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 strike your home at any moment.

Regardless of the cause, understanding 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 support. 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 Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We can accurately identify the issue and complete 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. Your Furnace Leaks 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 blocked condensate drain line or a failing condensate pump. Another possible 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 manage water leaks quickly to prevent further damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning 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 include 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 does not blow hot air, it's best to contact a skilled HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can give an accurate assessment and advise you on the correct solution.

3. My Furnace Can't Keep Up

A frequent reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home lacks insulation, which can result in heat loss and decreased efficiency. Another reason your furnace is falling short is because it’s not powerful enough for your home, so it can’t produce enough heat to adequately warm the space. A defective thermostat or ductwork problems can also cause uneven heating.

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

If the problem lingers, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, 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 few steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling a professional. Check if the thermostat is set right and the batteries are good. 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 rest with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's best to reach out to a knowledgeable HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Short Cycles

If your furnace is short cycling, it means it is turning on and off multiple times at short intervals instead of running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. This can result in inefficiency, higher energy bills and potential damage to your unit.

If you think 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 plugged with dirt you should exchange it for a clean one—and make sure it is pointing in the right direction. Second, check 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 Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Quick professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and avoid more complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming

Whenever your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is an indication of an issue with the electrical components or the blower motor. Because of this, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.

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

7. My Furnace Is Noisy

If your furnace is making a constant loud noise, it's important to handle the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety concerns.  One common problem that causes this is a broken blower motor or fan, which can generate a grinding or screeching sound. Another common cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may emit a squealing or rattling noise.

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

8. My Furnace Won't Start

If your furnace will not turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the preferred temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are good. Then, verify that the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is functioning properly. If these basic checks don't take care of the problem, you can check 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 do the job, contact a professional for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is Not Igniting

Like a a furnace that will not on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a plugged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, inspecting the air filter and looking over your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other likely causes of a furnace not igniting include a faulty igniter or faulty flame sensor. Signs of these include the furnace repeatedly trying 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 very easily solved by HVAC professionals like the team at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.