Combustion of gas into warmth sounds like a simple process when we’re describing what a furnace does. But combustion is far from simple! Burning gas releases a whole lot of different chemicals into the air, from carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, and even water vapor. These chemicals are then sent out of your port exhaust so you don’t have to deal with them anymore, but sometimes there can be a hiccup in the system.
With some of our recently cold days, we’ve depended more and more on our furnaces. It’s understandable if you found a puddle under your system and immediately thought to call for furnace repair in Tallahassee, FL. A puddle is never a good sign and a leaking furnace can sound like a disaster, but it’s more common than you think!
Either way, continue to read this blog for more information and don’t forget to call our team for expert help if you need it.
Condensation
Have you ever seen what happens to water vapor when it comes in contact with cold temperatures? It condenses, which is when the individual molecules of water vapor in the air combine together to form water droplets. It’s the same thing that happens when it starts to rain on a summer’s day. It’s also similar to what forms on the rim of a cold glass of water.
However, condensation can be tricky when it’s happening inside your furnace. Think about it, one of the byproducts of combustion is water vapor, which is then gently jettisoned out of your house through the port exhaust. But once that water vapor meets the frigid temperature of our unusually cold winter, it will turn to water droplets and might drip back down into the pipe.
This can be the source of your furnace puddle and likely requires the installation of a pump to help get rid of water, or at least a dehumidifier.
A Problem With the Exhaust Vent
Perhaps you might be dealing with a different kind of issue. If you go outside and check your exhaust vent, do you see anything that raises suspicion? Perhaps you’ve got a large chunk of ice or snow on the exhaust, or maybe a critter has started nesting there. This could be a huge red flag.
The exhaust vent can start dripping water down if the water vapor can’t escape properly. This is a bad sign too because carbon monoxide and other fumes can be leaking their way into your house just like the water, since they can’t properly escape either. Get this professionally checked ASAP!
A Dirty Furnace Filter
Last but not least, we have the furnace filter. This component can get clogged up and cause moisture to get caught in your furnace where it freezes and melts, constantly leaking out of the system. Luckily, you can change out the air filter yourself, and consult with a trained professional if you have any questions about it.
Comfort’s just a call away! Parker Services Inc has your back. Contact us to get a licensed HVAC professional on the line.