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Why is My Furnace Leaking Water?
Not only are leaky furnaces a pain to deal with, they can also cause long-term damage to your HVAC system. Consequently, it is important to identify the source of the leak and to fix it as soon as possible.
What Type of Furnace Do You Have?
The reasons your furnace may be leaking water will vary depending on whether your furnace is high-efficiency or conventional. Make sure you know the difference between the two.
High-efficiency furnace
A high-efficiency furnace employs two heat exchangers that utilize and heat exhaust gases, absorbing their heat, converting them to liquid, and releasing any condensation into a condensate line. This increases the overall energy efficiency of the furnace.
Conventional furnace
A conventional furnace uses only one heat exchanger. Gas mixes with air inside a chamber located within the furnace. Then, the gas is ignited by some sort of spark, whether from a pilot light or something else. The resulting flame heats the exchanger and warms the home or room.
Reasons Your Furnace May Be Leaking Water
So, why is your furnace leaking water? Here are three common reasons.
1. Furnace condensation
In the case of a high-efficiency furnace, a leak might be the result of a clogged condensate line. If the furnace produces too much condensation, or the line gets filled up, it will result in extra water spilling on the floor.
2. Faulty humidifier
If you have a humidifier in your furnace, it can do the same thing a condensate line can. A clogged humidifier will result in excess water.
3. Faulty secondary heat exchanger
An improperly-maintained heat exchanger can lead to furnace leaks. Consequently, it is important to have your furnace, whether high-efficiency or conventional, maintained by a professional.
What Should You Do if Your Furnace is Leaking?
Besides ignoring the leak (which we do not recommend!), you have two options when it comes to repairing your furnace.
1. Try to locate the source and see if it is an easy fix.
If the problem is simple or early in development, you may be able to fix it yourself.
2. If you cannot determine the source of the problem, call a professional.
If the problem is complicated or fully-developed, it is best to call a professional. This can save you from dealing with expensive, long-term issues.
It is extremely important to take care of your furnace because your furnace plays a big role in your indoor air quality. A faulty furnace can allow particles, pollutants, and allergens to cycle through your home, causing health problems in the home occupants.
