Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flick the switch to turn on your heating system when it gets chilly and it won’t start, common furnace problems can impact your home at any moment.
Regardless of the issue, knowing how your heating system works and a little bit about some frequent furnace problems is vital in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional services. By watching 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 House of Heating Incorporated. We can accurately identify the issue and perform 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 issues:
1. The Furnace Is Leaking
A furnace can leak water for many reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water released during the combustion process is not properly draining away. This could be due to a plugged condensate drain line or a failing condensate pump. Another likely cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can lead to water—as well as dangerous gases—escaping from the furnace.
It is necessary to correct water leaks promptly to prevent more damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at House of Heating Incorporated is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.
2. My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air/Lack of Heat
Some possible 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 clogged air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It is also possible 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 technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and suggest the correct solution.
3. My Furnace Struggles to Keep Up
A common reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home doesn’t have enough insulation, which can lead to heat loss and lower efficiency. Another reason your furnace is struggling is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t generate enough heat to completely warm the space. A defective thermostat or ductwork problems can also result in insufficient heating.
To handle this, first check your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to insulate your home. Also, examine the thermostat to see if it’s set right and the batteries are working.
If the problem won’t go away, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as House of Heating Incorporated, 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 Won't Work
If your furnace is not working, there are a couple of steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling a professional. Make sure the thermostat is set properly and the batteries are fresh. If the furnace still doesn't start, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure power is reaching the unit.
If there is power but your furnace won't ignite, the problem may be with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's best to contact a seasoned HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.
5. My Furnace Turns On and Off
If your furnace is short cycling, that means it is turning on and off multiple times at short intervals rather than running in regular cycles like it ought to. This can lead to inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your heating system.
If you believe your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to look at your unit’s air filter. Filters should be changed when they are dirty to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is clogged with debris you should exchange it for a clean one—and ensure it is pointing in the right direction. Second, look at your thermostat and make sure it’s set right and the batteries are good.
If those two things don’t work, it’s best to call experts like the crew at House of Heating Incorporated. Prompt professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent further complications and high energy bills.
6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming
When your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a sign of a malfunction with the electrical elements or the blower motor. Therefore, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is crucial to take action.
If the noise doesn't go away, it is better that you contact a professional HVAC technician.
7. My Furnace Is Noisy
If your furnace is producing a constant loud noise, it's important to address the issue right away to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards. One common cause of this is a malfunctioning blower motor or fan, which can create a grinding or screeching sound. Another common cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may produce a squealing or rattling noise.
Given the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's better to contact a heating and cooling specialist.
8. My Furnace Can't Turn On
If your furnace refuses to turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the desired temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are working. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse that controls 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 get the job done, phone a heating specialist for furnace repair.
9. My Furnace Won't Ignite
Similar to 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, checking the air filter and taking a peek at your circuit breakers are a good place to start.
Other potential causes of a furnace not igniting are a faulty igniter or malfunctioning flame sensor. Signs 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 easily addressed by HVAC professionals like the team at House of Heating Incorporated.