Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flip 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 problem, learning how your heating system works and a little bit about some frequent 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 strange noises and checking for signs of damage or blockage, you can narrow down the possible causes.

If you're uncertain about the problem or don't have the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a professional HVAC company like Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.. We can accurately identify 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 prevalent heating problems:

1. Your Furnace Leaks 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 effectively draining away. This could be due to a clogged condensate drain line or a broken condensate pump. Another potential 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 Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue properly.

2. My Furnace Blows 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 clogged air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It could also be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety mechanism.

If your furnace does not blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and recommend the appropriate solution.

3. My Furnace Struggles to Keep Up

A common reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home doesn’t have enough insulation, which can result in heat loss and lower efficiency. Another reason your furnace is struggling is because it’s not big enough 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 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, examine the thermostat to see if it’s set right and the batteries are working.

If the problem won’t go away, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C., who can assess your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or adjusting 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 phoning a pro. 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 ensure power is reaching the system.

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

5. My Furnace Short Cycles

If your furnace is short cycling, it means it is turning on and off multiple times at short intervals as opposed to running in regular cycles like it ought to. This can lead to inefficiency, higher energy bills and potential damage to your unit.

If you suspect your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to look at your unit’s air filter. Filters should be exchanged 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 ensure it is pointing in the right direction. Next, look at your thermostat and look to see if  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 Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.. Prompt professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent more complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming

When your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a symptom of an issue with the electrical parts or the blower motor. Because of this, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is critical to take action.

If the noise persists, it is best to  employ a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Makes Loud Noises

If your furnace is emitting a consistent loud noise, it's important to address 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 generate a grinding or screeching sound. Another possible cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may emit a squealing or rattling noise.

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

8. My Furnace Won't Start

If your furnace refuses to turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the right temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are functioning. Then, see if the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the furnace is working right. 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 do the job, call 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 nonfunctional flame sensor. Signs of these include the furnace continually attempting to ignite without success, an absence of heat production or the furnace is making a burning or gas smell. Both of these issues can be very easily fixed by HVAC professionals like the team at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C..