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 impact your home at any moment.

Regardless of the issue, understanding how your heating system works and a little bit about some typical furnace problems is vital in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional assistance. By monitoring the furnace's behavior, listening for unusual noises and checking for signs of damage or blockage, you can narrow down the possible causes.

If you're uncertain about the problem or aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Tri County Climate Control LLC. We can accurately identify the issue and complete 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 common heating problems:

1. My Furnace Is Leaking Water

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 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 important to correct water leaks quickly to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Tri County Climate Control LLC is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.

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 include a malfunctioning thermostat, a problem with the pilot light or ignition system, a clogged 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 will not blow hot air, it's better to contact a trained HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can provide an accurate assessment and suggest the proper solution.

3. My Furnace Is Not Keeping Up

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

To handle this, first look at your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to insulate your home. Also, examine the thermostat to see if it’s set right and the batteries still function.

If the problem lingers, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as Tri County Climate Control 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 Is Not Working

If your furnace is not working, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling a professional. Make sure the thermostat is set properly and the batteries are good. 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 rest with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's best to contact a knowledgeable HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Is Short Cycling

If your furnace is short cycling, it means it is turning on and off multiple times at short intervals rather than running in regular cycles like it should. This can result in inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your heating system.

If you suspect your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to check your unit’s air filter. Filters should be exchanged regularly 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. If that doesn’t do the trick, 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 crew at Tri County Climate Control LLC. Quick professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent more complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Is Making a Humming Noise

Whenever your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a symptom of problems with the electrical elements or the blower motor. For this reason, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is crucial to take action.

If the noise persists, it is a good idea to  get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

If your furnace is emitting a consistent loud noise, it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety concerns.  One common cause of this is a broken blower motor or fan, which can create 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 best to contact a heating and cooling specialist.

8. My Furnace Is Not Turning 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 good. Then, verify that the circuit breaker or fuse that goes to the furnace is working right. If these basic checks don't fix 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 get the job done, 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 the result of a plugged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, checking 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 include a faulty igniter or faulty flame sensor. Symptoms of these include the furnace repeatedly attempting to ignite without success, no heat production or the furnace is making a burning or gas smell. Both of these issues can be simply addressed by HVAC specialists like the team at Tri County Climate Control LLC.