Alright, let’s talk about something nobody wants to see: a puddle of water chilling out under your furnace. Not cool, right? You’re probably thinking, “Did my furnace come with a water feature I didn’t know about?” Don’t panic! It’s more common than you think, and we’re gonna break it down.
Is it a High-Efficiency Condensing Furnace or a Conventional Furnace?
First, we need to figure out exactly what kind of furnace you have. And luckily, it’s pretty easy to tell. Just peek at the vent pipe.
- White PVC Pipe: If you see a white PVC pipe sticking out, you’ve got a high-efficiency condensing furnace. Think of it as the “eco-friendly” furnace.
- Metal Vent Pipe: A metal vent pipe? That’s your classic conventional furnace. The old reliable, tried and true.
High-Efficiency Condensing Furnace: When Your Furnace Gets a Little Too “Efficient”
So, you’ve got the PVC pipe. Good news! These furnaces are designed to condense water during operation. But sometimes, that water decides to go rogue.
“Okay, so it makes water. But why’s it in my living room?” Great question! Here are the usual suspects:
- Condensate Pump Problems: This little guy’s job is to pump that water out. If it’s busted, you’ve got a problem.
- Blocked Condensate Drains: Think of it like a clogged sink. Water’s gotta go somewhere, and if it can’t, it’ll spill.
- Condensation Line Issues: Any cracks or leaks in this line? Water’s gonna find a way out.
How does a high-efficiency condensing furnace even make water, you ask? High-efficiency furnaces are like super-achievers. They squeeze every bit of heat out of the gas, which creates condensation. This water is supposed to go down the drain, not onto your floor.
Fixing the Leak: DIY or Call a Pro?
- Check the Drain Trap: It might be clogged with gunk. Grab a shop vac and give it a clean.
- Still Leaking? That’s when you call in the pros. A damaged pump, humidifier, or line? That’s tech territory.
Conventional (Non-Condensing) Furnace: The “Old School” Leaker
Metal vent pipe? Alright, let’s see what’s going on. Even though these don’t condense like the high-efficiency ones, water can still sneak in.
The main culprits:
- Leaky Humidifier: If you have a built in humidifier, and it’s leaking, that water has to go somewhere.
- Check for visible leaks on the unit, and the drain lines.
- Improperly Sized Vent Pipe: If the vent pipe isn’t sloped right or is too big, gas can condense inside and leak.
- Look for visible water leaking from the pipe, or a pipe that is not sloped upwards.
- Air Conditioner: Wait, what? Your AC might be the real villain. Here’s why:
- Your AC dehumidifies your home, and that water drains through a condensate line. Guess where that line often is? Yep, right next to your furnace. A clog or leak there, and it looks like your furnace is the problem. First, make sure your AC has been running. Then, check the AC’s condensate line and drain pan for leaks.
Furnace Still Leaking and Need a Pro? Contact Action Air in Fishers, IN and the Surrounding Areas!
If you’re still scratching your head, don’t hesitate to call an HVAC technician at Action Air. We’ve seen it all, and our team will get your furnace (or AC) back to dry and happy. Remember, a little detective work can save you a lot of headaches (and water damage). Contact us today!
