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

Regardless of the problem, learning how your heating system works and a little bit about some common furnace problems is vital in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional services. By watching 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 Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.. We can accurately pinpoint 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 prevalent heating dilemmas:

1. My Furnace Is Leaking Water

A furnace can leak water for several reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water produced during the combustion process is not effectively draining away. This might be due to a blocked condensate drain line or a failing 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—escaping from the furnace.

It is important to manage water leaks immediately to prevent additional 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 effectively.

2. My Furnace Is Blowing 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 trained HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and recommend the correct solution.

3. My Furnace Is Not Keeping Up

A widespread reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home is lacking insulation, which can lead to heat loss and decreased efficiency. Another reason your furnace is having difficulties is because it’s not big enough for your home, so it can’t produce enough heat to adequately warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also cause inconsistent heating.

To deal with this, first assess your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to protect your home. Also, check the thermostat to make sure it’s set right and the batteries still function.

If the problem lingers, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C., who can look over 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 contacting a pro. Ensure the thermostat is set properly and the batteries are not dead. If the furnace still doesn't power on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to verify power is reaching the unit.

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 better to contact an experienced 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 frequently at short intervals instead of running in regular cycles like it ought to. This can lead to 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 exchanged on a regular basis to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is plugged with dirt you should exchange it for a clean one—and make sure it is pointing in the right direction. Second, look at 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 Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent additional 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 problems with the electrical parts or the blower motor. For this reason, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.

If the noise continues, it is a good idea to  employ a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

If your furnace is producing a constant loud noise, it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards.  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 emit a squealing or rattling noise.

Due to the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's safer to get a hold of a heating and cooling specialist.

8. My Furnace Is Not Turning On

If your furnace won't turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the right temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are good. Then, verify that the circuit breaker or fuse that goes to the furnace is working right. 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 heating specialist for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is Not Igniting

Similar to a furnace that won't turn on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a dirty air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, inspecting the air filter and looking over your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other common causes of a furnace not igniting could be a faulty igniter or nonfunctional flame sensor. Symptoms of these include the furnace continually making an attempt to ignite without success, no heat production or the furnace is making a burning or gas smell. Both of these issues can be easily solved by HVAC pros like the team at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C..