Why Is My Furnace Leaking?
If life were perfect, we would have perfect machines and equipment – the kind that would never grow old, break down, or need replacement. Modern furnaces are sturdy machines but they are far from being indestructible. Furthermore, they are definitely not perfect. Sometimes, something goes wrong and you might find that your furnace has started leaking. Naturally, a gas furnace leaking water will cause some inconvenience and discomfort on your part, considering that the leak could be something serious.
Reasons For A Furnace Leaking Water
Contents
This article discusses the possible causes of why your furnace is leaking and what you can do about it.
Condensation Leak
Modern furnaces have high-efficiency ratings. If your furnace has an AFUE rating of at least 90, it likely has two heat exchangers so it can generate more heat. When the furnace produces heat, condensation forms, and these tiny droplets of moisture will travel through the pipes or the floor drain. Just in case the pipes are damaged or clogged, the condensate will leak out of the furnace. If this is the reason for leaking in your furnace, you will likely see water pool up at the base of your furnace.
Humidifier Leak
If you have a home humidifier that is connected to your HVAC, you could experience leaking from your furnace if there is a leak in the humidifier itself. Humidifiers produce moisture to keep the air comfortable. If they fail, the moisture could leak into your heating system.
A Plumbing Leak
A leak in your plumbing system could have a detrimental effect on your furnace. If you find a leak in your furnace, it is a good idea to check your plumbing. Broken pipes or clogged components in the plumbing system will trap water and debris, causing the drainage system to back up. When this happens, a leak could appear at the base of your furnace. If your plumbing pipes are the cause, have them replaced or repaired immediately.
A Clogged Furnace Filter
Check your furnace filter periodically. Filters collect dust and other particulates to keep the air clean. Once it becomes clogged, it will not be as effective in allowing proper airflow through the coils. When this happens, the coils will freeze. There are also times when clogged pipes cause leaking, which is evident when you see a pool of water around the area of your furnace. By checking your furnace filter regularly and replacing it when needed, you can prevent this issue from happening.
Air Conditioner Leaking
If you use your air conditioner with your furnace and experience leaking, it may be because of the AC unit. Condensation from the AC is collected into the condensation pan. Once this pan is full, the excess water could drip onto your furnace. Because the water comes from the heating unit, you would think that the furnace is leaking when it may actually be your air conditioner.
Heat Exchanger Problem
A leaking problem with the heat exchanger can be serious and costly. If you have checked all possible reasons why your furnace is leaking and have not found it, the heat exchanger may be the issue. If this is the case, you will need to have the heat exchanger repaired (if it is practical cost-wise) or have a new unit installed. Ask a licensed HVAC technician for advice to ensure that you have the best possible options available.
What to Do When You Notice A Furnace Leak
If there is any kind of leaking coming from your furnace, check the unit or call a technician to schedule a furnace inspection right away. Here are the steps you should take before help arrives:
- Shut off the system. The entire system should be shut down immediately. If you cannot find the power switch, turn off the breaker that distributes power to the unit.
- Keep the base of the furnace as dry as possible. Use a mop or dry rags to soak up moisture. This will help prevent water damage. If necessary, use a wet-dry vacuum.
- Check the filter. If you haven’t cleaned or replaced the filter in months, now is the time to check if it is clogged. If it is, replace it with a new one.
Hiring Professional Furnace Repair Services
Unless you have the skills and training, or if the solution is simple such as changing the air filter, never attempt to fix the furnace yourself. You likely will cause more damage to the unit if you do not know what to do. You could end up paying hundreds (if not, thousands) of dollars’ worth of HVAC repairs and replacements.
Keep in mind that the furnace is a type of specialized equipment and is made up of a complex set of components. It is far better to wait for a professional HVAC repair technician to inspect the unit, make a proper diagnosis of the problem, and perform the proper procedure to fix any issues.
Avoid calling a handyman as well. Only trained and licensed HVAC technicians should repair furnaces. HVAC technicians undergo extensive training and have experience and knowledge in repairing them. If your furnace starts acting up, shut down the system and call a professional right away.
Conclusion
We rely on furnaces to keep our homes comfortable during the cold months. When they break down, we certainly do not want the inconvenience associated with inefficiency and inefficacy. If there is a leaking problem with a well-maintained furnace, it is likely an issue that can be easily fixed and resolved. If the furnace is an older unit, it is best that a professional check it to ensure that the proper repairs are done.
Call McAllister Energy For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
McAllister Energy offers superior heating and cooling services in Camden County, New Jersey. We hire professionally certified technicians who can provide you with excellent HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each of our techs has the knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system correctly.
McAllister Energy guarantees the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in the area. Our maintenance services can improve your comfort, increase your energy efficiency while reducing your home cooling costs. If you happen to need an HVAC repair or replacement system, we can recommend the best one for your home while staying within your budget. We back all of our work with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. To schedule a service appointment, give McAllister Energy a call today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
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