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

Regardless of the problem, understanding how your heating system works and a little bit about some common furnace problems is crucial 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 lack the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a professional HVAC company like All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We can accurately diagnose the issue and perform the required repairs or maintenance, so we can get your furnace up and running 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 several reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water created during the combustion process is not properly draining away. This might be due to a plugged 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 correct water leaks quickly to prevent further damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

2. My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air/Not Blowing Hot Air

Some possible 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 does not blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a skilled HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and advise you on the appropriate 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 doesn’t have enough insulation, which can lead to heat loss and lower efficiency. Another reason your furnace is having difficulties is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t generate enough heat to effectively warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also result in inconsistent heating.

To correct 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 All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, who can inspect 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 few steps you can take to troubleshoot before phoning a professional. Check if the thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are good. If the furnace still doesn't turn on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure power is reaching the system.

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 a good idea to consult an experienced HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Is Short Cycling

If your furnace is short cycling, that means it is turning on and off frequently at short intervals rather than running in regular cycles like it should. This can cause inefficiency, increased energy consumption and potential damage to your furnace.

If you believe your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to look at your unit’s air filter. Filters should be changed on a regular basis to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is clogged with debris you should exchange it for a clean one—and make sure it is pointing in the right direction. Second, go to 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 All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and reduce the chance of 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 an indication of an issue with the electrical elements or the blower motor. Because of this, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.

If the noise doesn't go away, it is better that you  contact a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

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

Due to the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's better to consult with 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 desired temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are good. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse that controls 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 make sure they're in the "on" position and weren’t accidentally turned off.

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

9. My Furnace Is Not Igniting

Much like a furnace that will not on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a clogged 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 malfunctioning flame sensor. Symptoms of these include the furnace continually 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 All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.