Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flick the switch to start your heating system when the weather gets cold and it won’t start, common furnace problems can strike 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 vital 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 lack the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a professional HVAC company like Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.. We can accurately diagnose the issue and execute 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. The Furnace Is Leaking

A furnace can leak water for several reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water released during the combustion process is not properly draining away. This could be due to a clogged condensate drain line or a malfunctioning 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—escaping from the furnace.

It is important to address water leaks quickly to prevent more damage to your furnace. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue properly.

2. My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air/Lack of Heat

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 also may be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety measure.

If your furnace will not blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a skilled HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and suggest the appropriate 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 is lacking insulation, which can cause heat loss and decreased efficiency. Another reason your furnace is struggling is because it’s not powerful enough for your home, so it can’t make enough heat to completely warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also cause uneven heating.

To deal with this, first look at your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to protect your home. Also, examine the thermostat to ensure it’s set right and the batteries aren’t dead.

If the problem won’t go away, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc., 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 Isn't Running at All

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

If there is power but no heat, the problem may rest with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's best to consult a knowledgeable HVAC technician 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 instead of running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. This can result in inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your furnace.

If you believe your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to pull out your unit’s air filter. Filters should be exchanged 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 make sure it is pointing in the right direction. Second, 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 best to call experts like the staff at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent further 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 a malfunction with the electrical parts or the blower motor. For this reason, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is critical to take action.

If the noise continues, it is better that you  employ a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

If your furnace is producing a consistent loud noise, it's important to deal with the issue quickly to prevent further damage or potential safety concerns.  One common reason is a malfunctioning blower motor or fan, which can create 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 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 preferred temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are functioning. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse that goes to the furnace is working right. If these basic checks don't address the problem, you can inspect 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, phone a professional for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is Not Igniting

Similar to 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 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 could be a faulty igniter or nonfunctional flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace continually making an attempt 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 easily solved by HVAC pros like the team at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc..