Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you throw the switch to turn on 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 issue, 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 assistance. 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 uncertain about the problem or aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Halverson Brothers Inc. We can accurately pinpoint 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 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 released during the combustion process is not completely 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 be responsible for water—as well as dangerous gases—coming out of the furnace.
It is important to address water leaks immediately to prevent further damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Halverson Brothers Inc is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue properly.
2. My Furnace Blows Cold Air/Not Blowing Hot Air
Some possible 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 could also be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety measure.
If your furnace will not blow hot air, it's better to contact a trained HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and suggest the correct solution.
3. My Furnace Is Not Keeping Up
A common 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 struggling is because it’s not powerful enough for your home, so it can’t make enough heat to completely warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce insufficient heating.
To deal with this, first check your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to insulate your home. Also, look at the thermostat to make sure it’s set right and the batteries are working.
If the problem lingers, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as Halverson Brothers Inc, 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 some 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 start, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure power is reaching the furnace.
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 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, this means it is turning on and off frequently at short intervals rather than running in regular cycles like it should. This can result in inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your unit.
If you think your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to check 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 be sure it is pointing in the right direction. Second, 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 staff at Halverson Brothers Inc. Immediate professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent more complications and high energy bills.
6. My Furnace Hums All the Time
If your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a symptom of problems 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 persists, it is best to get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.
7. My Furnace Is Noisy
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 problem that causes this is a failing blower motor or fan, which can make a grinding or screeching sound. Another common 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 better to contact 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 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 take care of the problem, you can inspect 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 do the job, contact a professional for furnace repair.
9. My Furnace Is Not Igniting
Much like 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, examining the air filter and taking a peek at your circuit breakers are a good place to start.
Other likely causes of a furnace not igniting are a faulty igniter or malfunctioning flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace continuously trying to ignite without success, no heat production or the furnace is making a burning or gas smell. Both of these issues can be simply repaired by HVAC pros like the team at Halverson Brothers Inc.
