Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flick the switch to power up your heating system in the fall and it won’t start, common furnace problems can strike 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 assistance. By noting 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 lack the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Pliescott HVAC Services LLC. We can accurately pinpoint the issue and perform the required repairs or maintenance, so we can get your furnace working again ASAP.

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

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 properly draining away. This might be due to a clogged condensate drain line or a broken condensate pump. Another likely cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can result in water—as well as dangerous gases—leaking out of the furnace.

It is important to address water leaks immediately to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.

2. My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air/Lack of Heat

Some likely 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 blocked 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 won’t blow hot air, it's better to contact a trained HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can give an accurate assessment and suggest the correct solution.

3. My Furnace Can't Keep 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 reduced 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 adequately warm the space. A defective thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce insufficient heating.

To deal with this, first check your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to protect your home. Also, examine 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 Pliescott HVAC Services LLC, 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 phoning a professional. Ensure the thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are not dead. 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 no heat, the problem may lie with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's better to contact an experienced HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Is Short Cycling

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 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 pull out 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 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 a good idea to call experts like the staff at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC. Quick professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent further complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Is Making a Humming Noise

When your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a sign of problems with the electrical elements or the blower motor. Therefore, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.

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

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

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 risks.  One common cause of this is a broken blower motor or fan, which can create a grinding or screeching sound. Another possible cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may produce a squealing or rattling noise.

Because of 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 will not turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the right temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are good. Then, see if the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is working right. If these basic checks don't take care of the problem, you can examine the furnace's power switch or emergency shutoff switch to ensure they're in the "on" position and weren’t accidentally turned off.

If those steps don’t work, phone an expert for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is Not Igniting

Much like a furnace not turning on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a dirty air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, examining the air filter and looking over your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other likely causes of a furnace not igniting are a faulty igniter or faulty flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace repeatedly 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 fixed by HVAC specialists like the team at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC.