Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flick the switch to turn on 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 vital in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional assistance. By monitoring 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 not sure about the problem or aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Just Right Heating and Cooling. 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 common heating issues:
1. My Furnace Is Leaking Water
A furnace can leak water for several reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water created during the combustion process is not effectively draining away. This might 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 be responsible for water—as well as dangerous gases—escaping from the furnace.
It is imperative to address water leaks immediately to prevent further damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Just Right Heating and Cooling is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.
2. My Furnace Blows Cold Air/Not Blowing Hot Air
Some potential causes for a furnace blowing cold air or not blowing hot air are a malfunctioning thermostat, a problem with the pilot light or ignition system, a clogged 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 does not blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a professional HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and recommend the appropriate 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 cause heat loss and decreased efficiency. Another reason your furnace is having difficulties is because it’s not big enough for your home, so it can’t make enough heat to completely warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also result in inconsistent heating.
To correct this, first assess 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 are working.
If the problem continues, consider consulting with an experienced HVAC company, such as Just Right Heating and Cooling, 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 couple of steps you can take to troubleshoot before phoning a heating specialist. Ensure the thermostat is set properly and the batteries are fresh. If the furnace still doesn't turn 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 reach out to a seasoned HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.
5. My Furnace Turns On and Off
If your furnace is short cycling, this means it is turning on and off multiple times at short intervals as opposed to running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. This can cause inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your unit.
If you think your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to check your unit’s air filter. Filters should be changed regularly to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is plugged with dirt you should exchange it for a clean one—and ensure it is pointing in the right direction. Next, check 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 Just Right Heating and Cooling. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent additional 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 elements or the blower motor. For this reason, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is crucial to take action.
If the noise continues, it is better that you contact a professional HVAC technician.
7. My Furnace Makes Loud Noises
If your furnace is producing a constant loud noise, it's important to deal with the issue quickly to prevent further damage or potential safety risks. One common cause of this is a broken blower motor or fan, which can generate a grinding or screeching sound. Another possible cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may emit a squealing or rattling noise.
Because of the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's better to get in touch with a heating and cooling specialist.
8. My Furnace Can't Turn 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 good. Then, verify that the circuit breaker or fuse that controls 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 ensure they're in the "on" position and weren’t accidentally turned off.
If those steps don’t do the job, contact a heating specialist for furnace repair.
9. My Furnace Is on but Not Igniting
Similar to a furnace that won't turn on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a clogged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, checking out the air filter and assessing your circuit breakers are a good place to start.
Other potential causes of a furnace not igniting could be a faulty igniter or faulty flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace continually 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 repaired by HVAC professionals like the team at Just Right Heating and Cooling.
