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

Regardless of the issue, knowing how your heating system works and a little bit about some frequent furnace problems is essential in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional support. By watching the furnace's behavior, listening for peculiar 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 don't have the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Cooler Tymes LLC. We can accurately identify the issue and complete 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 dilemmas:

1. My Furnace Is Leaking Water

A furnace can leak water for many reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water produced during the combustion process is not completely draining away. This may be due to a plugged condensate drain line or a failing condensate pump. Another possible 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 immediately to prevent more damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Cooler Tymes LLC is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue properly.

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 are a malfunctioning thermostat, a problem with the pilot light or ignition system, a blocked air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It is also possible your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety precaution.

If your furnace will not blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a professional HVAC tech 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 is lacking insulation, which can result in heat loss and lower efficiency. Another reason your furnace is struggling is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t generate enough heat to completely warm the space. A malfunctioning 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 keep warm air in and cold air out of your home. Also, look at the thermostat to make sure it’s set right and the batteries are working.

If the problem lingers, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as Cooler Tymes LLC, 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 Is Not Working

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

If there is power but no heat, the problem may be with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's a good idea to reach out to a knowledgeable HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Is Short Cycling

If your furnace is short cycling, this means it is turning on and off often at short intervals as opposed to running in regular cycles like it ought to. This can result in inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your unit.

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 dirty you should exchange it for a clean one—and be sure it is pointing in the right direction. Next, 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 crew at Cooler Tymes LLC. Immediate 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 an indication of problems with the electrical components or the blower motor. Therefore, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.

If the noise persists, it is better that you  contact a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

If your furnace is making a persistent loud noise, it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety risks.  One common reason is a failing blower motor or fan, which can make a grinding or screeching sound. Another common 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 get in touch 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 right 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 address the problem, you can inspect the furnace's power switch or emergency shutoff switch to ensure 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 caused by a dirty air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, checking out the air filter and taking a peek at your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other likely causes of a furnace not igniting are a faulty igniter or nonfunctional flame sensor. Signs of these include the furnace repeatedly 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 easily addressed by HVAC specialists like the team at Cooler Tymes LLC.