Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flick the switch to turn on your heating system when the weather gets cold and it won’t start, common furnace problems can strike your home at any moment.

Regardless of the issue, knowing 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 services. By noting the furnace's behavior, listening for peculiar 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 an experienced HVAC company like Halverson Brothers Inc. We can accurately pinpoint 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. Your Furnace Leaks Water

A furnace can leak water for a number of reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water created during the combustion process is not completely draining away. This could be due to a blocked condensate drain line or a malfunctioning 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 necessary to deal with water leaks promptly to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Halverson Brothers Inc is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.

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

Some likely 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 plugged air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It also may be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety precaution.

If your furnace won’t blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a skilled HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and suggest the correct 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 lacks 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 produce enough heat to completely warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also cause insufficient heating.

To handle this, first assess your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to protect your home. Also, check the thermostat to ensure it’s set right and the batteries still function.

If the problem lingers, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Halverson Brothers Inc, who can look over your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or changing your thermostat settings.

4. My Furnace Won't Work

If your furnace is not working, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot before contacting a pro. Check if 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 ensure power is reaching the unit.

If there is power but no heat, the problem may rest 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 Is Short Cycling

If your furnace is short cycling, that means it is turning on and off often at short intervals rather than running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. This can cause inefficiency, higher energy bills and potential damage to your furnace.

If you suspect your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to pull out your unit’s air filter. Filters should be exchanged when they are dirty to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is plugged with dirt you should exchange it for a clean one—and make sure it is pointing in the right direction. Second, 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 smart to call experts like the team at Halverson Brothers Inc. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent additional complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Hums All the Time

If your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is an indication of problems with the electrical components or the blower motor. Because of this, if you hear your furnace making a humming noise, it is crucial to take action.

If the noise doesn't go away, it is best to  employ a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Makes Loud Noises

If your furnace is producing a persistent loud noise, it's important to handle the issue right away to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards.  One common problem that causes 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 emit a squealing or rattling noise.

Due to the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's best to get in touch with 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, verify that 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 verify 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

Like a a furnace that won't turn on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a plugged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, checking out the air filter and looking over 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 repeatedly attempting 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 addressed by HVAC professionals like the team at Halverson Brothers Inc.