Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you throw the switch to power up 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 frequent furnace problems is vital in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional support. 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 uncertain about the problem or lack the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a professional 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 problems:

1. My Furnace Is Leaking Water

A furnace can leak water for many 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 malfunctioning condensate pump. Another potential cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can lead to water—as well as dangerous gases—coming out of the furnace.

It is necessary to deal with water leaks immediately to prevent further 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/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 is also possible your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety precaution.

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

3. My Furnace Struggles to Keep Up

A widespread reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home lacks insulation, which can lead to heat loss and reduced efficiency. Another reason your furnace is having difficulties is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t make enough heat to adequately warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also result in inconsistent heating.

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

If the problem won’t go away, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning, who can inspect your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or changing your thermostat settings.

4. My Furnace Is Not Working

If your furnace is not working, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot before contacting a professional. Check if the thermostat is set right and the batteries are fresh. If the furnace still doesn't turn on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure 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 consult a knowledgeable HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Short Cycles

If your furnace is short cycling, it means it is turning on and off multiple times at short intervals instead of running in regular cycles like it should. This can result in inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your unit.

If you believe your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to look at your unit’s air filter. Filters should be exchanged 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. Next, go to your thermostat and verify  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 crew at Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and reduce the chance of additional 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 problems with the electrical components or the blower motor. For this reason, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.

If the noise continues, it is best to  get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

If your furnace is emitting a consistent loud noise, it's important to handle the issue right away to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards.  One common reason is a malfunctioning blower motor or fan, which can make a grinding or screeching sound. Another possible cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may make a squealing or rattling noise.

Due to the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's safer to get a hold of a heating and cooling specialist.

8. My Furnace Is Not Turning 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 working. Then, see if the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the furnace is sending power to the unit. If these basic checks don't address the problem, you can examine 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, contact an expert for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is Not Igniting

Much like a furnace that will not on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by 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 likely causes of a furnace not igniting are a faulty igniter or malfunctioning flame sensor. Signs of these include the furnace repeatedly attempting to ignite without success, no heat production or the furnace is making a burning or gas smell. Both of these issues can be very easily repaired by HVAC pros like the team at Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning.