You count on your furnace to be there when the weather turns cold. But as your furnace ages, it can begin to experience problems such as poor performance caused by water leaks. These leaks can not only damage your furnace but can also cause damage to your home if not addressed quickly.
If you notice water around your furnace or see a leak, then it is time to bring in a professional to do a thorough inspection and get your furnace running the way it should. If you aren’t sure what is causing your furnace leak, then review this helpful list of the key indicators of a furnace leak and actions you can take to stop it from causing more damage.
Possible Causes of Leaks
Leaks are often the result of age or damage to your furnace. There are also different kinds of leaks depending on the kind of furnace you own. An older furnace is more likely to experience leaks due to aging components and condensation.
Condensation Leak
As a furnace heats up, there are mechanisms in place to ensure it doesn’t overheat. Most high-efficiency furnaces are designed to automatically keep the furnace cool. This is done through the cool exhaust which keeps the furnace running at a safe temperature. As the furnace is cooled, it can create condensation inside the furnace.
Gas furnaces will also produce condensation as natural gas burns off while the furnace is running. This water is drained away from the furnace in PVC pipes. If the pipes become clogged or the cooling fan is not working properly, then you may see the water begin to build up around the base of your furnace.
Check to ensure that your PVC piping is connected properly and that there are no clogs in the line. Always make sure to turn off the furnace before cleaning it or consult with your furnace repair specialist.
Humidifier Leak
The humidifier on your furnace is designed to keep your home from getting too dry while the furnace is running. If it is not performing properly then you may notice condensation on your windows and water around your furnace. Small cracks in your humidifier can cause water to leak into the furnace. This can be prevented by doing regular humidifier inspections while you are checking our furnace.
A Clogged Filter
Are you finding the air in your home seems dusty or humid? This could be the result of a clogged furnace filter. Your filter is designed to keep dust from getting into your home’s atmosphere. If it becomes clogged it can cause your furnace to malfunction, creating a build-up of moisture and water on the floor around it. Remember to inspect and change your furnace filter every few months. New filters are available at your local hardware store and only cost a few dollars. This is one of the most affordable and easiest ways to keep your furnace running efficiently.
Air Conditioner Leaking
If you live in a warm area, your furnace may have an air conditioner built into the system. This is convenient and increases the level of comfort in your home. It is important to make sure that your air conditioner is performing the way it should avoid leaks. On hot days, your air conditioner has a coil above your furnace that draws heat away and converts it into the cold air that circulates through your home, keeping your home feeling cool. If the filter is clogged, the coil can freeze causing water to pool and leak into your furnace.
Heat Exchanger Problem
One of the most common reasons for heather exchange failure is dirty. This causes the exchanger to become clogged and prevents adequate airflow through your furnace. This can result in a build-up of heat causing cracks and leaks in your system. It is critical to have this issue addressed as soon as possible to prevent a build-up of dangerous gasses in your home. Consult a furnace technician right away if you think your heater exchange may not be working.
Metal Vent Pipe is Creating Condensation
Metal piping can cause a build-up of condensation as it reacts to the heat in your furnace system as humidity builds up near the air ducts. The easiest way to prevent this is to install a dehumidifier to reduce the level of condensation. Conduct regular inspections of your furnace piping system to make sure there are no cracks or dents that may be causing air leaks. Keep your ducts clean from debris with regular cleaning and change your filters regularly. This will keep the air flowing properly in your vents.
What Should You Do when You Notice Your Furnace Leaking Water?
If you think your furnace is leaking, shut off the power to it immediately. Leaks can cause electrocutions, a build-up of dangerous gasses, or even fire. Once you have shut off your unit, clean up the water around the base and sides to determine the source of the leak.
Make any immediate adjustments such as changing filters to see if that solves the problem. If you are still experiencing a leak, then contact your furnace repair technician who will be able to do a thorough inspection of your unit to determine the cause of the leak.
Is a Leaking Furnace Dangerous?
Most furnace leaks are the result of condensation or a clogged filter and can easily be prevented with regular maintenance and cleaning. Serious leaks can be dangerous. They can cause a build of water which can cause damage to your home and the risk of shock. Cracks in your furnace system can not only cause leaks but also the release of potentially harmful gasses. If you notice a leak in your furnace, contact your furnace repair technician right away.
Hiring Professional Furnace Repair Services
The team at Thermenergy offers friendly and professional furnace repair services. We offer 24/7 emergency service so you never have to worry about the safety of your home or family when your furnace stops working. We provide knowledgeable and expert advice paired with service built on excellence. Contact us today for a free estimate.