Universal heat pump pan heater?

[Tracs]

I have a Perfect Aire mini split that I use for heat on milder winter days. It makes heat down to 5F. It can get to -30F here in Manitoba in the winters and I have in floor heat for the main heat.

My problem is when the outdoor unit goes into defrost mode, the water freezes into the bottom of the pan. Last winter between the snow storm and the defrost cycle, the unit froze into a solid block and burned out the cooling fan motor.

I've been trying to think of ways I can ensure it doesn't freeze up again. The unit is on a patio stone at ground level. I did stick two 2x4s under the feet gaining 1.5" off the ground.

Would some sort of heating cable in and around the pan work? Any suggestions?

 

[Climatecreator]

I don't know of any universal ones but maybe one of those heaters they use to keep bird baths from freezing? You could just plug it in when needed? Also higher is better and maybe make sure drain holes are clear and possibly add more if you could UNDER the coil.

Just my initial thoughts,

CC

 

[bored350]

An a/c voltage plug in engine block heater sounds like the perfect solution for what you are asking.

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[Climatecreator]

If engine block heaters are designed to be submerged in water then I would agree as well.

CC

 

[Milton Shaw]

Some outside units have a thermostatic drain, make sure that is working right. The units want the water in them during the summer to help with cooling the condenser coil, but the thermostat opens in the winter to keep the water from freezing. This was common in PTAC units for motels.

 

[justinjoyal]

Your unit was not properly installed. Instead of trying to go around the problem, I suggest you have it raised at least 16 inches off the ground. Otherwise snow is also a problem, not just water/ice.

 

[nh_yota]

Magnetic engine oil pan heater.

 

[Tracs]

Some outside units have a thermostatic drain, make sure that is working right. The units want the water in them during the summer to help with cooling the condenser coil, but the thermostat opens in the winter to keep the water from freezing. This was common in PTAC units for motels.

This is a low end model. No drain valves. Just some holes stamped into the bottom of the pan.

 

[Tracs]

Your unit was not properly installed. Instead of trying to go around the problem, I suggest you have it raised at least 16 inches off the ground. Otherwise snow is also a problem, not just water/ice.

I agree, I would have liked it up off the ground. It has been installed on the ground for the past 2 years. I doubt I could get it moved without spending a few hundred $$. It's weird because 99% of the mini splits I see on the condos and apartments are all placed on a large patio stone at ground level. Maybe they don't use theirs for heat during the winter and therefore have no issues.

The line set comes out the wall and then down about 8' to the unit. I would assume it couldn't be moved without disconnecting the lines.

 

[Jackfre]

This is a low end model. No drain valves. Just some holes stamped into the bottom of the pan.

That is typical. Milton is correct. Currently you have the condensate possibly draining our and freezing on the pad. It then builds back up into the unit with the results you all ready know. Get a wall bracket and get it off the ground. The other benefit is that the unit will stay cleaner.

 

[Tracs]

Magnetic engine oil pan heater.

I looked at those. If they are rated for direct contact with water, then that would work.

 

[bored350]

I looked at those. If they are rated for direct contact with water, then that would work.

Oil pan heaters remain on the engine year round and are exposed to the elements all the time as a result. If you raise the unit off the ground just a few inches with some bricks and attach a heater to the bottoms that is a bit smaller than the pan, it should do the job just fine. Also, you can add a slight bit of putch (just 1-2°) which will force the water to the drain hole.

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[Tracs]

Oil pan heaters remain on the engine year round and are exposed to the elements all the time as a result. If you raise the unit off the ground just a few inches with some bricks and attach a heater to the bottoms that is a bit smaller than the pan, it should do the job just fine. Also, you can add a slight bit of putch (just 1-2°) which will force the water to the drain hole.

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The unit is raised 2" off the block now. Last year it wasn't. I think that alone will help a bit. I send a inquiry to the maker of the magnetic heater. They also make a stick on silicone one. I have asked it they are water and weather resistant. I'll see what they say.

It's too bad the unit wasn't higher and I could put the magnetic heater on the underside of the pan. Then I wouldn't be worried at all.

 

[bored350]

If the lineset is dropping 8' down to the unit, what's keeping you from raising the unit up higher than a few inches?

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[Tracs]

If the lineset is dropping 8' down to the unit, what's keeping you from raising the unit up higher than a few inches?

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I don't want to have someone come vacuum the charge down, disconnect and then reconnect everything. If there was a way to do it with the lines still connected I would, but I don't want to risk breaking a line.

 

[Tracs]

OK I thought about how silly this is. I called a friend who is a AC tech. He is gonna come over and we are going to mount the unit on the wall a couple feet off the ground.

 

[Tracs]

And within the last hour he came over and looked at it and will return this week or weekend to move it. He said it should have been installed at least 2' off the ground to begin with.

 

[fitter30]

Doesn't the unit get buried in the snow?