When you turn on your furnace on a chilly day, you expect the HVAC system to quickly fill your property with heated air, bringing you warmth and comfort. What you likely don’t anticipate is the system has a water leak. A furnace leaking water isn’t something you should ignore, but discovering the reason for the extra moisture can be tricky.
Water leaks are common reasons you might require furnace repair in Lakeland, FL, which we offer at Egberts Electric and Air Conditioning. Below, our experts explain the possible reasons for water leaks in heating systems and how to address them.
How Furnaces Work in Lakeland
Before learning what to do about a furnace leaking water in Lakeland or why the problem happens, it helps to first know how these heaters work. How furnaces work depends on whether you have a gas or electric model.
With gas units, a valve opens to release the fuel into a combustion chamber, where burners ignite the gas to generate heat. Electric heaters have components that get red hot. Both kinds of furnaces have fans to blow heated air through ductwork.
If your heating system leaks water, it may be for one of the following reasons.
Condensation
Did you know that furnaces can produce condensation? Because of their secondary heating elements, condensation is common with high-efficiency furnaces.
When the duel heat exchangers inside the unit draw in too much heat, the gas byproducts that would otherwise flow out of the exhaust pipe condenses into a liquid. This is an expected occurrence, which is why these units have condensate drains to remove excess moisture from the heater.
Unfortunately, a clog in the condensate drain line will cause the condensation to drip back into the heating unit. A furnace leaking water due to a clogged condensate line is a relatively simple fix. You can unblock the line by flushing it with equal parts white vinegar and water.
Yet if the line is clear but the leak persists, it could be a condensate pump failure. The pump draws the water from the condensate pan through a line to get it out of the property.
Problems With the Furnace Humidifier
A humidifier malfunction could trigger a leak if you have a conventional heating system with a built-in humidifier. The extra water from the humidifier should drain into the furnace’s drain line, but if it has an obstruction, the water will back up into the unit.
Broken Heat Exchanger
Heat exchangers typically don’t produce condensation. Still, leaks are possible if this thin metal sheet separating the blower from the combustion chamber develops a crack due to improper installation or excessive wear. Unfortunately, a heat exchanger crack usually indicates the need for total furnace replacement due to the difficulty of repairs and the risk of dangerous gas leaks.
Contact Lakeland’s Heating Experts for Help With Your Leaky Furnace
A furnace leaking water could have one of several problems, or the situation could stem from a failing air conditioner with a clogged air filter. Regardless of the cause of your heating issues, you can count on our experts at Egberts Electric and Air Conditioning for swift solutions with long-term results.
As one of the top HVAC service providers in and around Lakeland, Florida, we believe in complete customer satisfaction. That includes prioritizing your comfort and safety while offering comprehensive services with transparent communication and competitive prices.
Are you recognizing the warning signs that you need professional HVAC repair? Contact Egberts Electric and Air Conditioning in Lakeland today for an appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions About Failing Furnaces
For more information about leaks and other heating system issues, consider the answers to these common questions.
Heater leaks can be serious because they could indicate a problem within the heating system. The water itself can cause rust and corrosion, leading to premature breakdowns of vital components.