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

Regardless of the cause, knowing how your heating system works and a little bit about some frequent furnace problems is crucial 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 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. We can accurately pinpoint 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 prevalent heating dilemmas:

1. The Furnace Is Leaking

A furnace can leak water for many reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water released during the combustion process is not properly draining away. This may be due to a plugged condensate drain line or a malfunctioning condensate pump. Another possible cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can be responsible for water—as well as dangerous gases—coming out of the furnace.

It is necessary to manage water leaks promptly to prevent further damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

2. My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air/Not Blowing Hot Air

Some potential 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 could also be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety precaution.

If your furnace won’t blow hot air, it's better to contact a skilled HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can provide an accurate assessment and advise you on the correct solution.

3. My Furnace Struggles to Keep Up

A widespread reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home lacks insulation, which can lead to 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 effectively warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce insufficient heating.

To handle this, first check your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to protect your home. Also, check the thermostat to see if it’s set right and the batteries aren’t dead.

If the problem continues, consider consulting with an experienced HVAC company, such as 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, who can assess 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 few steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling 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 make sure power is reaching the unit.

If there is power but your furnace won't ignite, the problem may lie with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's best to contact a seasoned 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 multiple times at short intervals rather than running in regular cycles like it ought to. This can result in inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your furnace.

If you suspect your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to check your unit’s air filter. Filters should be changed 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 be sure it is pointing in the right direction. If that doesn’t do the trick, go to your thermostat and make sure  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 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. Prompt professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent further complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Hums All the Time

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

If the noise persists, it is better that you  contact a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

If your furnace is emitting a consistent loud noise, it's important to handle the issue quickly to prevent further damage or potential safety concerns.  One common cause of this is a failing blower motor or fan, which can create a grinding or screeching sound. Another common cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may emit a squealing or rattling noise.

Given the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's best to consult with 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 desired temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are functioning. Then, see if the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the furnace is functioning properly. If these basic checks don't resolve 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 work, contact a professional for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is Not Igniting

Much like 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, checking out 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 include a faulty igniter or faulty flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace repeatedly trying to ignite without success, no heat production or the furnace is making a burning or gas smell. Both of these issues can be easily fixed by HVAC specialists like the team at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning.