A leaking furnace is a common issue many homeowners run into in winter. It usually isn’t a serious problem, but it can point to a maintenance issue with your furnace. The sooner you get it checked out by a pro, the better.

Furnace water leaks usually come down to three causes:

1) A Condensation Leak
Even if you don’t know much about heaters, you can recognize a condensation leak pretty quickly by the fact water pools at the unit’s base. High-efficiency heaters give off condensation, just like your air conditioner. A build-up of condensation means clogged or damaged tubing.

2) Secondary Heat Exchanger Problems
This is the big one. If your secondary heat exchanger gives out, it can be a bear to fix. In fact, you’re usually better off getting the whole unit replaced with a new one that will work longer and be more efficient than your old unit. It’s a toss-up based on how bad the damage is.

3) A Faulty Humidifier
If there’s a humidifier attached to your unit, then this is the culprit you should look at before the heat exchanger. Luckily, this leak can be prevented by regular maintenance. If your unit hasn’t been serviced lately, call an expert ASAP – this leak can damage or even destroy your heater.

When it comes to heater leaks in the winter, it’s better safe than sorry. Most leaks can be taken care of fast, but only if you catch them early on. Leaks are much more likely in the winter than any other time of year, so be sure to give your heater a quick once-over every week or so.

If you notice a leak, call the experts in furnace service you can trust so it gets taken care of right away.