In the middle of summer in Arizona, you’ll use your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable. Still, if you’re relying on central air conditioning for indoor climate control, you’ll likely be confused by a puddle forming around the heating system. You’re not actively using it, so why would you have a furnace leaking water in summer?
At Mountainside Air, we provide heating and AC services in Cave Creek, AZ. A leaky furnace is concerning at any time of the year. Here, we explain why these leaks occur and what you can do to resolve them.
Are Furnace Leaks Common in Cave Creek?
Leaks are not among the most common furnace problems that the residents of Cave Creek experience. However, some modernized systems, like high-efficiency furnaces, do create excess condensation. The second heat exchanger could cause dripping water.
Typical Reasons for Summer Furnace Leaks
Your Cave Creek furnace leaking water in the summer might seem strange, but it’s not as uncommon as you may think. Consider the five reasons below.
1. Condensation
Sometimes, a furnace leaking water in summer isn’t due to problems with the heating system. Instead, the air conditioner may be the culprit.
When you use your air conditioner, it initiates a heat transfer process to remove warmth from indoor spaces and disperse it outdoors. As the system absorbs heat, it also removes some of the moisture content from your home’s air to lower indoor humidity levels.
The condensation forms on the evaporator coil inside the indoor air handler. If there is too much, it could drip out, which may look as though the furnace is leaking water.
2. Clogged Condensate Drain
Because air conditioners produce condensation, they have condensate drains to keep moisture from accumulating inside the system. However, the internal pipelines can collect debris and clog. The lines can also grow mold and algae, which can cause blockages and water spillage.
3. Dirty Air Filter
Your furnace might appear to be leaking due to problems with your HVAC air filter, even in the summer. The filter traps dirt and other airborne debris as air flows through heating and cooling systems. When they get too dirty, they can restrict airflow, and without sufficient airflow, the condensation on evaporator coils can freeze.
Eventually, the iced coil will thaw. The air conditioning drain pan captures excess moisture, but the melt from frozen evaporator coils is often too much for it to handle. If so, the melting ice may create a puddle.
4. Humidifier Problems
Because humidity levels are usually low during the winter in Cave Creek, furnaces have humidifiers to prevent the air inside buildings from becoming too dry. Without regular maintenance, this essential component can malfunction. When that happens, it may look as though you have a furnace leaking water in summer.
Humidifier issues can lead to costly furnace damage. Schedule maintenance services to protect your HVAC equipment. In the meantime, turn off your humidifier, especially if you don’t need to use it with your air conditioning unit.
5. Condensate Pump Malfunction
Condensate pump failure is another problem for Cave Creek residents with air conditioning and furnaces in their basements. These systems have a condensate pump to push accumulated water from the HVAC system outside. If the pump fails for any reason, the water will pool on the floor instead of going outdoors.
The puddle often forms around the furnace. You might assume the heater is responsible for the mess.
What To Do If You Have an HVAC System Leak Over the Summer in Cave Creek
The first thing to do when you see a furnace leaking water in summer is to clean up the mess. If you don’t mop up the water, it could create a slip hazard or damage your flooring.
Your next step is to call a certified HVAC technician. Water around HVAC equipment is cause for concern. These professionals can resolve it quickly.
Call Mountainside Air To Address Your Leaky Furnace or HVAC System Trouble Today
A furnace leaking water in summer can point to your home’s heating system or its central air conditioner. Everything from a furnace condensation leak to a clogged air filter can produce puddles that appear to come from the heater.
The experienced technicians at Mountainside Air offer comprehensive HVAC solutions with transparent pricing, including heating and cooling repairs and maintenance. Whether you need the burning smell from furnaces explained or repairs to address excessive air conditioner drainage, reach out to our Mountainside Air team in Cave Creek, Arizona, today!