Moisture on pad at heat pump condenser

[lfoster]

I have seen several heat pump units that have moisture on the mounting pad below the condenser. Is it a difference in temperature sort of thing causing the moisture? or -- is it a leakage problem?

Yesterday was overcast in 60's with a/c on. Previously seen in cold weather 30's when heat was on.

[jbreazeale]

Linda,

Moisture on the pad is normal, especially in heat mode. Coils on a heat pump have a defrost element that kicks in under certain conditions. The coils can ice over. The defrost thermostat kicks in under these conditions to keep that from happening. As for the a/c, condensate from the end of the suction line will always be there. There's nothing abnormal in either case.

[Doug Edwards, CMI]

What Jimmy said.

[Larry D. Kage]

Ibid