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

Regardless of the cause, knowing how your heating system works and a little bit about some frequent furnace problems is crucial 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 uncertain about the problem or don't have the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a professional HVAC company like Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation. We can accurately diagnose the issue and execute 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 prevalent heating dilemmas:

1. Your Furnace Leaks Water

A furnace can leak water for many reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water released during the combustion process is not effectively draining away. This might 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 lead to water—as well as dangerous gases—coming out of the furnace.

It is imperative to address water leaks promptly to prevent more damage to your furnace. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.

2. My Furnace Makes Cold Air/Lack of Heat

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 mechanism.

If your furnace won’t blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a trained HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and suggest 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 is lacking insulation, which can cause heat loss and reduced efficiency. Another reason your furnace is struggling is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t generate enough heat to effectively warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce inconsistent heating.

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

If the problem won’t go away, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation, 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 some steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling a heating specialist. Ensure the thermostat is set properly and the batteries are fresh. If the furnace still doesn't turn on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure power is reaching the unit.

If there is power but your furnace won't ignite, the problem may be with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's better to contact a seasoned HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Turns On and Off

If your furnace is short cycling, this means it is turning on and off frequently at short intervals instead of running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. This can cause inefficiency, higher energy bills and potential damage to your heating system.

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 clogged with debris you should exchange it for a clean one—and ensure it is pointing in the right direction. Second, check your thermostat and verify  it’s set right and the batteries are good.

If those two things don’t work, it’s best to call experts like the staff at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation. Prompt professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and avoid more complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Hums All the Time

When your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a sign of a malfunction with the electrical parts 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 continues, it is better that you  get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Noisy

If your furnace is making a persistent loud noise, it's important to handle the issue quickly to prevent further damage or potential safety concerns.  One common reason 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 emit a squealing or rattling noise.

Because of the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's safer to contact 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, check if the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is functioning properly. 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 do the job, call a heating specialist 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 clogged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, inspecting the air filter and taking a peek at your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other common causes of a furnace not igniting are a faulty igniter or faulty flame sensor. Signs of these include the furnace continually making an attempt 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 pros like the team at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation.