What Should You Do If Your Furnace Leaks During the Winter?

Leaks are a typical occurrence in furnaces. Make sure to contact a professional immediately if you see water around the base of your furnace. When not addressed promptly, leaks can lead to water damage on your ceiling, walls and other wooden components of your home. It can also contribute to mold growth, which is hazardous to the health of your family. 

Here one of the area’s leading air conditioning companies shares what you should do if your furnace starts leaking in the winter. 

Common Causes

Sometimes, plumbing issues can cause water to leak from your furnace. If this is the case, it means that there are no problems with the components of your furnace. A clogged or broken plumbing system can cause water to back up in the drainage system, which makes it seem like the furnace is leaking. 

Furnaces that run at high efficiency usually have an AFUE rating of 90 or higher. This kind of furnace has two heat exchangers to help it generate more heat. The condensation that the heat production creates must escape your home through pipes, typically through a floor drain. Once these pipes begin to experience issues, condensation will form around the base of the furnace. Water will then build up, increasing the risk of costly damage.  Make sure that the drainpipe is fitted properly to avoid leaks. For this scenario, it’s best to contact a professional. As one of the leading furnace companies in the area, you can count on All Seasons for all your home’s HVAC needs. 

What To Do

Act fast when you see water dripping from your furnace or pooling around its base. The first thing you need to do is shut off the equipment or turn the unit off at the breaker.  Clean up any pooling water to prevent water damage. You may need to rent a wet-dry vacuum if there’s a significant amount. Then check if the filter is filthy or clogged and clean or replace it as necessary. If you can’t determine where the leak is coming from, contact a local professional. 

Let All Seasons, Inc., assist with your heating and cooling needs. We’re one of the area’s leading HVAC and electric panel companies. Give us a call at (253) 879-9144 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate. We work with clients in Tacoma, WA.