Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you throw the switch to start your heating system when the weather gets cold and it won’t start, common furnace problems can impact your home at any moment.
Regardless of the issue, learning how your heating system works and a little bit about some typical furnace problems is crucial 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 not sure about the problem or don’t have the necessary skills and tools, it’s best to call a professional HVAC company like Appalachian Heating. We can accurately pinpoint the issue and complete the required repairs or maintenance, so we can get your furnace ready to go ASAP.
Here’s more about what causes a furnace to leak water and eight other frequent heating problems:
1. Your Furnace Leaks 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 properly draining away. This might be due to a clogged condensate drain line or a failing condensate pump. Another potential 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 imperative to manage water leaks immediately to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Appalachian Heating is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.
2. My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air/Lack of Heat
Some likely 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 mechanism.
If your furnace won’t blow hot air, it’s a good idea to contact a professional HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can give an accurate assessment and suggest the correct solution.
3. My Furnace Is Not Keeping Up
A frequent reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home is lacking insulation, which can result in heat loss and lower efficiency. Another reason your furnace is having difficulties is because it’s not big enough for your home, so it can’t produce enough heat to adequately warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also result in inconsistent heating.
To deal with this, first assess your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to protect your home. Also, check the thermostat to make sure it’s set right and the batteries are working.
If the problem continues, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as Appalachian Heating, who can inspect your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or adjusting 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 calling a professional. Check if the thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are not dead. If the furnace still doesn’t power on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure power is reaching the system.
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 reach out to a knowledgeable HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.
5. My Furnace Turns On and Off
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 should. This can result in inefficiency, increased energy consumption and potential damage to your heating system.
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 make sure it is pointing in the right direction. Second, check your thermostat and make sure it’s set right and the batteries are good.
If those two things don’t work, it’s a good idea to call experts like the staff at Appalachian Heating. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and reduce the chance of additional complications and high energy bills.
6. My Furnace Won’t Stop Humming
When your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is an indication of a malfunction with the electrical elements or the blower motor. Therefore, if you hear your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.
If the noise continues, it is a good idea to 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 hazards. One common cause of this is a broken blower motor or fan, which can create a grinding or screeching sound. Another possible 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 safer to get in touch with a heating and cooling specialist.
8. My Furnace Can’t Turn On
If your furnace won’t turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the right temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are good. 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 ensure they’re in the “on” position and weren’t accidentally turned off.
If those steps don’t get the job done, call an expert 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 the result of a plugged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, examining 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 malfunctioning flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace continually trying 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 very easily solved by HVAC specialists like the team at Appalachian Heating.
