Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the warm weather and beautiful outdoors, but it can also bring some unexpected problems for homeowners. One of the most common issues that many homeowners face during the summer months is a leaking furnace. While it's easy to assume that the furnace is the root cause of the water leak, there are several issues that can impact your air conditioner and cause water leakage that looks like it's coming from the furnace.
If you are experiencing a furnace leaking water during the summer months, it's important to understand what's causing the problem and take the necessary steps to resolve it. In this blog post, Boothe's Heating, Air, Plumbing, Drains & Electrical will explore some of the common reasons why your furnace may be leaking water during the summer months and discuss what may need to be done to fix the issue.
One of the most common reasons why your furnace may be leaking water during the summer months is due to condensation. Your air conditioner works by circulating cold air through your home. Throughout the cooling system process, some moisture is removed from the air and can collect on the evaporator coil of air conditioning units. Excess moisture can lead to water collecting in the system, which may drip out and appear as if your furnace is leaking.
Another common cause of a furnace leaking during summer is clogged drainage lines. The AC contains drainage lines that carry all the excess water away from the system through a floor drain or outdoors. If these lines are clogged, then the water will build up, and standing water may spill out and cause a furnace leak.
There are several reasons due to which drainage lines get clogged. Dirt, dust and debris can make their way into the drainage lines over time, which can lead to clogs. Moreover, algae and mold can also grow in the drain pipe and cause blockages. To prevent this from happening, it's essential to clean your air conditioner's condensate drain line on a regular basis.
An air conditioner comes equipped with a drip pan, which helps to collect all the moisture that is formed during the cooling process. It is essential to ensure that this drip pan is clean and functioning correctly as a damaged or malfunctioning pan can lead to water leakage, which can cause significant damage to the surrounding environment.
If the drain pan in your air conditioner is broken, it can lead to water accumulation, which might make it look like your furnace is leaking. This is because the condensation from your air conditioner can mix with the water formed due to the damaged drip pan and resemble leakage from your furnace. To avoid such confusion, it is critical to ensure that your air conditioner's drip pan is well-maintained and in good working condition.
If your air conditioner produces more condensation than it can handle, it will automatically pump the excess water out through the drain line using a condensate pump. However, if your condensate pump is broken, water can begin to accumulate and overflow, causing it to appear as if the furnace is leaking water. To fix this issue, it's essential to have your condensate pump inspected and repaired by a licensed HVAC technician.
Another common reason for a furnace leaking water during the summer months is due to a clogged air filter. When your air filter becomes clogged, it restricts the flow of warm air to your air conditioner, causing your air conditioning unit to work harder than it needs to.
This increased workload from a blocked filter reduces energy efficiency and can lead to the formation of ice on your air conditioning unit's evaporator coils, and a frozen coil can result in apparent furnace repairs. To fix this issue, be sure to replace your air filter at least once per month.
Another reason why your furnace may be leaking water during the summer months is low refrigerant levels. When your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it has to work harder to circulate air, which can lead to the formation of ice on your air conditioning unit's coils. Frozen coils can result in water leakage, which looks like it's coming from your furnace.
To fix this issue, it's essential to have your HVAC system inspected and recharged with refrigerant by a licensed HVAC professional.
Humidifiers are essential devices that help maintain the right level of moisture in the air, especially during dry seasons. However, like any other machines, humidifiers are also prone to technical failures if not maintained correctly. When a humidifier malfunctions, it can make the furnace look like it is leaking in the summer. A faulty humidifier can also cause severe damage to the furnace, leading to costly repairs.
It is essential to ensure that your humidifier is functioning well and is maintained regularly to avoid such situations. Turn off the humidifier when it's not in use with the AC unit, and periodically check the system to ensure there is no water leaking from its water lines and that the internal drain is not clogged.
While it's easy to assume that a leaking furnace during the summer months is due to issues with the furnace itself, there are several potential causes of water leakage that may appear to be originating from your furnace. From condensation to clogged air filters and low refrigerant levels, there are several factors that can impact your air conditioner's performance and cause water leakage.
If you are experiencing a leaking furnace during the summer months, it's important to have your HVAC system inspected by a licensed technician. By identifying and resolving these issues early on, you can keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long without risking any water damage or other potential problems. Call Boothe's today to schedule HVAC system repairs if you have a furnace leaking water.