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

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

If you're uncertain about the problem or lack the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a professional HVAC company like Air-Right Energy Design. We can accurately pinpoint the issue and execute the required repairs or maintenance, so we can get your furnace ready to go ASAP.

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

1. The Furnace Is Leaking

A furnace can leak water for a number of reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water produced during the combustion process is not properly draining away. This might be due to a blocked condensate drain line or a broken 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—escaping from the furnace.

It is important to manage water leaks promptly to prevent further damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Air-Right Energy Design is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.

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

Some possible 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 blocked air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It also may be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety measure.

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

3. My Furnace Can't Keep Up

A common reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home is lacking insulation, which can result in heat loss and reduced efficiency. Another reason your furnace is falling short is because it’s not big enough for your home, so it can’t produce enough heat to effectively warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce uneven heating.

To deal with this, first check your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to insulate your home. Also, check the thermostat to ensure it’s set right and the batteries are working.

If the problem won’t go away, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Air-Right Energy Design, who can assess your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or modifying 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 contacting a heating specialist. Make sure the thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are not dead. If the furnace still doesn't start, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure power is reaching the furnace.

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

5. My Furnace Short Cycles

If your furnace is short cycling, it means it is turning on and off frequently at short intervals as opposed to running in regular cycles like it should. This can lead to inefficiency, higher energy bills and potential damage to your unit.

If you think your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to check your unit’s air filter. Filters should be changed on a regular basis to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is dirty you should exchange it for a clean one—and be sure it is pointing in the right direction. Next, go to your thermostat and look to see if  it’s set right and the batteries are good.

If those two things don’t work, it’s best to call experts like the staff at Air-Right Energy Design. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and reduce the chance of more complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Is Making a Humming Noise

If your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a sign of an issue with the electrical hardware or the blower motor. For this reason, if you notice 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 producing a persistent loud noise, it's important to address the issue right away to prevent further damage or potential safety concerns.  One common cause of this is a failing blower motor or fan, which can create a grinding or screeching sound. Another possible cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may produce a squealing or rattling noise.

Because of the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's better 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, verify that the circuit breaker or fuse that goes to the furnace is functioning properly. If these basic checks don't address 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 do the job, contact a heating specialist for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is on but Not Igniting

Much like a furnace that won't turn 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 assessing your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other likely causes of a furnace not igniting are a faulty igniter or malfunctioning flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace continually attempting to ignite without success, an absence of heat production or the furnace is making a burning or gas smell. Both of these issues can be easily repaired by HVAC specialists like the team at Air-Right Energy Design.