Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flick the switch to power up your heating system when it gets chilly and it won’t start, common furnace problems can affect your home at any moment.

Regardless of the issue, learning how your heating system works and a little bit about some common furnace problems is crucial in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional services. By monitoring the furnace's behavior, listening for unusual noises and checking for signs of damage or blockage, you can narrow down the possible causes.

If you're unsure about the problem or aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call an experienced HVAC company like Clean Air HVAC. We can accurately pinpoint the issue and execute the required repairs or maintenance, so we can get your furnace up and running ASAP.

Here's more about what causes a furnace to leak water and eight other frequent heating issues:

1. Your Furnace Leaks Water

A furnace can leak water for many reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water released during the combustion process is not completely draining away. This might be due to a blocked condensate drain line or a failing condensate pump. Another potential cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can be responsible for water—as well as dangerous gases—coming out of the furnace.

It is imperative to deal with water leaks immediately to prevent more damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Clean Air HVAC is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

2. My Furnace Blows Cold Air/Not Blowing Hot Air

Some likely causes for a furnace blowing cold air or not blowing hot air include a malfunctioning thermostat, a problem with the pilot light or ignition system, a plugged air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It could also be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety mechanism.

If your furnace will not blow hot air, it's best to contact a professional HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can provide an accurate assessment and advise you on the appropriate solution.

3. My Furnace Struggles to Keep Up

A frequent reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home is lacking insulation, which can lead to heat loss and lower efficiency. Another reason your furnace is falling short is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t produce enough heat to adequately warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce uneven heating.

To correct this, first assess your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to insulate your home. Also, check the thermostat to see if it’s set right and the batteries still function.

If the problem continues, consider consulting with an experienced HVAC company, such as Clean Air HVAC, who can inspect your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or changing your thermostat settings.

4. My Furnace Isn't Running at All

If your furnace is not working, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling a professional. Ensure the thermostat is set properly and the batteries are good. If the furnace still doesn't power on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure power is reaching the system.

If there is power but your furnace won't blow hot air, the problem may be with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's better to contact a knowledgeable HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Short Cycles

If your furnace is short cycling, this means it is turning on and off frequently at short intervals rather than running in regular cycles like it should. This can result in inefficiency, higher energy bills and potential damage to your heating system.

If you believe your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to pull out your unit’s air filter. Filters should be switched out when they are dirty to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is plugged with dirt you should exchange it for a clean one—and be sure it is pointing in the right direction. Second, check your thermostat and verify  it’s set right and the batteries are good.

If those two things don’t work, it’s a good idea to call experts like the crew at Clean Air HVAC. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and reduce the chance of further complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming

Whenever your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a sign of a malfunction with the electrical components or the blower motor. Therefore, if you hear your furnace making a humming noise, it is critical to take action.

If the noise doesn't go away, it is a good idea to  get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Noisy

If your furnace is making a persistent loud noise, it's important to handle the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety risks.  One common cause of this is a malfunctioning blower motor or fan, which can make a grinding or screeching sound. Another potential cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may emit a squealing or rattling noise.

Because of the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's safer to contact a heating and cooling specialist.

8. My Furnace Is Not Turning On

If your furnace will not turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the preferred temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are good. Then, see if the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the furnace is sending power to the unit. If these basic checks don't take care of the problem, you can check the furnace's power switch or emergency shutoff switch to verify they're in the "on" position and weren’t accidentally turned off.

If those steps don’t get the job done, call an expert for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Won't Ignite

Like a a furnace that will not on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be the result of a plugged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, checking the air filter and looking over your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other potential causes of a furnace not igniting include a faulty igniter or malfunctioning flame sensor. Signs of these include the furnace continuously making an attempt to ignite without success, no heat production or the furnace is making a burning or gas smell. Both of these issues can be easily addressed by HVAC specialists like the team at Clean Air HVAC.