Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flip the switch to start your heating system when it gets chilly and it won’t start, common furnace problems can affect your home at any moment.

Regardless of the cause, knowing how your heating system works and a little bit about some common 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 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 aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call an experienced HVAC company like Air Concepts of Middle Georgia. We can accurately identify the issue and complete the required repairs or maintenance, so we can get your furnace working again ASAP.

Here's more about what causes a furnace to leak water and eight other frequent 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 created during the combustion process is not completely draining away. This might be due to a plugged 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—leaking out of the furnace.

It is necessary to deal with water leaks promptly to prevent further damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

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 could be a malfunctioning thermostat, a problem with the pilot light or ignition system, a blocked air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It also may be 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 technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and advise you on the proper solution.

3. My Furnace Can't Keep Up

A frequent reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home lacks insulation, which can cause heat loss and lower efficiency. Another reason your furnace is struggling is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t make enough heat to adequately warm the space. A defective thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce inconsistent heating.

To correct this, first check your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to keep warm air in and cold air out of your home. Also, examine the thermostat to ensure it’s set right and the batteries still function.

If the problem lingers, consider consulting with an experienced HVAC company, such as Air Concepts of Middle Georgia, 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 Won't Work

If your furnace is not working, there are a couple of steps you can take to troubleshoot before contacting a heating specialist. Ensure the thermostat is set properly and the batteries are not dead. If the furnace still doesn't turn on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure power is reaching the furnace.

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 best to reach out to a knowledgeable HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Turns On and Off

If your furnace is short cycling, that means it is turning on and off frequently at short intervals as opposed to running in regular cycles like it ought to. This can lead to 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 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 ensure it is pointing in the right direction. If that doesn’t do the trick, go to your thermostat and look to see if  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 Air Concepts of Middle Georgia. Prompt professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent additional complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming

When your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a sign of an issue with the electrical elements or the blower motor. Because of this, if you hear your furnace making a humming noise, it is crucial to take action.

If the noise doesn't go away, it is best to  contact a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Makes Loud Noises

If your furnace is producing a constant loud noise, it's important to handle the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards.  One common problem that causes 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 emit a squealing or rattling noise.

Given the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's best to get in touch with 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 right temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are good. 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 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 work, contact an expert for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Won't Ignite

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, checking the air filter and taking a peek at your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other potential causes of a furnace not igniting include a faulty igniter or faulty 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 easily addressed by HVAC pros like the team at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia.