As a homeowner, there are few things more worrying than unexpected leaks. That’s especially true when that water is pooling around an investment as big as your home furnace!
When your furnace is leaking water, it’s easy to panic. However, knowing why this critical appliance is leaking—and what to do about it—can help guide your next steps. Here’s what you should do if this happens in your home.
Why Your Furnace Is Leaking Water
There are a few reasons your furnace may spring a leak, and the cause can depend on the condition and age of your system as well as any wear and tear. Here are a few of the most common reasons.
Condensation Leak
If you have a high-efficiency furnace, it may contain two separate heat exchanges to help it produce maximum heat. This high heat production can lead to condensation, which pipes will transfer out of your home, often through a floor drain. However, when these pipes break or become clogged, that condensation will start to leak around the base of your unit instead of flowing outside.
Humidifier Leak
Your humidifier is designed to add moisture to the air of your home. However, when your humidifier becomes clogged or starts leaking, water may develop around your furnace’s base.
Clogged Filter
Just as you replace your air conditioner’s filter on a regular basis, you should also check and replace your furnace’s filter as needed. Otherwise, air won’t be able to flow through the furnace’s coil, which can eventually cause water to pool around your system’s base.
What to Do About a Leaky Furnace
Fortunately, many furnace leaks can be fixed with relative ease. However, you’ll still want to act fast to avoid potential water damage or further system issues.
Shut off your furnace and clear away any pooling water. Check the air filter, and replace it with a high-efficiency option if it needs to be replaced.
Inspect your system to see if you can find the source of the leak. In some cases, you may be able to put a temporary patch on a pipe before calling for expert help.
An HVAC contractor will be able to diagnose your issue further, and they can also help you replace any worn system parts. If the issue is a serious one, they’ll also be able to advise you on furnace repair or replacement.
Act Fast With Your Leaking Furnace
Often, time is of the essence when your furnace is leaking water. To avoid water damage and further system issues, you’ll need to follow the steps above and seek help as soon as you can. With an expert’s backing, you can navigate the issue and get your furnace back up and running in no time.
If you’re looking for more home improvement tips like these, check out the other posts on our blog for more insights!
