Is there water leaking from your furnace? Though it may appear weird, a water leak from a furnace is a real possibility. If you notice water gathering around your furnace, you should contact an HVAC professional right away. Let’s go over the many furnace leaks that might occur to assist you in better understanding your furnace system and knowing when to call your local furnace repairman.
Leaks Caused by Condensation
Do you have a furnace with a high-efficiency rating? This is usually a 90% or greater Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. If you have a high-efficiency furnace, there’s a good chance that condensation will form.
Damaged/clogged tubing or a clogged floor drain can also produce a condensate leak. A leak happens when the tube that aids in draining becomes broken or obstructed. If the tube isn’t clogged, the floor drain itself can be.
Condensation should only happen with a high-efficiency furnace, not with a standard-efficiency furnace. Examine the exhaust pipe to see if your furnace is a standard-efficiency model. Because a conventional furnace has a metal exhaust pipe, it should not condense.
If you have a standard-efficiency furnace and there is still condensation, you should call a professional technician as soon as possible.
A Secondary Heat Exchanger That Isn’t Working Properly
If condensation isn’t to blame for your furnace’s leak, the secondary heat exchanger could be. If this is the case, the repair will be costly, and the furnace may need to be replaced entirely. How do you tell the difference between your primary and secondary heat exchangers? The following are the distinctions between the two:
Primary Heat Exchanger
The hottest flue gas will be found near the furnace’s burners in this component. With this in mind, the heat and flame elements are likely to be subjected to the greatest amount of stress, resulting in cracking over time. Keep in mind that furnaces with an efficiency of 70-80% only have one heat exchanger.
Secondary Heat Exchanger
Both primary and secondary heat exchangers will be found in a furnace with high efficiency of 90% or above. As the combustion exhaust departs the primary heat exchanger, it is typically routed to a secondary heat exchanger, where more heat is liberated from the flue gas, resulting in the formation of water vapors.
Because of the shift from water to liquid, latent heat is released in the secondary heat exchanger, increasing the efficiency of the furnace. Secondary heat exchangers are often made of steel or coated steel that can withstand high temperatures, acids, and moisture.
Humidifier Is Broken
If none of these components is malfunctioning, the source of the leak could be inside your furnace, notably the humidifier. A trained technician can usually notice a leaking humidifier before it becomes a hassle if you undergo routine maintenance.
A leaking humidifier can cause considerable damage to the inside of your unit, as well as additional issues such as wall or floor damage, and even mold growth. The easiest way to fix a leaky humidifier is to call your HVAC professional for assistance in determining and resolving the problem!
Repair Services for Gas and Electric Furnaces
Whether you need gas furnace repair or have to get a furnace replacement, our crew can help! Our expert HVAC experts are experienced in both gas and electric furnace repair and maintenance, so you can count on us for all of your emergency home heating needs. Air conditioning installation, indoor air quality services, and air conditioning maintenance are among the other HVAC services we provide. Stay warm this winter by calling Martens Heating & Cooling at 920-685-0111.