Winter is on its way, so you know what that means. Soon, you'll need to fire up your furnace. If you find water leaking from your furnace, there are many reasons why this happens. While some cases are minor, others may be a sign of a major issue. These will need immediate attention.

Condensation

Newer furnaces are far more energy efficient than older units. Newer systems cool the exhaust away from the unit itself. Because of this, it’s common to see more condensation. It collects at the bottom of the furnace. This leads homeowners to think their furnace is leaking. If you have a newer model, this is the issue. If you have an older furnace, your flue pipe might be the wrong size and not functioning.

Heat Exchanger

A malfunctioning heat exchanger is the most expensive and dangerous furnace leak. This can happen for many reasons but the most common one is age. When the heat exchanger has a crack, it usually flips the safety switch inside your furnace. This shuts it down until you can fix it. Cracked heat exchangers are a serious issue. This will need an immediate repair by a HVAC professional.

Humidifiers

HVAC systems with built-in humidifiers connect to the plumbing inside your home. When the humidifier has a clog, it can cause water to leak. This can make you think it’s coming from your furnace. The water is actually coming from the plumbing. Once you fix the clog, you're good to go. If there is a crack in the humidifier, it will need a replacement. An HVAC professional is able to find the issue and let you know what the solution is.

If you find water around your furnace, don't panic. At Harwich Port Heating and Cooling, we'll diagnose the issue and help you find a solution. For more information about furnace leaks or other HVAC issues, contact us at (508) 593-9436.