Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you throw the switch to start 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 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 support. By watching 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 a professional HVAC company like Childress Heating & AC. We can accurately identify the issue and perform 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 prevalent heating problems:

1. The Furnace Is Leaking

A furnace can leak water for several reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water released during the combustion process is not completely draining away. This might be due to a blocked condensate drain line or a malfunctioning condensate pump. Another likely 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 manage water leaks quickly to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Childress Heating & AC is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

2. My Furnace Makes Cold Air/Lack of Heat

Some likely 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 blocked air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It is also possible your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety measure.

If your furnace will 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 recommend the proper 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 result in heat loss and lower efficiency. Another reason your furnace is having difficulties is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t generate enough heat to adequately warm the space. A defective thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce inconsistent heating.

To deal with this, first look at your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to keep warm air in and cold air out of your home. Also, check the thermostat to see if it’s set right and the batteries still function.

If the problem continues, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Childress Heating & AC, 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 Is Not Working

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 turn on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to verify power is reaching the furnace.

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

5. My Furnace Turns On and Off

If your furnace is short cycling, that 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 result in inefficiency, increased energy consumption and potential damage to your unit.

If you think your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to look at your unit’s air filter. Filters should be changed 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. Second, 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 best to call experts like the staff at Childress Heating & AC. Prompt professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and reduce the chance of further 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 parts or the blower motor. Because of this, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.

If the noise doesn't go away, it is a good idea to  employ a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Noisy

If your furnace is producing a persistent loud noise, it's important to deal with the issue right away to prevent further damage or potential safety risks.  One common problem that causes this is a failing blower motor or fan, which can generate 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 better to get in touch 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 working. Then, verify that the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the furnace is functioning properly. If these basic checks don't fix 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 work, call a heating specialist for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is on but Not Igniting

Much like 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, inspecting 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. Symptoms 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 very easily solved by HVAC specialists like the team at Childress Heating & AC.