Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flip 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 common furnace problems is crucial in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional services. 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 unsure about the problem or aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Cooler Tymes LLC. We can accurately diagnose 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 issues:

1. Your Furnace Leaks 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 could be due to a plugged condensate drain line or a malfunctioning 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—leaking out of the furnace.

It is imperative to address water leaks quickly to prevent further damage to your furnace. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Cooler Tymes LLC is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

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

Some potential causes for a furnace blowing cold air or not blowing hot air are 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 will not blow hot air, it's best to contact a skilled HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can provide 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 struggling is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t make enough heat to effectively warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also cause uneven heating.

To address this, first check your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to keep warm air in and cold air out of your home. Also, look at the thermostat to see if it’s set right and the batteries aren’t dead.

If the problem won’t go away, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Cooler Tymes LLC, who can inspect your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or modifying 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 contacting a professional. Ensure the thermostat is set properly 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 be with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's a good idea to contact a knowledgeable HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Turns On and Off

If your furnace is short cycling, that means it is turning on and off frequently at short intervals as opposed to running in regular cycles like it should. This can cause inefficiency, more energy use 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 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. If that doesn’t do the trick, look at 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 staff at Cooler Tymes LLC. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent additional complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming

If 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 notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is critical to take action.

If the noise doesn't go away, it is best to  get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Noisy

If your furnace is emitting a consistent loud noise, it's important to deal with the issue quickly to prevent further damage or potential safety concerns.  One common cause of this is a malfunctioning blower motor or fan, which can create 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 safer 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 preferred temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are good. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the furnace is sending power to the unit. If these basic checks don't address the problem, you can examine 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 do the job, call a professional for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Won't Ignite

Much like a furnace not turning on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a plugged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, checking the air filter and assessing your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other common causes of a furnace not igniting could be a faulty igniter or faulty flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace continually 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 very easily repaired by HVAC professionals like the team at Cooler Tymes LLC.