Solved: Furnace Is Leaking Water and 8 Other Heating Issues

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 cause, learning how your heating system works and a little bit about some common furnace problems is crucial in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional assistance. 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 not sure about the problem or lack the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Central Air LLC. We can accurately pinpoint the issue and perform 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 dilemmas:

1. My Furnace Is Leaking Water

A furnace can leak water for a number of 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 plugged condensate drain line or a broken condensate pump. Another possible cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can result in water—as well as dangerous gases—escaping from the furnace.

It is necessary to deal with water leaks quickly to prevent further damage to your furnace. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Central Air LLC is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue properly.

2. My Furnace Makes Cold Air/Lack of Heat

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 clogged air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It also may be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety mechanism.

If your furnace will not blow hot air, it's best to contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can give an accurate assessment and advise you on the correct 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 is lacking insulation, which can lead to heat loss and lower efficiency. Another reason your furnace is having difficulties is because it’s not powerful enough for your home, so it can’t generate enough heat to completely warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce insufficient heating.

To correct this, first check your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to protect your home. Also, examine the thermostat to make sure it’s set right and the batteries still function.

If the problem continues, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Central Air LLC, who can look over your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or modifying 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 calling a professional. Ensure the thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are good. If the furnace still doesn't start, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure power is reaching the furnace.

If there is power but your furnace won't blow hot air, the problem may lie with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's best to consult a knowledgeable HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Is Short Cycling

If your furnace is short cycling, this means it is turning on and off frequently at short intervals instead of running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. This can result in inefficiency, increased energy consumption 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 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 ensure it is pointing in the right direction. If that doesn’t do the trick, look at 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 a good idea to call experts like the staff at Central Air LLC. Quick professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent further complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming

If your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is an indication of a malfunction with the electrical parts or the blower motor. Therefore, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.

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

7. My Furnace Is Noisy

If your furnace is producing a constant loud noise, it's important to address the issue promptly 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 potential 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 best to consult with a heating and cooling specialist.

8. My Furnace Won't Start

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 resolve 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 work, contact an expert for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is on but Not Igniting

Much like a furnace not turning on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be the result of a dirty 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 nonfunctional flame sensor. Symptoms of these include the furnace continually making an attempt 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 simply solved by HVAC specialists like the team at Central Air LLC.