Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flip the switch to start your heating system in the fall and it won’t start, common furnace problems can affect your home at any moment.
Regardless of the problem, knowing how your heating system works and a little bit about some typical furnace problems is essential in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional support. By watching 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 unsure about the problem or lack the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Kilbourne Heating & AC. We can accurately diagnose the issue and execute 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 common heating issues:
1. The Furnace Is Leaking
A furnace can leak water for a number of reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water released during the combustion process is not effectively 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 be responsible for water—as well as dangerous gases—escaping from the furnace.
It is imperative to deal with water leaks promptly to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Kilbourne Heating & AC is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.
2. My Furnace Blows Cold Air/Lack of Heat
Some possible 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 is also possible your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety measure.
If your furnace will not blow hot air, it's better to contact a professional HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can give an accurate assessment and advise you on the proper 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 lacks insulation, which can cause heat loss and lower efficiency. Another reason your furnace is having difficulties is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t produce enough heat to adequately warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce insufficient heating.
To address this, first assess 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 make sure it’s set right and the batteries are working.
If the problem lingers, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Kilbourne Heating & AC, 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 Isn't Running at All
If your furnace is not working, there are a couple of 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 power on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to verify power is reaching the furnace.
If there is power but no heat, the problem may lie with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's best to contact a knowledgeable HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.
5. My Furnace Short Cycles
If your furnace is short cycling, this means it is turning on and off often at short intervals as opposed to running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. This can cause inefficiency, higher energy bills 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 regularly 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 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 Kilbourne Heating & AC. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and avoid more complications and high energy bills.
6. My Furnace Hums All the Time
If your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a symptom of a malfunction with the electrical components or the blower motor. Because of this, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is critical to take action.
If the noise continues, it is a good idea to contact a professional HVAC technician.
7. My Furnace Is Noisy
If your furnace is emitting a persistent loud noise, it's important to deal with the issue right away to prevent further damage or potential safety risks. One common problem that causes this is a failing blower motor or fan, which can generate a grinding or screeching sound. Another common cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may make a squealing or rattling noise.
Due to the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's best to get in touch with a heating and cooling specialist.
8. My Furnace Is Not Turning On
If your furnace will not turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the preferred temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are working. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is sending power to the unit. If these basic checks don't take care of the problem, you can examine the furnace's power switch or emergency shutoff switch to ensure 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 Won't Ignite
Much like a furnace that will not on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a plugged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, examining the air filter and looking over 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. Symptoms of these include the furnace continually attempting 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 easily solved by HVAC specialists like the team at Kilbourne Heating & AC.