Water on the floor at the furnace: find the source (condensate, AC coil, humidifier)

A furnace does not use water, so the leak comes from something attached to it: the condensate system of a high-efficiency (90%+) furnace, the AC evaporator coil and its drain pan sitting on top, a whole-house humidifier, a condensate pump, or a nearby water heater or washer. When it leaks tells you a lot: cooling season points to the AC coil; heating season points to furnace condensate or the humidifier.

Cross-checked ~40 min easyBrands: All

Before you start

  • If water has reached wiring or the control board, turn the furnace off at the switch or breaker before touching anything
  • Do not open or inspect the heat exchanger yourself; a suspected cracked or corroded heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide and goes to a licensed technician

Diagnostic steps

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Water on the floor at the furnace: find the source (condensate, AC coil, humidifier) · OnCall Tech