Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flick the switch to start your heating system when it gets chilly and it won’t start, common furnace problems can impact your home at any moment.
Regardless of the problem, understanding 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 noting 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 unsure about the problem or aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a professional HVAC company like Pepper AC & Heat. We can accurately identify the issue and perform 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 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 produced during the combustion process is not effectively draining away. This might be due to a clogged condensate drain line or a broken 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 deal with water leaks immediately to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Pepper AC & Heat is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.
2. My Furnace Blows Cold Air/Lack of Heat
Some likely 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 blocked 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 does not blow hot air, it's better to contact a trained HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and suggest 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 lead to heat loss and reduced efficiency. Another reason your furnace is struggling is because it’s not big enough for your home, so it can’t generate enough heat to completely warm the space. A defective thermostat or ductwork problems can also result in insufficient heating.
To correct this, first look at 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 see if it’s set right and the batteries are working.
If the problem continues, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Pepper AC & Heat, who can look over 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 few steps you can take to troubleshoot before phoning a heating specialist. Make sure the thermostat is set properly and the batteries are not dead. If the furnace still doesn't start, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure power is reaching the furnace.
If there is power but your furnace won't ignite, the problem may lie with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's better to contact a seasoned HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.
5. My Furnace Turns On and Off
If your furnace is short cycling, this means it is turning on and off multiple times at short intervals as opposed to running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. This can lead to inefficiency, higher energy bills 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 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, 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 crew at Pepper AC & Heat. Prompt 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 elements or the blower motor. Therefore, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is crucial to take action.
If the noise continues, it is a good idea to get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.
7. My Furnace Makes Loud Noises
If your furnace is emitting a consistent loud noise, it's important to handle the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety concerns. One common reason is a failing blower motor or fan, which can generate a grinding or screeching sound. Another potential 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 best to get in touch with a heating and cooling specialist.
8. My Furnace Won't Start
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 functioning. Then, see if the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is working right. 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 work, call an expert for furnace repair.
9. My Furnace Is on but Not Igniting
Similar to a furnace not turning on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a plugged 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 common causes of a furnace not igniting include a faulty igniter or nonfunctional flame sensor. Symptoms of these include the furnace continuously making an attempt 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 solved by HVAC professionals like the team at Pepper AC & Heat.
