Why Your Furnace Is Leaking Water
Life is filled with challenges, from the profound to the mundane. You don’t have to look too far. These are present in your own home, such as failing machines that force you to search for remedies. What we have today is much more reliable than the early designs, but they are still far from perfect. For example, your furnace may display signs of wear and tear. It may act in strange ways and perform poorly. It may also develop a leak underneath the heating equipment. Don’t ignore this troubling symptom. This article discusses a common heating system problem that we address, a gas furnace leaking water.
Why Your Furnace is Leaking Water
Table of Contents
The system is supposed to be watertight. Read to find out why it is leaking and what you should do in this situation.
1. Furnace Condensation Leak
Furnace energy efficiency has been rising throughout the years. Improved design has made it possible to achieve AFUE ratings greater than 90, such as the presence of two heat exchangers instead of one. Doubling the count increases heat generation. However, the heat also encourages condensation with tiny droplets moving through the pipes. If these channels sustain damage due to aging or trauma, you may see the condensate leak out of the system. This type of leak is likely to spill water right at the furnace base.
2. Whole-House Humidifier Leak
Consider how your HVAC system is set up. Is it connected to a home humidifier? This configuration is prone to leaks coming from the humidifier itself. After all, this piece of HVAC equipment is there to increase moisture in the air if it feels too dry indoors. In case of a problem, moisture may move into the furnace.
3. Plumbing Leak
Sometimes the leak is not from the furnace at all. Most water in your home comes from the plumbing system, so you may want to test this theory. Look for damaged water pipes in the vicinity of the furnace. See if there are clogs in the drainage. It may seem like water is coming from the heating system, but the reality is that you need to replace your pipes with the help of a professional.
4. Furnace Filter Clog
The furnace filter is responsible for catching dust and other undesirable particles in the air. It prevents dirt from entering the system, thus prolonging equipment lifespan and improving indoor air quality. However, filters have their limits. After catching a lot of dirt, their clogged surfaces will start to block air from entering the system. Reduced furnace airflow will cause problems like frozen coils and clogged furnace pipes that trigger leakage. Make it a habit to check your filters. Replace them before they get too dirty by following the manufacturer’s suggested schedule.
5. Air Conditioner Leak
Some homes have a connection between the air conditioner and the heating system. A leak in the air conditioner may travel to the furnace. Remember that condensation occurs regularly on the cold coils. Moisture drops down into a pan. If this gets filled to the brim, excess water may spill into the furnace. It may seem like the heating system is leaking, but a professional can trace the true origin to the air conditioner.
6. Furnace Heat Exchanger Issue
We have already mentioned the importance of the heat exchanger in improving energy efficiency. This vital component has a big influence on furnace performance. If there is a leak involving this section, you will have to deal with costly repairs and major disruptions. It rarely happens. Most technicians will check this only after all other possibilities are considered. Ask HVAC contractors about pricing to determine whether you should fix it or upgrade to a new unit.
How To Deal With A Furnace Leak
Don’t treat leaks lightly. If you notice one coming from your furnace, call a technician immediately. A thorough inspection will help you figure out the source. Prepare for the arrival by doing the following:
1. Shut Off Your Furnace
Do not attempt to use the furnace while there is an ongoing leak. It is better to be safe than sorry. Shut it down right away. You can do this from the power switch or from the circuit breaker.
2. Clean Up The Water
Do not leave the water on the floor. Clean up the mess and keep the furnace base as dry as you can. Get a mop to absorb the moisture. Dry rags should also work fine. If you have a capable vacuum cleaner, use it to remove the water.
3. Check The HVAC Filter
When did you last replace the filter? If it has been a while, check its condition today. It may already be filled with dirt. Get a new filter to take its place.
Get Professional Furnace Repairs
Furnace leaks can point to a complex underlying problem. Diagnosis and repair often require considerable expertise. Avoid DIY repairs unless you are a trained individual. If you make a wrong move, you could make the problem worse and pay more later. Let the professionals handle the matter to ensure systematic troubleshooting and reliable results.
Heating systems are complex equipment. There have hundreds of components that influence each other, such that any change you make in one can have a big impact on the furnace. Do not tinker with it unless you know what you are doing. Wait for the technician to arrive and ask all your questions. Let the pro provide the remedies.
You might be tempted to call a handyman to fix the problem at a cheaper rate. It might seem economical, but this can backfire with shoddy solutions and worse problems. A handyman doesn’t have specific training or years of experience. Always rely on proven specialists for peace of mind.
Conclusion
When temperatures start to drop, we turn to our furnaces for warmth. They keep our homes comfortable even at the peak of winter. We need to take care of them so that they can perform at their best. Schedule annual heating system maintenance. Also, if you see any signs of trouble, call an HVAC contractor. Leaks are among the most common household issues. They can point to a serious underlying cause, so do not delay repairs. Let technicians have a look at your furnace and implement the proper solutions.
Call Hart Home Comfort for All Your HVAC Requirements
Hart Home Comfort is the best HVAC solutions provider in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Queens, New York. Customers are always happy to get a visit from our certified technicians, who are known for their professionalism and competence. They conduct exceptional repairs, installations, replacements, and tune-ups.
Come to us if you want competitive rates. You will never have to worry about excessive costs. We’ll make recommendations that are sensitive to your budget. Our services can also increase energy efficiency, further reducing your expenses. We will even give you a satisfaction guarantee. Call Hart Home Comfort today and schedule an appointment.
For any questions about what Hart Home Comfort can do for you, give us a call today. Click here to contact us now or call us at (631) 667-3200 to find out more!