Help my furnace is leaking! This is the frantic call we often hear this time of year. If you see water pooling near the furnace base or you notice the air filter is wet, we can help. If you have a gas furnace and it’s relatively new or a high-efficiency furnace, then you probably have a condensation leak. If you are concerned about a leaking furnace, here are a few things you need to know:

How Your Gas Furnace Works

Most gas furnaces extract heat from the combustion of gases and then release the gases out the flue pipe. There is very little condensation in a low-efficiency furnace that works this way. A high-efficiency furnace on the other hand attempts to extract more heat with 2 heat exchangers. These allow the furnace to extract heat from the gases longer. In order to do this the combustion gases must cool and condense. The condensation exits your home through a drain. Many times water around the base of the furnace is an indication the drain is not draining like it should.

Reasons My Furnace Is Leaking

If you don’t have a high-efficiency furnace and you notice leaking, it could be a problem with the flue pipe itself.  It may be too small or it may be in disrepair or clogged. If your furnace is a high-efficiency furnace (look for an AFUE rating of 83-90% on your Energy Star sticker)  you could have one of the following problems:

• Clogged condensation drain or a clog in the drain system
• Breaks or leaks in the condensation tubing
• Faulty condensation pump

If you have a humidifier attached to your furnace, you may have a problem with a leak in your humidifier system. A leak in a whole house humidifier can often appear to be coming from the furnace.

What Should I Do When My Furnace Is Leaking?

If you notice a leak around your furnace, you should call ADA Heating and Air. Our professionally trained HVAC technician will respond to your call and provide a complete diagnostic to determine the cause of the leak. Many times the problem is simple to diagnose and simple to fix. A leaking furnace should never be ignored. It is important to make sure your HVAC equipment is running efficiently and the way it was designed. This prevents future furnace repairs and early furnace replacement. If you have questions about a leaky furnace or need to speak with a technician about repairs, please call ADA Heating and Air.