17 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Leaking on the Floor
If you’ve ever encountered a leaky furnace, you know how unpleasant it can be. Furnaces are supposed to keep your home’s air heated and not leave a wet mess on the floor. While a leaking furnace is typically an easy fix, it can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for or where to start fixing the problem. It’s in your best interest to find out what causes your furnace to leak. We’ll discuss some of the most common causes of leaking furnaces in your Roseville, MI, home.
1. Gas Valve Problem
The gas valve is a small, rigid plastic lever attached to the furnace’s gas line. It’s responsible for turning the gas on and off as you turn your furnace on and off. A common problem with the gas valve is that it may be set too high or may not be turned on at all. This can cause an issue with your furnace, as it’ll just leak rather than heat your home. If you notice leaking coming from the floor next to or beneath your furnace, this could be a problem with your gas valve.
2. Relieving Pressure
Let’s say your furnace is set to turn off at a temperature of 120 degrees. If you have the temperature set too high, the temperature could exceed this number, but your furnace wouldn’t shut off right away. There are built-in pressure relief valves to prevent the leak from being disastrous should the temperature rise further. These pressure relief valves release excess heat while your furnace is on and let it cool down while it’s turned off. But, if you have the temperature set too low, the pressure relief valves release extra heat while your furnace is on and won’t be cooled down enough when it’s turned off. This causes gas to leak from your furnace, which can end up on your floor.
3. Blocked Heater Coils
The heating coils will probably be bigger and more powerful if you have a large house or a larger gas furnace, which means they’ll use more gas to maintain a higher temperature. Gas flow could be disrupted if you have a faulty pipe between your furnace and the heating coils. This can result in leaks, so it’s essential to ensure this pipe is installed correctly and insulated by an experienced contractor.
4. Improper Ventilation
Your furnace’s heat is being forced into your home via ducts and vents. If the vents aren’t correctly set up, this could cause your heating system to leak. An HVAC technician can properly set up your vents and possibly seal any leaks that you might be experiencing.
5. Damaged Piping
Some everyday household items can damage the piping in your home. If the piping around your furnace is damaged, it may leak air and gas. Make sure to hire a contractor to diagnose this problem before you take any further action properly.
6. Dust on the Heat Exchanger
If you have lived in your home for years, you probably have some dust buildup around your furnace. While it may not be enough to clog the air vents, it can easily cover the heat exchanger, which is typically located on top of your furnace. If this happens, it could cause dust and debris to enter the heating system and cause a leak.
7. Improper Installation
While most furnaces are designed with some leak protection, if they’re improperly installed, it could lead to some severe damage. If you choose to have someone install your furnace, ensure they have proper installation permits and ensure they do the job correctly. If there are any signs of leaks in your Macomb County home, you’ll need to contact C & C Heating & Air Conditioning for an inspection before the problem gets worse.
8. Hoses Breaking
Hoses are typically located in your furnace’s exhaust system, located on the outside of your home. They’re used to deliver the heated air from your furnace into your ducts. If these hoses break, this will cause leaks that could ruin your heating system. It’s essential to have a professional check this for you so that you don’t have any severe damage to your home or unit.
9. Ductwork Damaged
A significant source of leaks can damage your home’s ductwork. Air will escape from the ducts and become trapped in your home’s heating system. Loose or broken hoses typically cause leaks to develop, so it’s essential to hire an HVAC contractor to inspect your ductwork and make necessary repairs.
10. Low Pressure
If your gas line pressure is too low, it could lead to leaks developing within your system. Make sure you have licensed plumbers check your gas pressure regularly. If this is the case, they’ll be able to tell you which part of the system needs to be fixed.
11. Leaking Pumps
Pumps are typically used to circulate air and keep it moving through the heating and cooling system so that it can reach all parts of your home. If pumps are leaking, they need to be replaced right away. This can cause severe damage to your home’s heating system and possibly result in a fire.
12. Condensation
Suppose your furnace is located indoors where the temperature remains relatively consistent. In that case, there will likely be some condensation that builds upon the system’s interior surfaces, like heat exchangers and cooling coils. Significant condensation accumulation will cause leaks.
13. Damaged Heating Coil
Each day your furnace runs it will encounter the air inside your home to heat it. If the heating coil becomes damaged, it could cause leaks elsewhere in the system.
14. Damaged Heat Exchanger
If your heat exchanger is damaged, it could cause the system’s pressure to drop dramatically. This causes gas to leak, which can lead to other leaks developing. This indicates that your furnace will need to be replaced soon.
15. Loose Hose Connections
Your furnace will have several hoses connected to it, and these hoses need to be securely fastened to prevent leaks. If they’re not properly installed, they could cause leaks in your heating system.
16. Exposed Heating Coil
If your heating coil is exposed to the outdoors, it will be exposed to the elements year-round. Make sure you have an experienced HVAC contractor check this for you once a year so that you can prevent any significant damage to your home’s system and you can avoid leaks.
17. Old Age
The older your furnace gets, the more likely you’ll start experiencing problems with leaks. If your furnace has been installed in your home for many years, there’s a chance you’ll begin to experience problems down the road. If this is the case, it’ll be time to replace your furnace.
We can help you diagnose all your furnace problems and help you determine what type of solution will work best for you. Our technician can then take the appropriate steps to get it running correctly. We also offer AC services, duct cleaning and repair, and improved indoor air quality services. Contact C & C Heating & Air Conditioning in Roseville today.
