Why is My Heat Pump / Air Conditioner Leaking Water Outside?

Seeing water pooling or dripping near your outdoor unit can be somewhat concerning. But in many cases, particularly in hot environments, your unit will naturally create condensation. If there is no drain installed to remove the condensation away from the unit, water may build up around the outdoor unit. Knowing the difference between normal condensation and a problem will help you save stress and a service call. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons behind your home heat pump leaking water outside.

Reasons Why My Air Conditioner is Dripping Water Outside

Particularly in hotter months, heat pumps / air conditioners naturally produce condensation as they cool your home. Here are some of the common reasons you might see an outdoor AC unit leaking water outside:

• Normal condensation: As your air conditioner removes heat and humidity, moisture gathers and drains down a pipe, this is to be expected.

• Blocked or disconnected drain line: Should the condensate pipe be blocked or disconnected, water could spill down the side of the unit or pool under it.

• Dirty filters or coils: If these are dirty, they might lower airflow, which would make the coils overly cold and induce too much condensation.

• Low refrigerant: Can cause coil icing. As the ice melts, you will find more water than normal.

If the water seems to be leaking inside your home instead, this could point to another issue. Explore further in our aircon leaking water inside guide.

Why is My Heat Pump Leaking Water Outside?

A heat pump on heating mode works by pulling warmth from the outside air into your house. The outdoor unit will then produce condensation during this cycle. Here’s what you need to know if your Fujitsu heat pump is leaking water outside:

• Condensation is normal: During cold weather, the presence of water around the unit's base is normal and does not indicate a system fault.

• No drain installed? Without a drainage system, water can gather around the outdoor unit.

• Need to redirect the water?  If you prefer to have the water drained to another location, please contact your installer who can arrange this for you. Your installer can include a drain to direct condensation away from garden beds or walkways.

If you want your system to be even more efficient during winter, take a look at our advice on how to use a heat pump efficiently.

Is your Fujitsu air conditioner leaking water outside?

Keep in mind that the outdoor unit of a Fujitsu system will generate condensation during heating operation, so the moisture outside your heat pump is completely natural. However,  if the heat pump leaking water outside seems extreme or persists in dry conditions, it is advisable to have it checked out by a licensed professional.

For guidance on your specific unit, either find a service agent nearby or call our team directly.