Last Year the Heating/Air Conditioning Unit had a leak in it. The leak was slow enough to keep a steady but small amount of water on the bottom of the Heating Unit (I realize there is a problem with drainage as well). The unit never stopped working so I didn't suspect anything. I went to change the filter at the end of the summer and the entire bottom of the unit was rusted.

First, I assume the leak can be repaired.

Second and more importantly, can anything be done about the rust on the bottom of the unit. Has anyone seen this before and been able to repair it.

Yes, the leak can be repaired one way or another. As for the rusted out bottom, I have seen this many times. As long as the unit is still "sturdy" and doesn't have holes in it that will allow air to be pulled in without going through the filter, you should be fine. If it has holes, or is not sturdy, you could get a sheet metal man in to tin the unit up so it is sturdy and air-tight. Normally the furnace sets right on the ground, so if the very bottom is rusted out, no biggie. If it is rusted up the side, you may want to have the tinner in to fix it up a bit.

Take care.

Lee.

Yes, the leak can be repaired one way or another. As for the rusted out bottom, I have seen this many times. As long as the unit is still "sturdy" and doesnt have holes in it that will allow air to be pulled in without going through the filter, you should be fine. If it has holes, or is not sturdy, you could get a sheet metal man in to tin the unit up so it is sturdy and air-tight. Normally the furnace sets right on the ground, so if the very bottom is rusted out, no biggie. If it is rusted up the side, you may want to have the tinner in to fix it up a bit.

Take care.

Lee.


Lee,

Thanks for the information. The bottom is very sturdy, however, I assume that the rust problem needs to be resolved because the filter can't block all of the rust particles from getting mixed with the air and blown through the ducts.

Mike

You could remove the blower assembly and wire brush all the loose rust off, then shop vac it out. You could even go so far as to spray some sort of rust proofing paint or sealant over the metal once you have all of the loose rust removed.

Lee.