When you aren’t using your furnace, you tend to forget about it. Your furnace lies dormant until the mercury dips and temperatures chill. All of a sudden, you need that furnace to fire up and warm your home.
So you saunter to the furnace room and discover a puddle under the furnace. If the furnace has been leaking for a while, you have multiple problems.
Ongoing leaks in your home can wreak havoc on more than just the furnace. When you notice your furnace leaking water, address it immediately. Leaving water sitting stagnant can cause mold to grow and lead to unhealthy living conditions and avoidable illnesses.
Keep reading to learn reasons why our furnace is leaking water and what you can do to repair it.
Seven Reasons For a Furnace Leaking Water
The reasons for the puddle under your furnace could stem from more than just your furnace. Do not automatically assume you have a furnace problem. Here are some major reasons for the unwanted water under your furnace.
Clogged Drain
Your accumulating of water could come from a lack of drainage. Your furnace and air conditioner typically share the same drain. If that drain is clogged while your AC is running, then the water from condensation has nowhere to go and a puddle will form.
Your AC cannot properly drain if the drain is clogged. So seek out a way to unclog the drain. You may not need an entirely new furnace in this endeavor.
Condensation Leak
Most often, a leaky furnace comes from a condensation leak. Many furnaces run at an AFUE rating of 90 or above. AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency and thus refers to how efficient your furnace is.
An AFUE rating of 90 means that 90 percent of the energy in the fuel is converted into heat. Furnaces with a high AFUE rating use two heat exchanges to produce more heat.
As a result, condensation will form. Your furnace pipes will transport this condensation out of your home, typically through a floor drain.
If those pipes break or take on a clog, you’ll see leaking condensation at the bottom of your furnace unit.
A Plumbing Leak
Your furnace itself may not be causing the puddle. You actually could have a problem with your plumbing. Clogged and broken pipes will mimic the same symptoms as a broken furnace by causing a backup in the drainage part of your furnace.
Always seek to have those pipes repaired or replaced. Long-standing water will damage your furnace.
Humidifier Leak
Your furnace will also leak when your humidifier breaks or takes on a clog. Pipes hook your humidifier up to your plumbing system to add moisture to your air. When those pipes break or are clogged, water drips around your furnace.
A Clogged Filter
A filter clogged with dust, pet hair, and general debris will prevent air from flowing through your furnace coil. As a result, your coil will freeze, causing water to leak around the furnace.
Change your filter regularly, not just to prevent leaks in your furnace but to improve your air quality. Plan on changing the filter at least every 90 days.
Air Conditioner Leaking
Know the difference between a furnace leak and an air conditioner leak. Both will result in a puddle, but the problem lies with different parts of your HVAC system.
In places like California where the climate is mild, we often use our furnace one day and our air conditioner later in the week. When the AC runs, it fills the condensation pan and can drip water into the heating system. This will make the situation look like a leaky furnace when really it is the air conditioner doing its job.
Heat Exchanger Problem
The most expensive problem a leaky furnace can indicate is a problem with your heat exchanger. A problematic heat exchanger will cause a water leak. Unfortunately, you may end up needing an entirely new unit.
Trust your HVAC technician to tell you if you need an entirely new unit or just a basic repair.
What To Do When My Furnace Leaks Water
When you notice a leak, you may need to contact a professional air conditioning and heating repair service to assess the situation. But first, try these mitigation tactics.
First, shut down your entire HVAC system. Turn off the breaker or turn off the switch next to or on the furnace.
Next, sop up the water as much as possible. Use bath towels if you have a small amount or a wet-dry vacuum if towels will not do.
Then, check your air filter. If you have a filthy, clogged filter, purchase and install a new one. This is typically a simple task.
If you don’t know how to change your air filter, consult your HVAC unit’s manual. If you still haven’t found the cause for your particular furnace leak, contact a professional.
Hiring a Professional
An experienced, qualified HVAC technician can quickly diagnose the reasons for your leaking furnace. They’ll know how to fix the problem and get your furnace back on track.
Make sure you select a certified, experienced HVAC company that works with furnaces, not just AC units. Go online and read reviews about the company. Look for a company with satisfied customers and a good local reputation.
You can also go to the Better Business Bureau and see the company’s rating.
Stop The Leak
Is your furnace leaking water? Did you just notice the puddle on your utility floor?
Contact us today. We have over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry. We seek to treat our customers with respect by taking our time on tasks and providing full, long-term solutions.
Furthermore, we proudly hire military vets, training them in a fulfilling career field that allows them to serve with honor.
Give us a call today. We’d love to stop your leak.
