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 impact your home at any moment.

Regardless of the problem, knowing how your heating system works and a little bit about some frequent furnace problems is essential in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional services. By monitoring 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 aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Childress Heating & AC. We can accurately diagnose the issue and complete 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 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 produced during the combustion process is not completely draining away. This could be due to a plugged condensate drain line or a broken condensate pump. Another potential 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 imperative to address water leaks immediately to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Childress Heating & AC is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.

2. My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air/Lack of Heat

Some possible 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 measure.

If your furnace does not blow hot air, it's best to contact a trained HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can provide an accurate assessment and advise you on 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 lacks insulation, which can cause 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 produce enough heat to completely warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce inconsistent heating.

To address this, first check your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to keep warm air in and cold air out of your home. Also, examine the thermostat to see if it’s set right and the batteries aren’t dead.

If the problem continues, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Childress Heating & AC, 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 some steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling a professional. Make sure the thermostat is set right and the batteries are not dead. If the furnace still doesn't start, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to verify power is reaching the furnace.

If there is power but no heat, the problem may lie with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's a good idea to contact an experienced HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Short Cycles

If your furnace is short cycling, that means it is turning on and off often at short intervals rather than running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. This can result in inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your furnace.

If you think your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to look at your unit’s air filter. Filters should be switched out on a regular basis 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. Next, 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 best to call experts like the staff at Childress Heating & AC. Prompt professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent additional complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming

Whenever your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a sign of a malfunction with the electrical components 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 a good idea to  employ a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Makes Loud Noises

If your furnace is emitting a consistent 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 generate a grinding or screeching sound. Another potential cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may produce a squealing or rattling noise.

Because of the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's best to contact 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 functioning. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is functioning properly. If these basic checks don't address the problem, you can inspect the furnace's power switch or emergency shutoff switch to verify they're in the "on" position and weren’t accidentally turned off.

If those steps don’t get the job done, call a heating specialist for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Won't Ignite

Similar to a furnace that won't turn on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be the result of a clogged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, inspecting the air filter and looking over your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other likely causes of a furnace not igniting could be a faulty igniter or malfunctioning 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 easily repaired by HVAC pros like the team at Childress Heating & AC.