Why Is My Furnace Leaking?
A perfect life would involve having perfect machines and equipment. They would neither suffer from old age nor break down. Modern heating systems are durable and sturdy. However, they could still succumb to old age and HVAC system failures. You might find your furnace experiencing some issues, such as a gas furnace leaking water, as time passes. A gas-fired furnace that leaks is, to say the least, inconvenient and uncomfortable. Moreover, the leak could even point to a more serious problem with your heating system.
Why Is My Furnace Leaking Water?
In this article, we discuss some of the possible reasons for furnace leaks. Likewise, we cover some of the steps you should take when it happens.
Condensation Leak
Heating systems have high levels of efficiency nowadays. If your furnace has a 90 AFUE rating, it probably has two heat exchangers to produce more heat.
Condensation forms when your system produces heat. The moisture will go through the pipes or floor drain. However, these can get damaged or blocked and cause the water to leak out. If this is the cause of your furnace leak, water will likely pool up at the furnace base. Call an HVAC contractor to schedule a furnace inspection.
Humidifier Leak
A humidifier is used to add moisture to the air to keep it from being too dry. One type of humidification system that many homeowners use is a whole-house humidifier. These types of systems connect to the HVAC system. A faulty humidifier could lead to water leaking into your furnace. Therefore, you might think that the leak is coming from your furnace, but it could be from the humidifier.
Dirty Furnace Filter
The furnace filter collects the dust and dirt from the air to ensure you have healthy indoor air quality. It gets clogged with debris over time and becomes less effective in letting air flow correctly through the coils. As a result, it leads to frozen pipes. Other times, clogged pipes might lead to leaks, which can have water pooling around your furnace. Prevent this from happening to your home by checking your furnace filter once a month. Replace or clean it as needed.
Plumbing Leak
If there is a leak in your plumbing system, the water could trickle down your furnace. Your plumbing might have clogged components or broken pipes that are trapping water and debris. This can lead to a drainage system back up. The leak could be coming from your plumbing system and making its way through your furnace, making it seem that the leak is coming from there. Have your plumbing pipes replaced or repaired by a professional right away.
Air Conditioner Leak
Using your air conditioner and your furnace together can also mean that the leaking is coming from the AC. The moisture your AC generates is drained in the condensation pan. A full pan can lead to excess water dripping into your furnace. As the water is leaking from your furnace, you are likely to conclude that the leak is from your heating unit instead of your cooling system.
Heat Exchanger Problem
A heat exchanger leak can be an expensive and severe problem. If you have gone down the above-mentioned list and still haven’t pinpointed the cause, it might be the heat exchanger. Contact a professional to check your furnace. An expert will have to repair the component or replace the whole unit, depending on the severity of the damage.
What To Do When You Notice A Furnace Leak
The first thing you need to do when you notice any leak from your furnace is to call an HVAC technician and immediately schedule a check-up. Before the expert arrives, some of the things you should do include:
- Turn off your furnace right away. If you cannot locate the power button, shut it off via the breaker instead.
- Mop up the furnace base. Ensure that it is as dry as possible. You can use a mop or rags to soak up all the water that has leaked onto the bottom of the furnace. If needed, you can use a wet-dry vacuum.
- Check your furnace filter. Now is the time to ensure that it is not clogged with dirt and other contaminants. Clean or replace it when needed.
Hiring Professional Furnace Repair Services
A furnace is made up of complex components. Therefore, unless the solution is as easy as filter replacement or if you have undergone the proper training, do not attempt to do a DIY furnace repair. You might damage your system more when you have no clue how to do it properly. You could also find yourself paying hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements.
It is best to have a professional HVAC technician inspect your heating equipment, make the proper diagnosis, and conduct the right repair procedure. Do not call your neighborhood handyman. Only certified and licensed professionals should handle all your furnace issues. They have the right tools, extensive training, and years of experience to perform all HVAC services. If your furnace starts showing signs of problems, switch it off and contact your local, trusted technician right away.
Conclusion
Our furnaces keep our homes warm, safe, and comfortable during the winter season. Any problems your furnaces have can result in unwanted inconvenience, inefficacy, and inefficiency. If your well-maintained furnace is leaking, it is likely easy to fix and solve. If you have an older unit, contact a professional to ensure that any procedures done on your system are correct.
Call R.F. Ohl For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
When you need superior heating and cooling services in the Poconos and the Lehigh Valley, contact R.F. Ohl. We have highly trained and professionally certified technicians to do excellent HVAC services. All our techs can conduct high-quality repairs, maintenance, replacements, and installations correctly and on time at all times.
Rest assured, our company offers affordable HVAC service rates in the area. Our tune-up services improve comfort and energy-efficiency while also reducing your home utility costs. If you require a new system to replace your old one, we can recommend the best make and model to fit your needs and budget. All our work comes with a guarantee. To book an appointment, call R.F. Ohl today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.