Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you throw the switch to start your heating system in the fall and it won’t start, common furnace problems can strike your home at any moment.

Regardless of the issue, 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 noting 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 lack the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call an experienced HVAC company like Age Heating & Cooling. We can accurately identify 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 prevalent heating issues:

1. My Furnace Is Leaking Water

A furnace can leak water for many 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 malfunctioning condensate pump. Another potential cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can be responsible for water—as well as dangerous gases—leaking out of the furnace.

It is necessary to address water leaks immediately to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Age Heating & Cooling is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

2. My Furnace Blows Cold Air/Lack of Heat

Some likely causes for a furnace blowing cold air or not blowing hot air could be a malfunctioning thermostat, a problem with the pilot light or ignition system, a clogged air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It also may be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety precaution.

If your furnace does not blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a trained HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can provide an accurate assessment and recommend the correct solution.

3. My Furnace Can't Keep Up

A common reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home lacks insulation, which can result in heat loss and reduced efficiency. Another reason your furnace is falling short is because it’s not powerful enough for your home, so it can’t generate enough heat to completely warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce uneven heating.

To address this, first look at your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to insulate your home. Also, examine the thermostat to ensure it’s set right and the batteries are working.

If the problem lingers, consider consulting with an experienced HVAC company, such as Age Heating & Cooling, who can look over your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or adjusting your thermostat settings.

4. My Furnace Won't Work

If your furnace is not working, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot before contacting a professional. Make sure the thermostat is set properly and the batteries are good. If the furnace still doesn't power on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure power is reaching the unit.

If there is power but your furnace won't blow hot air, the problem may rest with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's best to consult a seasoned HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Is Short Cycling

If your furnace is short cycling, it means it is turning on and off often at short intervals instead of running in regular cycles like it ought to. This can result in inefficiency, increased energy consumption and potential damage to your heating system.

If you believe 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 clogged with debris you should exchange it for a clean one—and be sure it is pointing in the right direction. If that doesn’t do the trick, go to 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 team at Age Heating & Cooling. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and avoid further complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming

If your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is an indication of an issue with the electrical parts or the blower motor. For this reason, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is crucial to take action.

If the noise continues, it is best to  get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

If your furnace is emitting a persistent loud noise, it's important to handle the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety risks.  One common reason 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 produce a squealing or rattling noise.

Because of 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 Won't Start

If your furnace won't turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the desired temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are working. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse controlling 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 get the job done, contact a professional 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 the result of a clogged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, examining the air filter and taking a peek at your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other common causes of a furnace not igniting are a faulty igniter or faulty flame sensor. Signs of these include the furnace continuously 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 simply fixed by HVAC specialists like the team at Age Heating & Cooling.