You walk past your furnace and you find a puddle of water on the floor. What’s going on? If the water is around the furnace and definitely not another kind of leak, the most common cause is condensation. Here are the potential causes of a furnace leak and what you can do about them.
Condensation Leak
Your furnace, if it is high efficiency, creates condensation as it works. This typically drains out of the furnace through a pipe in the flooring. However, if that pipe gets clogged, or if there is a hole in it, then the water may collect on the floor instead. This can lead to electrical problems and water damage, so you’ll need a professional to fix it for you.
Secondary Heat Exchanger
High-efficiency furnaces also have secondary heat exchangers. This is where the condensation starts from, so a problem with the heat exchanger can result in a leak on your floor. However, these are expensive parts to repair, and your HVAC professional may suggest that you replace the whole furnace instead of just the heat exchanger.
Humidifier Issues
Most furnaces are equipped with whole-home humidifiers. These add humidity to the warm air that the furnace creates so that the humidity can be dispersed throughout the house. However, whole-home humidifiers use water, and that water can result in a leak on your floor if something is wrong. There are many things that could be at fault. Maybe the pan has tipped over, the spray isn’t creating steam, or the lines to and from the humidifier have a leak. In this case, you’ll need a professional to find the root problem. Take heart though, as whole-home humidifiers aren’t too expensive. Even if it has to be replaced outright, this is one of the least expensive repairs, as compared to a heat exchanger problem.
Is your furnace leaking? Don’t wait to get this fixed. Contact our experts at D&B ClimateCare today to learn more.
Exhaust Problem
If you have a high-efficiency furnace, then it has an exhaust vent above it. If this vent isn’t the right size, it can’t let all of the exhaust out fast enough. This causes a difference in temperature, which can then cause condensation, which can drip onto your floor. If this is the problem then you’ll need a professional to recalculate what the exhaust should be and install one that is the right size.
What to Do About A Leaking Furnace?
All of the potential problems that could cause a leaking furnace need a professional’s attention. If you have a leak, reach out to our experts at D&B ClimateCare for help. Don’t forget to turn the furnace off first for safety.
