When most people think of a furnace leak, they think of dangerous gases. However, some furnaces may develop water discharge. Left unchecked, this could contribute to mold growth or an electrical shortage leading to furnace repair. Here’s what you should know about this commonly overlooked problem.

How Would a Furnace Water Leak Occur?

A condensation leak is the most common cause behind a puddle of water near a furnace. This is most likely to occur with a high-efficiency model, which uses a longer heat extraction process that creates condensation. The first place you should look after discovering a leak is the condensation drain line, which could be clogged or broken. Standard furnaces will generally only experience condensation discharge if the flue is too small to release heated air.

If your furnace is connected to a home humidifier system, the leak could be the result of a maintenance issue with this secondary appliance. High-efficiency furnaces could also lose water due to a faulty secondary heat exchanger. This part helps release combustion exhaust and water vapor from the furnace.

Furnace Repair Options

Routine furnace and HVAC maintenance will help prevent most of these water issues. For condensation leaks, a technician will either need to unclog or replace the condensate drain line. If condensation leaks are occurring in a standard furnace, you may need to upgrade the system to a wider flue pipe.

When the secondary heat exchanger is to blame, you’ll likely be better off replacing the furnace entirely. This part is quite expensive to replace, and the potential for water damage to other components means a new furnace will be your cheaper long-term solution.

No matter what type of furnace repair issue you’re facing, expect top-quality help from Economy Heating & Air in Cornelia, GA. Serving northeast Georgia since 1984, these factory-trained experts provide honest assessments and affordable pricing to help keep your family comfortable. To learn more about their HVAC services, visit them online. Schedule an appointment today by calling (706) 778-2861.