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 problem, understanding 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 monitoring 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 an experienced HVAC company like B & G HVAC. We can accurately pinpoint the issue and complete 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 common heating problems:
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 effectively draining away. This may be due to a clogged condensate drain line or a failing condensate pump. Another likely cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can lead to water—as well as dangerous gases—leaking out of the furnace.
It is necessary to address water leaks promptly to prevent more damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at B & G HVAC is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.
2. My Furnace Makes Cold Air/Not Blowing Hot Air
Some potential 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 also may be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety mechanism.
If your furnace will not blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a professional HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can give an accurate assessment and advise you on the correct 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 is lacking insulation, which can result in 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 completely warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also result in uneven heating.
To address this, first check your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to insulate your home. Also, check the thermostat to ensure it’s set right and the batteries aren’t dead.
If the problem continues, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as B & G HVAC, who can assess 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 a couple of steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling a pro. Check if the thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are not dead. If the furnace still doesn't power on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure power is reaching the system.
If there is power but your furnace won't blow hot air, the problem may be with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's better 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 instead of running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. 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 pull out your unit’s air filter. Filters should be changed on a regular basis to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is dirty you should exchange it for a clean one—and ensure it is pointing in the right direction. If that doesn’t do the trick, 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 smart to call experts like the crew at B & G HVAC. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and avoid further complications and high energy bills.
6. My Furnace Is Making a Humming Noise
When your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a sign of an issue with the electrical parts or the blower motor. Because of this, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is critical to take action.
If the noise continues, it is best to get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.
7. My Furnace Is Noisy
If your furnace is emitting a constant loud noise, it's important to deal with the issue right away to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards. One common cause of this is a malfunctioning blower motor or fan, which can make a grinding or screeching sound. Another common cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may produce a squealing or rattling noise.
Given the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's safer to contact a heating and cooling specialist.
8. My Furnace Won't Start
If your furnace will not turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the desired temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are working. Then, see if the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is sending power to the unit. If these basic checks don't address the problem, you can check the furnace's power switch or emergency shutoff switch to ensure 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 Won't Ignite
Like a 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, inspecting the air filter and looking over your circuit breakers are a good place to start.
Other common causes of a furnace not igniting could be a faulty igniter or faulty flame sensor. Signs of these include the furnace repeatedly trying to ignite without success, a lack of heat production or the furnace is making a burning or gas smell. Both of these issues can be simply fixed by HVAC professionals like the team at B & G HVAC.
