A puddle of water around the furnace can indicate a wide range of issues. Some are fairly simple fixes, while others may indicate serious problems. However, you always need to have a professional HVAC contractor determine the exact cause so you can address the underlying issues quickly and effectively. Here are a few potential culprits to know about. 

4 Top Reasons for a Furnace Leak

1. Condensation Leak

It’s natural for furnaces to create condensation as air temperatures change. Usually, that condensation collects and then gets directed through a series of lines to a floor drain. Leaks can occur if one of those lines breaks or clogs, causing water to drip onto the floor around the furnace. An HVAC contractor can locate the source and replace the line in question fairly quickly.

2. Faulty Heat Exchanger

If you have an older heating system, the water could be coming from a broken heat exchanger. This is the part of the furnace that converts gas into heat, which means that any complications are fairly serious. You may need to have the entire furnace replaced, so have a contractor over for an inspection. 

3. Drain Clog

Most HVAC systems have a series of internal drains that are designed to carry condensation through the system and out of the home. If there’s a clog somewhere, that water can easily back up and start to leak around the unit. If this is the cause, the HVAC contractor simply needs to find the source of the clog and then clear it.

4. Leaky Humidifier

In some cases, the leak may not be coming from the furnace at all. If you have a whole home humidifier, the water could be coming from that instead. It needs to hold water to disperse it through the air, so there could be a break in the delivery system somewhere. An HVAC contractor should also be able to address this issue if they find that nothing is wrong with your actual furnace.

If you’re looking for an HVAC contractor who can help you diagnose and fix a leaky furnace, look no further than Snyder Mechanical in Elko, NV. The company offers plumbing, heating, and cooling services to homeowners throughout the area, including 24/7 emergency repairs. With more than 30 years of experience, the team is well equipped to provide repairs, preventive maintenance, and installations for brand new equipment. You can request a quote online or call (775) 738-5616 to speak with a technician.