Is Your Furnace Leaking Water in Winter?

With winter weather setting in, you have probably been using your furnace for a while. But when was the last time you checked on it? Keeping tabs on your heating system is more important than ever, especially now that we are reaching the peak of the heating season. You want to be able to keep your family warm and comfortable for the rest of winter. And seeing water around the bottom of the unit can be cause for concern. This issue might be minor and easily fixed, but if left too long it could result in major stress. If your furnace is leaking water, here is what you need to know about furnace repair in Cupertino, CA.

What are the Causes of Furnace Leaks?

Before talking about solutions, let’s touch base on a few of the reasons why your furnace might be leaking. Condensation leaks are common among high-efficiency furnaces. Standard efficiency furnaces do not produce water. High efficiency furnaces have a second heat exchanger which will produce condensation. And water leaks are often the result of a break in the condensation line or clogged tubing. Another possible cause of a furnace leak could be problems with a humidifier.

What to Do When a Leak Happens

There are some simple steps you can follow if you notice your furnace is leaking water.

1. Turn Off the System

You can turn off the system at the thermostat so the furnace will not run any more while water is collecting in the bottom. Or, to be safe, you can switch off the electricity to the furnace at the site or at the breaker box.

2. Wipe Up Pooled Water

Standing water in the home is never a good thing. You do not want the water around your furnace to seep into the floorboards or start to cause rust, mold, or corrosion. Soak up all the water with a dry towel or use a wet-dry vacuum if necessary. Then be sure to towel down anywhere the water might have been dripping from. Locating the source will be important information you can relay to the technician.

3. Check the Air Filter

A clogged filter will put unnecessary strain on the system because it has to work harder to pull the air through the filter. This can cause problems with leaks and condensation. So one thing you can check is the air filter, to make sure it isn’t clogged. If it is clogged, you can try replacing it and running the furnace again to see if the leak continues. If the filter is not clogged, then the leak is likely a result of something else.

4. Call Your HVAC Professional

Once you have everything shut down and cleaned up, now is the time to schedule an appointment with your HVAC professional. Even with just a small leak, you want to address the problem before it becomes a major issue with more costly repairs down the road. For help with furnace repair contact Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning. Our technicians will schedule an appointment as soon as possible and provide reliable service at a fair price.