Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flick the switch to start your heating system when the weather gets cold and it won’t start, common furnace problems can strike 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 vital in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional assistance. By watching the furnace's behavior, listening for peculiar 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 Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning. We can accurately identify 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 prevalent heating dilemmas:

1. The Furnace Is Leaking

A furnace can leak water for a number of reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water released during the combustion process is not properly draining away. This may 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 be responsible for water—as well as dangerous gases—escaping from 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 Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

2. My Furnace Blows Cold Air/Not Blowing Hot Air

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 could also be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety precaution.

If your furnace will not blow hot air, it's best to contact a skilled HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can give 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 is lacking insulation, which can result in heat loss and reduced efficiency. Another reason your furnace is falling short is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t produce enough heat to adequately warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also cause uneven heating.

To handle this, first check 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 lingers, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning, 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 Isn't Running at All

If your furnace is not working, there are a couple of steps you can take to troubleshoot before contacting a heating specialist. Make sure 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 verify power is reaching the system.

If there is power but no heat, the problem may lie with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's best to contact a knowledgeable HVAC professional 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 multiple times at short intervals rather than running in regular cycles like it ought to. This can cause inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your heating system.

If you think your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to check your unit’s air filter. Filters should be changed regularly to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is plugged with dirt you should exchange it for a clean one—and ensure 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 a good idea to call experts like the staff at Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and avoid more complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Hums All the Time

When your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a symptom of an issue with the electrical elements or the blower motor. For this reason, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is critical to take action.

If the noise persists, it is a good idea to  contact a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Makes Loud Noises

If your furnace is making a constant loud noise, it's important to handle the issue right away 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 common cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may make a squealing or rattling noise.

Given the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's better to contact 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 functioning. Then, verify that the circuit breaker or fuse controlling 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 get the job done, contact a professional for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is Not Igniting

Similar to a furnace not turning on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a clogged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, checking out the air filter and assessing your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other potential causes of a furnace not igniting are a faulty igniter or nonfunctional flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace repeatedly 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 repaired by HVAC specialists like the team at Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning.