Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flip the switch to power up your heating system when it gets chilly and it won’t start, common furnace problems can affect 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 observing 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 uncertain about the problem or aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call an experienced HVAC company like Premium Air Services LLC. We can accurately identify the issue and complete 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 prevalent heating dilemmas:

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 properly draining away. This might be due to a clogged condensate drain line or a malfunctioning condensate pump. Another likely cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can lead to water—as well as dangerous gases—leaking out of the furnace.

It is necessary to address water leaks immediately to prevent more damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Premium Air Services LLC 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 are 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 measure.

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

3. My Furnace Can't Keep Up

A common reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home lacks insulation, which can result in heat loss and lower 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 completely warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also cause inconsistent heating.

To address this, first check your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to insulate your home. Also, examine the thermostat to see if it’s set right and the batteries are working.

If the problem continues, consider consulting with an experienced HVAC company, such as Premium Air Services LLC, who can look over 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 some steps you can take to troubleshoot before contacting a pro. Check if the thermostat is set right and the batteries are not dead. If the furnace still doesn't turn on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure power is reaching the unit.

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 consult a seasoned HVAC technician 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 instead of running in regular cycles like it should. This can cause inefficiency, higher energy bills and potential damage to your heating system.

If you believe your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to check 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 plugged with dirt 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, look at your thermostat and make sure  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 Premium Air Services LLC. Prompt professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent additional complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Is Making a Humming Noise

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

If the noise doesn't go away, it is best to  get in touch with 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 promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards.  One common reason is a malfunctioning blower motor or fan, which can create a grinding or screeching sound. Another potential 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 Is Not Turning On

If your furnace won't turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the preferred temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are good. Then, verify that the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is functioning properly. If these basic checks don't resolve the problem, you can check 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 a professional for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Won't Ignite

Much like a furnace that won't turn on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a plugged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, checking out the air filter and looking over your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other potential causes of a furnace not igniting include a faulty igniter or malfunctioning flame sensor. Signs 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 addressed by HVAC specialists like the team at Premium Air Services LLC.