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

Regardless of the issue, knowing 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 observing 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 not sure about the problem or aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning. 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 prevalent 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 created during the combustion process is not effectively draining away. This may 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 be responsible for water—as well as dangerous gases—escaping from the furnace.

It is imperative to address water leaks promptly to prevent further damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.

2. My Furnace Makes 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 plugged air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It is also possible your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety measure.

If your furnace will not blow hot air, it's best to contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can give an accurate assessment and recommend 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 doesn’t have enough insulation, which can cause heat loss and reduced efficiency. Another reason your furnace is struggling 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 result in uneven heating.

To address this, first look at 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 still function.

If the problem lingers, consider consulting with an experienced HVAC company, such as Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning, who can assess your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or changing your thermostat settings.

4. My Furnace Isn't Running at All

If your furnace is not working, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling a pro. Check if the thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are fresh. If the furnace still doesn't turn on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure power is reaching the furnace.

If there is power but your furnace won't ignite, the problem may lie with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's a good idea to consult an experienced HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Short Cycles

If your furnace is short cycling, that 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 lead to inefficiency, higher energy bills and potential damage to your furnace.

If you suspect your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to look at your unit’s air filter. Filters should be exchanged when they are dirty to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is dirty you should exchange it for a clean one—and be sure it is pointing in the right direction. Next, go to your thermostat and verify  it’s set right and the batteries are good.

If those two things don’t work, it’s smart to call experts like the crew at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning. 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

If your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a sign of a malfunction with the electrical parts 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 doesn't go away, it is better that you  get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Makes Loud Noises

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

Given the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's safer to consult with a heating and cooling specialist.

8. My Furnace Can't Turn On

If your furnace won't turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the preferred temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are functioning. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is sending power to the unit. If these basic checks don't fix the problem, you can check 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, contact a professional for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is on but Not Igniting

Like a 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, checking out the air filter and assessing 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 attempting 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 easily solved by HVAC professionals like the team at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning.