Water leaks on furnaces in air conditioning mode are common in the summer. Naturally, if you notice this, you will wonder what is wrong. This article answers your questions based on industry expertise and current research findings.
Various issues can cause water leaks in and around the furnace in the summer. The main problems are as follows:
- Condensate line clog
- A faulty drip pan
- A faulty condensed water pump
- Evaporator coil frost
- Damaged Blower
Continue reading to learn more about the bullet points mentioned above. This guide will give you all the information you need to repair a leak in your summer furnace. It also discusses why furnace leaks are a problem, what happens when the furnace becomes wet, and how to repair furnace leaks.
Also check: What Is a Hydronic HVAC System?
Is it a problem if my furnace leaks water?
The straightforward answer is “yes.” The furnace leak is incorrect. In AC mode, however, all furnaces produce water in the summer. Condensation produces this water.
Condensation occurs because cold air contains less moisture than warm air. Water drops from the freshly chilled air when an air conditioner cools it. It is known as condensation.
Because condensation is unavoidable, the furnace is designed to remove this water from the system and your home effectively. This water is typically removed through a condensed water line, drain pan, or condensed water pump.
Issues with any of these systems frequently cause furnace leaks. However, as previously stated, other problems can cause water to leak from the furnace.
What is the source of my furnace’s water leak?
As previously stated, furnace leaks are no laughing matter. As a result, determining the source of the leak and resolving the issue are critical.
Read on to learn about the different types of leaks and how to fix them. To identify the furnace elements described below, use a schematic diagram of the furnace. These are frequently found in the furnace’s instruction manual or online by searching for the manufacturer and model.
You can also use the famous furnace schematic diagram, which is available online. To avoid dangerous electric shocks, always turn off the furnace circuit breaker when working in the furnace.
Condensate line clog or failure
Clogged condensed water lines most likely cause summer furnace leaks. This line runs outside your house and connects to your drain pan. As a result, any water that falls into the drain pan is harmlessly discharged.
Water will leak from the drain pan to the furnace, surrounding area, and floor if the condensation line becomes clogged or broken. Look for a full drain pan that is slowly overflowing to identify problems with the condensation line.
You might be able to quickly repair the clogged condensed water line in the opening with your finger or a small tool. You can also meander or blow the condensate line to clear the blockage.
Drip Pan Is Broken
The drip pan is intended to collect all the water from the furnace’s heat exchanger, allowing the condensation line to drain that water. Drip trays frequently corrode and rust, resulting in minor leaks.
In any case, products like silicone caulking may be able to repair the drip tray holes. This sealant is relatively simple to apply and, when dry, is inert and waterproof. After the drip pan has dried, fill the gaps with sealant, let it dry, and then re-use it.
If the drip pan cannot be repaired, replacing the whole pan is out of the question.
Condensate pump failure
Condensate is processed in some furnaces using a device known as a condensation pump. This pump draws water from both the house and the kamado. Identify a failed condensed water pump without tripping the pump using a condensed water pump tank or an overfilled drain pan.
Make sure the pump is turned on to solve this problem. Turning the circuit breaker “on” will sometimes solve the problem; in others, the pump on/off switch is misplaced.
Then clean the pumps, pump floats, pump valves, and any other areas that are accessible. Algae and other deposits frequently fail, and cleaning resolves the issue.
Finally, tap the pump microswitch with non-conductive plastic. Be cautious; I don’t want to be surprised here. This straightforward procedure is frequently used to troubleshoot microswitch errors.
If these steps do not work, contact an HVAC professional and attempt to repair the condenser pump. In the worst-case scenario, the pump will need to be replaced.
Also check: Can Bugs Come Through the Central Air Conditioner?
Frosting Evaporator Coils
In the summer, your fire pot’s air conditioner works by bringing the air in your home into contact with the ice evaporator coil. The sky enjoys the part of this “coldness,” and the room temperature rises.
If there is insufficient air flowing through the evaporator coil, it will cool and begin to freeze. When the frost melts, it drips outside the system’s catchment area.
It means that water cannot be collected by the drip tray, condensed water line, or condenser pump. As a result, if the evaporator coil freezes regularly, water may drip from the furnace each time the furnace / AC is turned off. Furthermore, frost on the evaporator coil indicates that the furnace is not functioning correctly, increasing utility costs and reducing home comfort.
Clogged air filters and fan malfunctions are the most common causes of evaporator coil freezing.
Defective blower
When you notice icing on the evaporator coil, the next thing to look for is a faulty fan or poor performance. Blowers, like all mechanical systems, fail over time.
First, ensure the blower is turned on, and then try cleaning and refueling all moving parts as directed by the owner’s manual.
How do you fix a furnace that’s leaking water?
If water leaks from the furnace, follow the steps outlined in the preceding section. However, contact an HVAC professional if you cannot identify or resolve the issue by phone.
Fix The Water Leaking From Furnace In Summer Yourself!
I answered questions about what furnaces can cause summer leaks in this post. It includes all known leak sources and some fixes for these issues. Finally, we suggest additional resources.
