Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flip 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 problem, understanding 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 monitoring 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 not sure about the problem or don't have the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a professional HVAC company like Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC. We can accurately diagnose 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 common heating dilemmas:

1. My Furnace Is Leaking Water

A furnace can leak water for several reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water produced during the combustion process is not completely draining away. This may be due to a plugged condensate drain line or a broken condensate pump. Another likely 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 manage water leaks quickly to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue properly.

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

Some potential 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 clogged 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 does not blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a skilled HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and advise you on the appropriate solution.

3. My Furnace Is Not Keeping Up

A frequent 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 lower 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 defective thermostat or ductwork problems can also result in uneven heating.

To address this, first look at your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to keep warm air in and cold air out of your home. Also, check the thermostat to ensure it’s set right and the batteries aren’t dead.

If the problem continues, consider consulting with an experienced HVAC company, such as Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC, who can look over 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 contacting a heating specialist. Make sure the thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are good. If the furnace still doesn't start, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure power is reaching the furnace.

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

5. My Furnace Is Short Cycling

If your furnace is short cycling, it means it is turning on and off frequently at short intervals instead of running in regular cycles like it ought to. This can cause inefficiency, increased energy consumption and potential damage to your unit.

If you suspect your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to pull out your unit’s air filter. Filters should be changed regularly to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is plugged with dirt you should exchange it for a clean one—and ensure it is pointing in the right direction. If that doesn’t do the trick, check 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 smart to call experts like the team at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent additional 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 problems with the electrical parts or the blower motor. Therefore, if you hear your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.

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

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

If your furnace is emitting a constant loud noise, it's important to handle the issue quickly to prevent further damage or potential safety concerns.  One common cause of this is a failing blower motor or fan, which can generate a grinding or screeching sound. Another potential cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may emit a squealing or rattling noise.

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

If those steps don’t do the job, phone an expert 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 the result of a dirty air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, examining the air filter and assessing your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other likely causes of a furnace not igniting could be a faulty igniter or faulty flame sensor. Symptoms of these include the furnace continually making an attempt to ignite without success, a lack 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 Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC.