Experiencing furnace troubles that require emergency heating repair services in the middle of winter can be extremely inconvenient. Heat is such a vital resource during the winter that losing it could not only mean discomfort for you and your family, but also problems in other parts of your home like the plumbing system.
One of the most common problems furnace owners encounter is having a leaky furnace. The best solution for this issue, or for any HVAC issue for that matter, is to book a service appointment with your local HVAC technician as soon as possible. Before you do, however, our experts at Home Air Services recommend first checking the following:
Type of furnace system. Most HVAC installation contractors offer two types of furnaces: conventional and condensing. Conventional furnaces have a metal exhaust pipe. These are usually old models, which is why they have AFUE ratings of 90 or lower. Some really old models may not even have an AFUE rating listed at all. On the other hand, condensing furnaces have a PVC or plastic pipe, and their AFUE ratings are 90 or higher. Conventional furnaces don’t have water in any of their parts, so if they start leaking, this could be a sign of a serious problem.
The cause of leaks. In condensation furnaces, there are a number of issues that could lead to a leak.
When HVAC companies install incorrectly-sized flue pipes, leaks can develop. The water you’ll see here is a product of the condensation happening inside the heat exchanger.
Humidifiers add more moisture to heated air, which helps your furnace perform more efficiently. These units are equipped with a filter that, when it becomes clogged, could cause a leak in your furnace.
Furnaces also have a secondary heat exchanger that absorbs exhaust from the primary heat exchanger. Damage to this component usually causes leaks. Unfortunately, when your secondary heat exchanger is busted, it’s time to replace your furnace entirely.
Get your leaky furnace fixed with the help of our professionals at Home Air Services. Give us a call at (301) 585-8100 or fill out our contact form to schedule a service visit or request a free estimate on new HVAC installations today.
