Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flip the switch to start 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 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 not sure about the problem or don't have the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call an experienced HVAC company like Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning. We can accurately diagnose 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 frequent heating problems:

1. Your Furnace Leaks Water

A furnace can leak water for several 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 blocked condensate drain line or a malfunctioning condensate pump. Another likely 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 imperative to correct water leaks quickly to prevent further damage to your furnace. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning 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 clogged 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 skilled HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can provide an accurate assessment and suggest the correct solution.

3. My Furnace Is Not Keeping Up

A frequent reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home doesn’t have enough insulation, which can result in heat loss and lower efficiency. Another reason your furnace is falling short is because it’s not powerful enough for your home, so it can’t generate enough heat to effectively warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce insufficient heating.

To handle this, first assess your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to insulate your home. Also, examine the thermostat to make sure it’s set right and the batteries aren’t dead.

If the problem lingers, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning, who can inspect your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or modifying 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 phoning a professional. Make sure the thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are good. If the furnace still doesn't power on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to verify power is reaching the furnace.

If there is power but your furnace won't blow hot air, the problem may rest with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's better to contact a knowledgeable HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Is Short Cycling

If your furnace is short cycling, it means it is turning on and off multiple times at short intervals as opposed to running in regular cycles like it should. This can lead to inefficiency, higher energy bills and potential damage to your unit.

If you believe your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to look at your unit’s air filter. Filters should be changed regularly to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is clogged with debris you should exchange it for a clean one—and be sure it is pointing in the right direction. If that doesn’t do the trick, check 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 Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning. Quick 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

If your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a symptom of a malfunction 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 persists, it is a good idea 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 deal with the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety concerns.  One common reason is a broken blower motor or fan, which can generate a grinding or screeching sound. Another potential cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may make a squealing or rattling noise.

Because of the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's best 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 preferred temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are functioning. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is sending power to the unit. If these basic checks don't take care of the problem, you can check 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 a heating specialist for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is on but Not Igniting

Like a a furnace that won't turn on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a clogged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, checking the air filter and looking over your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other common causes of a furnace not igniting are a faulty igniter or faulty flame sensor. Symptoms of these include the furnace continuously attempting 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 fixed by HVAC professionals like the team at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning.