Walking into your furnace room and finding a puddle of water is not something you want to have happen. A leaking furnace can be a concerning issue, and there are several potential reasons why this might be happening. Read on to find out why your furnace may be leaking and what to do about it.
Reasons Your Furnace is Leaking
Condensation
Modern high-efficiency furnaces generate condensation as a byproduct of the combustion process. This condensation is typically collected and drained away properly. However, if there’s a problem with the condensate drain line or the drain itself is clogged or blocked, it can lead to water leaks. Over time, dust, debris, and algae can accumulate in the condensate drain line, causing it to become clogged. When this happens, the water has nowhere to go, and it may leak from the furnace.
Frozen Condensate Line
During extremely cold weather, the condensate line can freeze, blocking the flow of water. When this happens, the furnace might shut down or begin leaking.
Faulty Heat Exchanger
If the heat exchanger inside your furnace has a crack or other damage, water can get into the furnace’s combustion area. When this water comes into contact with hot surfaces, it can vaporize and turn into steam, which can then condense and leak out.
Humidifier Issues
If you have a whole-house humidifier connected to your furnace, as most furnaces do, it may be the source of the water leak. Therefore, your furnace may be leaking due to problems with the humidifier, such as a clogged drain or a malfunctioning float valve.
What To Do About a Leaking Furnace
1. Turn Your Furnace Off
If your furnace is leaking, the first and most crucial step is to shut it off immediately. Locate the power switch or breaker for the furnace and turn it off. This will prevent further leakage and reduce the risk of electrical issues. Clean the water and keep a dry towel nearby.
2. Check the Furnace Filter
After safely turning off your furnace, take a moment to inspect your furnace filter to see if it might be contributing to the problem. We strongly advise you to check your furnace filter every 30 days and replacement based on its type and thickness (ranging from 1″ to 5″). While it’s not common for a furnace filter to be the sole cause of furnace leakage, it’s worth noting that an aging or clogged filter could potentially play a part in the issue.
3. Call for Professional Service & Repair
Regardless of the cause, call a qualified HVAC technician to inspect and repair the furnace. Furnace repairs should only be handled by trained professionals to ensure safety and proper functioning. One of our Spring Home technicians will be able to assess the situation and then diagnose and repair your furnace.
Prevent Furnace Leaks with Regular Maintenance
The best way to prevent future leaks and maintain your furnace’s efficiency is to schedule regular maintenance checks with a professional HVAC technician. Annual inspections ensure that a professional is regularly checking your furnace which means they can catch issues before they become major problems.
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The Spring Home team has been servicing the HVAC needs of the GTA for over 20 years. Our award-winning team of licensed technicians is committed to providing our clients with service they can trust and equipment they can rely on.