refrigerant is what moves the heat in or out. Whether you're cooling or heating, low refrigerant will mean that the unit is operating much less effectively.
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Doesn't the cooling cycle run in the winter to defrost the outdoor unit?
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A heat pump can run a defrost mode (basically cooling mode) to melt ice off the outside coil. Ideally, this should not be common. If a heat pump has to run this way often to remove ice from the outside coil, it is definitely time to activate auxiliary heat or a secondary heat source.
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If ur running ac in the winter. How can u stop the condensate line from freezing? Will a heat wire get to hot?
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If the heat tape says it is suitable for PVC, CPVC, OR PEX pipe then it can be used on your drain line. Most heat tapes now have a thermostat and most are now suitable for plastic water pipe.
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Does the condenser unit of a mini split emit water? The unit I’m looking at has an outdoor drain line, but is there water other that drain line water that might cause dampness on a slab on grade? The specs do say the condenser may cause dampness, so I’m thinking of having the condenser installed several feet from the indoor unit on ground rather than on the slab on which the stud wall is built. I’m looking at a Daikin 9k mini split. I don’t want dampness to cause rot. Any thoughts?
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A mini-split condenser can produce condensate when in heating mode.
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Our mini split is on a concrete patio and the condensate leaks all over. Suggestions? Is a plant my best option? Otherwise I am emptying a bucket too often on the very hot days in the desert. Would love your advise!
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A plant is a good option. You could also add extra condensate hose length to run the water further away from your patio.
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I am going to purchase a mini split for my garage. I live in Indiana. Gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer. My garage is my man cave. I have company all the time so the door will either be open most of the time of opening and closing a lot as we watch the Bears or the Bulls games. My garage is about 450 square feet. If I purchase an 18BTU mini split system, will it be able to handle the open door in 40 degree cold or 90 degree heat? Will it just run continuously and burn out prematurely?
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I honestly don't know the math of how opening a garage door would affect heating efficiency. Obviously, as you imply, it would not be good. In terms of mini-splits, I would definitely a Hyper Heat mini-split. They are designed to perform better in cold weather. You should also look into garage door insulation.
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Can I connect multiple indoor units to a single condensation pump such as the aspen peristaltic style?
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That would depend on the condensate pump, but I am not aware of any that we have that would allow that.
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My mini split wall unit is off and its winter. Why am I seeing ice outside in my condensate drain? Is this common? I do not remember seeing this last winter.
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It's possible that it's just ice from outdoors accumulating as it would on anything else. If this is not the case, please give us a call at 270-575-9595.
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Whether heating or cooling with a mini split system, do I need to worry about the lines running from the outdoor unit to the indoor wall unit condensating themselves and leaking through the ceiling? If so, how do I address this during installation?
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If installed and operating correctly, it should not be a concern. The insulating material on the line set also prevents this.
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I had water dripping in light fixture 1st floor in summer with mini split ac running. Went to 2nd floor then attic. Found that the condensate inline sound muffler was above the attic insulation, cracked and dripping condensate. The installers had done a poor job and did not insulate the inline muffler. So when. Temperatures got cold enough the previous winter (it reached -12 Farenheit) it froze expanded and burst. I removed the muffler (couldn't find a replacement). This winter i heard a hum and the condensate pump seems to be running and not emptying. Turned off elec at the breaker. Condensate tank is pretty full of water, so there is something I don't understand about how that works
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You may want to double check that your condensate drain line is routed correctly at a downward slope and that it is not clogged. You will likely also need to have an HVAC tech look over your system.
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