There are several reasons why a furnace might leak water, whether yours is an older model or a new, high-efficiency furnace with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90 percent or higher.
Let’s explore some of those reasons to help you better understand why your furnace might be leaking:
Condensation
High-efficiency furnace generate condensation that is typically directed to a floor drain. A furnace can leak if the condensation tubing becomes clogged or develops a crack. Or, perhaps your floor drain is clogged.
Older or standard efficiency furnace should be condensation free. And yet if it’s generating condensation anyway, it could mean the flue pipe wasn’t correctly sized. If not, the hot exhaust can cool down, condense in the pipe, and drain back to the furnace before leaking out.
Faulty secondary heat exchanger
If there’s no condensation issue but your furnace is leaking anyway, it could be coming from the secondary heat exchanger. If so, that’s not good news because it might mean your furnace needs to be replaced.
Problem with the humidifier
Built-in humidifiers also can be responsible for leaking water. That’s a situation easily rectified by furnace preventative maintenance.
Whatever the cause of your furnace leak, it’s something you want to get professionally inspected and diagnosed as soon as possible. Because the longer you wait, the more likely you are to experience damage to your furnace, flooring and walls. Left undetected for too long, and mold can develop.
For service you can trust and professional furnace preventative maintenance and repairs, join your neighbors and contact Air Professionals today.