3 Things to Know If Your Furnace Is Leaking Water in Summer

While a furnace keeps you and your family warm, you may encounter issues such as a water leak.
Although some furnaces produce water naturally, leaks are an entirely different issue. Once you’ve determined you have a leak, it’s essential to determine where it’s coming from so you can get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid searching for a furnace replacement near me.

1. Reasons Why your Furnace is Leaking Water

  • Humidifier or Plumbing Leak

Some houses feature a humidifier directly connected to the furnace, which helps in adding dampness to the air. A leak in the system can cause water to drip to the floor, which usually occurs when the humidifier has a faulty component or a blockage.

While you may feel the leak is coming from the heater, it could be from your plumbing system. With time and usage, the pipes get old and may develop a crack, and as they are close to the furnace, it’s easy to confuse a plumbing leak with a furnace leak. A better approach is to inspect it closely and understand the true cause of the leak.

  • Condensation Leak

A condensation leak could be to blame if your furnace is spilling water. Furnaces with AFUE ratings of more than 90 usually have a cold exhaust and condensation inside the furnace, leaving through pipes. Water can flow into the system when these pipes burst or clog, causing flooding. An inappropriately-sized flue pipe may be causing water to drain back into the furnace room.

  • Filter or Heat Exchanger Issue

Most people would not associate a clogged furnace filter with water coming out of the vents, but replacing your furnace filter regularly is essential to your furnace’s effective operation. Although these filters are designed to keep us healthy by cleaning the air, debris can become lodged in them over time, resulting in limited airflow through the furnace coil. This could cause the coil to freeze and a water leak.

Heat exchangers produce condensation since they aid in transmitting heat throughout your system. However, a water leak only occurs in rare instances. If all possible explanations have been eliminated, experts recommend inspecting the heat exchanger for leaks.

2. What Should you Do?

  • Turn Off the Furnace

Turn off your furnace immediately. If moisture seeps into the furnace’s circuit, this will keep everyone safe from electrical shock. Ensure your thermostat is set to off, and turn off the breaker in the electrical panel that controls your furnace.

  • Call an HVAC Professional

Until now, you’ve kept the situation under control in a safe manner. The next step is to seek expert furnace repair as soon as possible.

  • Clean Up the Leakage

Clean up the water with a mop or a wet-dry vacuum, so your furnace and basement floor isn’t damaged. But only start the cleanup once the power to your furnace has been turned off.

  • Change the Filter

There’s only one thing left to do after HVAC companies have taken care of the issue. Because a moist furnace filter will not do its job efficiently, replace it.

Conclusion

If you are looking for furnace repair in Diamond Springs, Essential Air can help you save money. Call us to schedule an appointment today!