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

Regardless of the problem, understanding how your heating system works and a little bit about some common furnace problems is vital in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional assistance. 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 uncertain about the problem or lack the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning. We can accurately diagnose the issue and execute the required repairs or maintenance, so we can get your furnace working again ASAP.

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

1. Your Furnace Leaks Water

A furnace can leak water for many reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water created 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 lead to water—as well as dangerous gases—coming out of the furnace.

It is necessary to deal with water leaks quickly to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

2. My Furnace Blows Cold Air/Lack of Heat

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

If your furnace won’t blow hot air, it's better to contact a skilled HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can give an accurate assessment and suggest 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 lead to heat loss and reduced efficiency. Another reason your furnace is having difficulties is because it’s not powerful enough for your home, so it can’t generate enough heat to adequately warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also result in uneven heating.

To correct this, first look at your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to insulate your home. Also, examine the thermostat to ensure it’s set right and the batteries still function.

If the problem continues, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, who can inspect your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or adjusting your thermostat settings.

4. My Furnace Is Not Working

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

If there is power but no heat, the problem may be with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's a good idea to contact a seasoned HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Short Cycles

If your furnace is short cycling, it means it is turning on and off often at short intervals instead of running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. This can result in inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your unit.

If you suspect your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to check your unit’s air filter. Filters should be exchanged regularly to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is clogged with debris you should exchange it for a clean one—and make sure it is pointing in the right direction. If that doesn’t do the trick, check your thermostat and make sure  it’s set right and the batteries are good.

If those two things don’t work, it’s smart to call experts like the crew at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning. Prompt professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and avoid more complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming

Whenever your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a symptom of an issue with the electrical elements or the blower motor. For this reason, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is crucial to take action.

If the noise persists, it is better that you  employ a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Noisy

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

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

8. My Furnace Is Not Turning On

If your furnace refuses to turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the right temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are working. Then, see if the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is working right. If these basic checks don't take care of the problem, you can inspect the furnace's power switch or emergency shutoff switch to ensure they're in the "on" position and weren’t accidentally turned off.

If those steps don’t get the job done, contact a heating specialist for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is Not Igniting

Much like a furnace that won't turn on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a clogged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, inspecting the air filter and assessing your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other potential causes of a furnace not igniting could be a faulty igniter or nonfunctional flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace continuously 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 simply fixed by HVAC specialists like the team at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning.