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 impact your home at any moment.

Regardless of the cause, understanding how your heating system works and a little bit about some common 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 unusual 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 professional HVAC company like Dave's Diversified Services. We can accurately diagnose the issue and execute the required repairs or maintenance, so we can get your furnace up and running ASAP.

Here's more about what causes a furnace to leak water and eight other prevalent heating dilemmas:

1. My Furnace Is Leaking Water

A furnace can leak water for many 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 blocked condensate drain line or a failing 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 manage water leaks quickly to prevent more damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Dave's Diversified Services is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue properly.

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

Some likely causes for a furnace blowing cold air or not blowing hot air are a malfunctioning thermostat, a problem with the pilot light or ignition system, a plugged 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 does not blow hot air, it's better to contact a skilled HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can give an accurate assessment and advise you on the appropriate 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 cause heat loss and decreased efficiency. Another reason your furnace is falling short is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t make enough heat to effectively warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also result in insufficient heating.

To address this, first check your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to protect your home. Also, examine the thermostat to ensure it’s set right and the batteries aren’t dead.

If the problem lingers, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as Dave's Diversified Services, 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 Is Not Working

If your furnace is not working, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot before contacting a heating specialist. Check if the thermostat is set correctly 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 unit.

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 Is Short Cycling

If your furnace is short cycling, this means it is turning on and off often at short intervals instead of running in regular cycles like it ought to. This can cause inefficiency, higher energy bills and potential damage to your unit.

If you suspect 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 plugged with dirt you should exchange it for a clean one—and make sure it is pointing in the right direction. If that doesn’t do the trick, 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 smart to call experts like the team at Dave's Diversified Services. Quick 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 Is Making a Humming Noise

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

If the noise continues, it is better that you  get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

If your furnace is emitting a constant loud noise, it's important to handle 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 make 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 get a hold of a heating and cooling specialist.

8. My Furnace Is Not Turning On

If your furnace won't turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the desired temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are good. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse that goes to the furnace is sending power to the unit. If these basic checks don't resolve 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 get the job done, call a heating specialist 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 the result of a dirty air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, examining the air filter and assessing 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. Indications of these include the furnace continually 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 fixed by HVAC specialists like the team at Dave's Diversified Services.