Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you throw the switch to start your heating system when it gets chilly 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 typical 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 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 aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like May's Heating & Air. We can accurately pinpoint the issue and perform 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 frequent heating issues:
1. Your Furnace Leaks Water
A furnace can leak water for many reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water released during the combustion process is not completely draining away. This might be due to a clogged condensate drain line or a failing condensate pump. Another likely cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can result in water—as well as dangerous gases—leaking out of the furnace.
It is necessary to manage water leaks promptly to prevent more damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at May's Heating & Air is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.
2. My Furnace Makes Cold Air/Lack of Heat
Some potential 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 blocked 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 won’t blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a professional HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and suggest the proper solution.
3. My Furnace Is Not Keeping Up
A common reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home lacks insulation, which can lead to heat loss and reduced efficiency. Another reason your furnace is falling short is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t produce enough heat to adequately warm the space. A defective thermostat or ductwork problems can also cause 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, look at 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 May's Heating & Air, who can inspect your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or changing 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 pro. Make sure the thermostat is set right and the batteries are good. If the furnace still doesn't turn on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure power is reaching the furnace.
If there is power but your furnace won't ignite, the problem may be with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's a good idea to consult an experienced 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 frequently at short intervals rather than running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. This can result in inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your heating system.
If you think your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to pull out your unit’s air filter. Filters should be switched out 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. If that doesn’t do the trick, check 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 team at May's Heating & Air. Quick professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and reduce the chance of further complications and high energy bills.
6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming
Whenever your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is an indication of an issue with the electrical hardware or the blower motor. For this reason, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.
If the noise continues, it is best to contact 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 address the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards. One common problem that causes 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 make a squealing or rattling noise.
Because of the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's safer to contact a heating and cooling specialist.
8. My Furnace Is Not Turning On
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 working. Then, verify that the circuit breaker or fuse that goes to the furnace is sending power to the unit. If these basic checks don't fix the problem, you can inspect the furnace's power switch or emergency shutoff switch to verify they're in the "on" position and weren’t accidentally turned off.
If those steps don’t work, phone a professional for furnace repair.
9. My Furnace Won't Ignite
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 assessing your circuit breakers are a good place to start.
Other likely causes of a furnace not igniting include a faulty igniter or malfunctioning flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace continually 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 simply repaired by HVAC specialists like the team at May's Heating & Air.