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

Regardless of the issue, knowing how your heating system works and a little bit about some typical furnace problems is essential in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional services. By observing 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 aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call an experienced HVAC company like Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling. We can accurately identify the issue and perform the required repairs or maintenance, so we can get your furnace ready to go ASAP.

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

1. The Furnace Is Leaking

A furnace can leak water for a number of reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water produced during the combustion process is not effectively draining away. This may be due to a blocked 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—escaping from the furnace.

It is necessary to address water leaks quickly to prevent more damage to your furnace. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling 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 plugged 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 better to contact a trained HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can provide an accurate assessment and advise you on the proper solution.

3. My Furnace Struggles to Keep Up

A widespread reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home lacks insulation, which can lead to heat loss and decreased efficiency. Another reason your furnace is falling short is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t make 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 keep warm air in and cold air out of your home. Also, look at the thermostat to make sure it’s set right and the batteries are working.

If the problem continues, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling, who can assess your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or changing 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 pro. Ensure the thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are not dead. 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 your furnace won't blow hot air, the problem may lie with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's best to reach out to an experienced HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Short Cycles

If your furnace is short cycling, this means it is turning on and off frequently at short intervals rather than running in regular cycles like it ought to. 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 on a regular basis to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is dirty you should exchange it for a clean one—and ensure it is pointing in the right direction. If that doesn’t do the trick, look at 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 staff at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling. Quick professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and reduce the chance of additional complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Is Making a Humming Noise

When your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is an indication of problems with the electrical parts 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 persists, it is a good idea to  contact a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Noisy

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

Due to the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's safer to get in touch with a heating and cooling specialist.

8. My Furnace Won't Start

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, check if the circuit breaker or fuse that goes to the furnace is working right. If these basic checks don't resolve 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, contact an expert for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Won't Ignite

Similar to a furnace not turning 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 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. Indications of these include the furnace continually attempting to ignite without success, no heat production or the furnace is making a burning or gas smell. Both of these issues can be easily repaired by HVAC professionals like the team at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling.