Solved: Furnace Is Leaking Water and 8 Other Furnace Problems

Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you throw the switch to turn on your heating system in the fall 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 services. 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 aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Durable Service. We can accurately identify the issue and execute 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 frequent heating issues:

1. My Furnace Is Leaking Water

A furnace can leak water for a number of reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water created during the combustion process is not completely draining away. This could be due to a blocked condensate drain line or a broken condensate pump. Another possible 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 quickly to prevent further damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Durable Service is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.

2. My Furnace Blows Cold Air/Lack of Heat

Some possible causes for a furnace blowing cold air or not blowing hot air could be 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 professional HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can provide an accurate assessment and recommend the correct solution.

3. My Furnace Can't 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 lower efficiency. Another reason your furnace is falling short is because it’s not big enough for your home, so it can’t generate enough heat to adequately warm the space. A defective thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce uneven heating.

To deal with this, first assess your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to protect your home. Also, examine the thermostat to make sure it’s set right and the batteries are working.

If the problem lingers, consider consulting with an experienced HVAC company, such as Durable Service, who can assess your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or changing your thermostat settings.

4. My Furnace Won't Work

If your furnace is not working, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot before contacting a pro. Make sure the thermostat is set properly and the batteries are good. 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 your furnace won't ignite, the problem may be with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's a good idea to consult a seasoned HVAC technician 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 frequently at short intervals as opposed to running in regular cycles like it should. 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 pull out your unit’s air filter. Filters should be switched out regularly to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is dirty you should exchange it for a clean one—and be sure it is pointing in the right direction. Second, go to 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 team at Durable Service. Prompt professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and avoid further 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 an issue with the electrical hardware or the blower motor. Therefore, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is crucial to take action.

If the noise doesn't go away, it is better that you  contact a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

If your furnace is making a persistent loud noise, it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety risks.  One common cause of this is a failing blower motor or fan, which can generate a grinding or screeching sound. Another possible cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may emit a squealing or rattling noise.

Due to the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's better to consult with 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 preferred temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are working. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse that goes to the furnace is functioning properly. If these basic checks don't address the problem, you can check the furnace's power switch or emergency shutoff switch to make sure they're in the "on" position and weren’t accidentally turned off.

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

9. My Furnace Won't Ignite

Like a 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, inspecting the air filter and looking over your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other likely causes of a furnace not igniting include a faulty igniter or malfunctioning flame sensor. Symptoms of these include the furnace continuously 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 Durable Service.