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

Regardless of the problem, 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 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 don't have the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. 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 prevalent heating problems:

1. My Furnace Is Leaking 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 effectively draining away. This may be due to a plugged condensate drain line or a broken condensate pump. Another potential cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can result in 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. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc 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 could be a malfunctioning thermostat, a problem with the pilot light or ignition system, a blocked 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 won’t blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a trained HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can provide an accurate assessment and suggest the proper solution.

3. My Furnace Is Not Keeping Up

A widespread reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home doesn’t have enough insulation, which can cause heat loss and decreased efficiency. Another reason your furnace is having difficulties is because it’s not big enough for your home, so it can’t make enough heat to effectively warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce inconsistent heating.

To handle this, first assess your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to protect your home. Also, examine the thermostat to see if it’s set right and the batteries are working.

If the problem lingers, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, 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 Won't Work

If your furnace is not working, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot before phoning a heating specialist. Make sure 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 verify power is reaching the unit.

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 consult a seasoned HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Short Cycles

If your furnace is short cycling, that means it is turning on and off multiple times 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 furnace.

If you think your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to look at your unit’s air filter. Filters should be switched out on a regular basis 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. Next, 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 Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and avoid additional 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 problems with the electrical components or the blower motor. Because of this, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is critical to take action.

If the noise persists, it is best to  contact a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Noisy

If your furnace is emitting a constant loud noise, it's important to address 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 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 safer to get a hold of 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 right temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are functioning. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the furnace is functioning properly. If these basic checks don't resolve the problem, you can examine 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 work, contact a professional for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Won't Ignite

Much like a furnace that will not on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be the result of a clogged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, examining 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 faulty flame sensor. Signs of these include the furnace continuously making an attempt 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 very easily solved by HVAC specialists like the team at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.