Your furnace is supposed to keep your home warm and comfortable, not be the source of a water leak. Unfortunately, furnaces can sometimes develop leaking issues in the winter months—which could indicate a severe problem with your system.
You may need to replace specific components or even your entire system, depending on various factors like the age of your furnace and the severity of the damage.
Read more: When Should I Replace My Furnace? How Often Should It Be Replaced?
To help you understand why your furnace might be leaking and what to do about it, here are common causes of furnace leaks and how to handle them.
Why Is Your Furnace Leaking: Reasons
A furnace is a complex heating system consisting of many components that can cause a leaking issue. You should be aware of several common causes of furnace leaks.
1. Condensate Drain Line:
A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most common reasons your furnace leaks water. These lines carry away any moisture that is produced when the furnace runs. If the line gets blocked, a backup of condensation can occur, and it will drip out near the bottom of your furnace.
2. Cracked Heat Exchanger:
A cracked heat exchanger is another common cause of a leaking furnace. The heat exchanger contains pressurized air from the blower motor, so if it is cracked and pressurized air comes out, it can cause water to leak from the furnace.
3. Clogged Air Filter:
An overloaded or clogged air filter can also cause your furnace to leak. A clogged filter restricts airflow, which can cause the heat exchanger to overheat and create a condensation buildup. This buildup can then cause your furnace to leak.
4. Malfunctioning Humidifier:
A malfunctioning humidifier is another potential reason for leaking water from the furnace. Too much humidity can be produced if it’s not running correctly, causing the furnace to leak.
How To Handle Furnace Leaks?
Furnaces are essential equipment in many homes and businesses, but they can be prone to leaks. When a furnace is leaking water, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and repairs. Several steps should be taken if your furnace is leaking water.
1) Identify the source of the leak:
Several possible sources of a water leak in a furnace include condensation pipes, heating coils, and air filters. Inspecting these areas can help you determine the source of the leak.
2) Turn off your furnace:
To prevent further damage to your furnace, it is essential to turn it off. This will also make repairs easier as the furnace is not running and producing heat.
3) Inspect the affected area for damages:
If the leak comes from a condensation pipe or heating coil, inspect these areas for damage, such as cracks or holes. Any visible damage should be repaired before continuing with other steps.
4) Check the Air Filter:
If the air filter is clogged, it can be a source of water leaking. Check the filter and replace or clean it if necessary.
5) Clean your furnace:
After all repairs and inspections are complete, you should clean your furnace to prevent further issues in the future. This step will help keep dust and debris out of the system.
Call Unique Indoor Comfort for the best HVAC repairs in Palatine. We can help diagnose why your furnace is leaking water and offer a solution.
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NoWÂ 847-359-5100
