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Heat Pump Condensation Water for SFG
5 posters
Page 1 of 1
Heat Pump Condensation Water for SFG
I have a Heat Pump for both cooling and heating of my home. In this time of year I gather a lot of water from the drip tube that is taking moisture out of the air, I assume that is what is happening anyway. I have a 2 or 3 gallon bucket I just place under the drip tube on the outside of my house. On really hot humid days the bucket will fill up in a 24 hour period. Now I have used this water on non-vegetables plants, like flowers, shrubs, etc. Question is, do you all think it is safe to use on the plants I plan to consume??
68carguy- Posts : 152
Join date : 2014-02-16
Location : Northern, VA.
Re: Heat Pump Condensation Water for SFG
Unless your pump is contaminated I would say that is good stuff for the vegetables, but I don't know that for a fact. BUT, go ahead and call the company that installed it and ask because this is a great question.
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
Re: Heat Pump Condensation Water for SFG
The Heat Pump was just installed a couple of years ago, and I have a company come once a year for cleaning and maintance, so I would think it isn't comtaminated, only thing that bother me is the cooling coils on these unit are soldered and I know that can contain lead. You are right I need to contact one of the service guys and ask my question.
68carguy- Posts : 152
Join date : 2014-02-16
Location : Northern, VA.
Re: Heat Pump Condensation Water for SFG
You could also do a lead test or send a sample of the water to a lab for testing.
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
Re: Heat Pump Condensation Water for SFG
Think I will start with something like this, and see what it shows.
http://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-WT1-Drinking-Water/dp/B000FBMAVQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402969995&sr=8-1&keywords=lead+water+test+kit
Thanks for the Idea.
http://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-WT1-Drinking-Water/dp/B000FBMAVQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402969995&sr=8-1&keywords=lead+water+test+kit
Thanks for the Idea.
68carguy- Posts : 152
Join date : 2014-02-16
Location : Northern, VA.
Re: Heat Pump Condensation Water for SFG
In addition, if you can access any of the solder, you can try a Lead Check (R) swab, available at Home Depot, Lowes, paint stores.
Re: Heat Pump Condensation Water for SFG
Sanderson,
My air handler is installed in a attic which is hard to get at, also the cooling coils are enclosed inside the unit which requires a bit of work to get at...removing side panels and stuff. I think I will try the home water test kits first and if it shows lead is in the water, if so I may send a sample for more detailed test results for a test lab. In the mean time think I will just use the water for non food items. I also catch rainwater to use for food crops but that depends on the weather, some years are okay so are not so good, but you know how that goes.
My air handler is installed in a attic which is hard to get at, also the cooling coils are enclosed inside the unit which requires a bit of work to get at...removing side panels and stuff. I think I will try the home water test kits first and if it shows lead is in the water, if so I may send a sample for more detailed test results for a test lab. In the mean time think I will just use the water for non food items. I also catch rainwater to use for food crops but that depends on the weather, some years are okay so are not so good, but you know how that goes.
68carguy- Posts : 152
Join date : 2014-02-16
Location : Northern, VA.
Re: Heat Pump Condensation Water for SFG
Got it. So, please let us know how the home water test goes.
Re: Heat Pump Condensation Water for SFG
The best geraniums I ever grew were in a window box that sat under a window a/c unit.
Kay
Kay
A WEED IS A FLOWER GROWING IN THE WRONG PLACE
Elizabeth City, NC
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walshevak
Certified SFG Instructor- Posts : 4374
Join date : 2010-10-17
Age : 81
Location : wilmington, nc zone 8
Re: Heat Pump Condensation Water for SFG
Cooling condensate comes from an aluminum coil into a plastic drain pan and drains normally from pvc pipe. It is safe. Condensing furnace water is not safe and is toxic.
johnp- Posts : 644
Join date : 2013-01-05
Age : 78
Location : high desert, Penrose CO
Re: Heat Pump Condensation Water for SFG
NICE!johnp wrote:Cooling condensate comes from an aluminum coil into a plastic drain pan and drains normally from pvc pipe. It is safe. Condensing furnace water is not safe and is toxic.
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
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