If life was perfect, all of the equipment and machines that we rely on would be perfect as well – they’d never break down, age, or require replacement. Although modern furnaces are indeed sturdy, furnace manufacturers have yet to make them indestructible. Moreover, they are hardly perfect. If something happens to go wrong, you may find that you’ve got a furnace leak on your hands. A gas furnace leaking water is an obvious inconvenience, and an uncomfortable one at that, especially if the leak is the result of something serious.
Common Causes Of A Furnace Water Leak
Contents
This article will talk about some of the common reasons why furnace leaks develop, and about how you can handle these types of problems.
Furnace Condensation Leaks
Every modern furnace has a high-efficiency rating. If the AFUE rating for your furnace is 90 or higher, it’s probably able to generate more heat due to having two heat exchangers. Condensation forms as furnaces generate heat and these drops of moisture can travel through the floor drain or pipes. If these pipes are clogged or otherwise damaged, the furnace will start to leak condensate. If you’ve got water pooling at the base of your home furnace, this is likely why.
Humidifier Leaks
If your home has a humidifier that’s connected directly to the HVAC system, your furnace might leak if the humidifier has a leak itself. Humidifiers keep the air comfortable by adding moisture to it. When they fail, the moisture they generate can leak into the home heating system.
Plumbing Leaks
Leaky plumbing can be very detrimental to your furnace. If you have a furnace leak, you should definitely inspect your plumbing. Clogged components and broken pipes throughout this system can collect debris and water, thereby leading to blocked drainage. Once this occurs, the base of the furnace might have a leak. If damaged plumbing pipes are the source of your furnace leak, you’ll want to have these components repaired or replaced right away.
The Furnace Filter Is Clogged
Be sure to check the HVAC filter in your furnace from time to time. Filters capture dust and other debris to help clean the indoor air. Once these components become clogged, they aren’t as effective in moving air through the coils. This can cause the coils to ice over and freeze. Clogged pipes can also lead to leaking which you’ll notice as water collects at the base of the furnace. Regularly checking and replacing the furnace filter will help prevent these problems.
The Air Conditioner Is Leaking
If you use your furnace with your air conditioner and develop a leak, the AC unit could be the culprit. Condensation from your air conditioner collects in the condensate pan. When this pan is full, excess water will begin dripping onto the furnace. Given that it’s the heating unit that produces water, you may be tempted to blame your furnace when your air conditioner is actually at fault.
Problems With The Heat Exchanger
Leaks connected to the heat exchanger are both costly and serious. If you have inspected other potential causes of your furnace leak and haven’t identified the source of the problem, you may have a faulty heat exchanger. This will entail having the heat exchanger repaired (if doing so is the most cost-effective choice) or having a new heat exchanger installed. Talk with a licensed HVAC technician to find out which option will work best for your home heating equipment.
Steps To Take After Identifying A Furnace Leak
If your furnace has any type of leak, inspect the unit or schedule a professional furnace inspection as soon as you can. Following are several things that you can do while waiting for professional help to arrive:
- Turn the system off. The entire system must be turned off right away. If you are unable to locate the power switch, shut it off at the breaker that delivers power to the system.
- Try to keep the furnace base as dry as you possibly can. Soak up visible moisture with dry rags or a mop. This will help limit the amount of water damages that are sustained. If you need to, suction standing bodies of water up with a wet-dry vacuum.
- Check the furnace filter: If your furnace filter hasn’t been cleaned or replaced in several months, you should probably check to see if it’s clogged. If the filter is clogged, swap it out for a new one.
Hire A Professional Furnace Repair Company
If you lack the necessary training and skills, or if your problem is more involved than simply swapping a dirty air filter out, don’t bother trying to fix your furnace on your own. You may wind up causing more harm than good, especially if you aren’t sure what you’re doing. With a bad DIY repair job, you might end up creating the need for HVAC repairs or replacements that cost thousands.
Remember that furnaces are specialized equipment and they include a number of complex components. Waiting for a reputable HVAC technician to diagnose the problem and take care of the repair work is always the best choice.
Don’t call a handyman in either. The only person who should repair your furnace is a licensed and properly trained HVAC contractor. HVAC technicians have undergone a substantial amount of training and have the necessary knowledge for these jobs. If you’re having furnace problems or have identified a furnace leak, turn the system off and get in touch with a professional immediately.
Conclusion
Furnaces are essential for keeping homes warm during the coldest portion of the year. When they stop working, we definitely don’t want to deal with this inconvenience. If a well-maintained furnace develops a leak, it is probably an issue with a quick and easy solution. If the furnace is older, it’s definitely a good idea to have an HVAC professional check it out and perform the necessary repairs.
For Your HVAC Needs, Reach Out To PFO Heating & Air Conditioning
Those living in Greater Princeton, NJ area can always turn to PFO Heating & Air Conditioning for reliable heating and cooling repairs. Our technicians are certified and among the best in the industry. They can provide superior installations, replacements, and tune-ups or repairs for your home’s HVAC system. They are knowledgeable and can accurately diagnose and fix any issues that your HVAC system has.
For the most competitive prices on heating and cooling services in the area, connect with PFO Heating & Air Conditioning. You can enjoy more comfort, better efficiency, and lower costs to cool or heat your home with our maintenance services. Should your home HVAC system need replacing, contact us to find the perfect, budget-friendly replacement. Our work is always backed by a firm satisfaction guarantee. Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning to set up an appointment for service. We’ll give you an in-home estimate absolutely free of charge.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!