Air conditioner condensate question

[Joan617]

We live in a Pinnacle with two Colman Mach 8's and one of them has the heat pump option. We are used to the regular drip of A/C condensate coming from the gutter spouts and they are great for watering plants.


The other day at cocktail time, we noticed a near constant stream pouring off for an extended period and wondered about the source. Question is, do these units have a defrost cycle like a fridge? I have seen one of our units freeze up before with ice in the condenser fins. We are now in SE New Mexico where the warm days turn to cool night quickly and figured it might be melting ice.


Thanks Gang.
Angus

[Grumpy]

No defrost cycle. Do you run the fan all the time? If yes it may have iced up and the compressor shut off, which it is supposed to do, and then defrosted.

[Joan617]

Grumpy, thanks so much. Your posts are always quick and pithy. I have learned a lot from you,

Angus

[us71na]

My CoolCat heat pump has a defrost cycle that runs when the unit is heating and the outside temperatures get low. This prevents ice buildup on the outside coils. It doesn't do this when in the A/C mode.