Does Your Furnace Is Losing Water?

In a perfect world, we would never have to deal with unexpected incidents involving our household appliances, but we don’t have to. Sometimes problems await you when you return home.

Leaks are a fairly common problem with furnaces. There are a number of reasons why they occur; some big, some smaller.

If you come home with a leaking furnace, you probably need a technician to diagnose the problem. But it never hurts to keep up to date with the different components of your home.

To help you, we’ll go through the main causes of water leaks in a furnace. Then we will see the next steps that will follow.

Reasons why an Furnace loses water

If you notice water at the bottom of your furnace, you should take care of it immediately. Water damage is serious and affects other parts of your home, including the ceiling, walls, and floor. Mold is also a problem.

Let’s look at the most common reasons for a furnace leak so you can pinpoint the cause if it happens to you.

Condensation Leak

This is one of the most common reasons for a furnace leak. Many furnaces operate at high efficiency, which means an AFUE rating of 90 or higher. This type of furnace  contains two heat exchangers that help it produce more heat.

Condensation due to heat generation must be drained out of your home through pipes. This is usually done via a floor drain.

If these tubes clog or break, there will be a condensation leak around the bottom of the furnace. Once water begins to pool and pool, there is a chance of water damage.

Humidifier Leaking

Another reason your furnace is leaking is a broken or clogged humidifier. These devices connect to your plumbing system to add moisture to the air. If any kind of breakage occurs or they get clogged, water will start to flow around the furnace .

Water Leak

If you find water in your boiler, it may mean there is a problem with the plumbing and not the boiler itself. In fact, there may not be an issue with the furnace components, which is good. However, the leak has yet to be fixed.

When a clogged or broken pipe causes a backlog in the drain system, it looks like the furnace  is leaking. These pipes need to be repaired or replaced.

 

Clogged Filter

When your furnace filter becomes dirty and clogged, it restricts airflow through the furnace coil. This often causes the coil to freeze. However, water sometimes leaks out and pools around the furnace. Always check the condition of your furnace’s air filter and replace it if it becomes dirty.

 

Air Conditioning Leaking

In mild climates like New Jersey, furnaces and air conditioners are sometimes used in the same season. When this happens and your air conditioner is running, the condensate pan fills up and water drips onto the heating system.

It looks like you have a water leak in an furnace, but it’s actually the air conditioner.

Heat Exchanger Problem

A problem with your furnace ‘s heat exchanger could lead to a water leak, and unfortunately this is one of the most expensive repairs. If you have looked for other possible causes of a leak and cannot find it, it could be the heat exchanger.

A new unit may need to be installed. A technician can advise you in this case.

What to do if you Notice a Leak?

If you notice water leaking from your furnace or pooling at the base, you need to act fast. Before a professional comes to your home to diagnose the problem, it’s important to do a few things.

• First turn off the entire system. You should see a switch on or near the furnace . If you can’t find it, turn off the device at the circuit breaker.
• You need to remove any water that has collected around the base. It is important to vacuum up all the water well as water damage happens quickly. If you have large amounts of water, you should rent a wet and dry vacuum cleaner.
• Next, check the air filter. If the filter is dirty and clogged, you will need to purchase and install a new one.
• If you can pinpoint where the leak is coming from, that gives you a good clue as to the problem. However, you will likely need professional help.

Hire Professional Furnace Repair Services

A qualified technician can quickly diagnose a furnace water leak and tell you what to do. It’s important that you hire a reputable company in your area that has experience with HVAC systems.

Some companies only specialize in air conditioning, so make sure the company you hire also has furnace repair services.

Check online reviews to find a company that has a good local reputation and a track record of satisfied customers. You don’t want to hire the first company you find and end up overspending on the wrong job.

Look for a company that is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has affiliations with local contractors or building associations. A strong local reputation is the guarantee of quality service.

Final Thoughts

The best way to avoid problems with your furnace is to maintain it and keep an eye out for operational problems. It is a good idea to have your furnace inspected and adjusted annually. This increases the longevity of the device and helps keep energy costs under control.

However, problems are always possible. If you notice your furnace is leaking, don’t hesitate to contact us at Carrano Air HVAC Contractor Inc. We specialize in heating and cooling repairs in the Dayton, NJ area.