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

Regardless of the cause, 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 observing 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 unsure about the problem or lack the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a professional HVAC company like Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning. 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 frequent heating dilemmas:

1. Your Furnace Leaks Water

A furnace can leak water for many reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water created during the combustion process is not properly draining away. This might be due to a plugged condensate drain line or a failing 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—coming out of the furnace.

It is important to correct water leaks promptly to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue properly.

2. My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air/Lack of Heat

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 clogged air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It is also possible your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety precaution.

If your furnace does not blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a professional HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and suggest the correct solution.

3. My Furnace Can't Keep Up

A widespread reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home is lacking insulation, which can cause heat loss and decreased efficiency. Another reason your furnace is falling short is because it’s not big enough for your home, so it can’t generate enough heat to effectively warm the space. A defective thermostat or ductwork problems can also cause uneven heating.

To handle this, first look at your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to insulate your home. Also, look at the thermostat to see if it’s set right and the batteries still function.

If the problem won’t go away, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning, 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 Won't Work

If your furnace is not working, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot before phoning a professional. 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 be with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's better to reach out to an experienced 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 often at short intervals instead of running in regular cycles like it ought to. This can result in inefficiency, increased energy consumption 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 exchanged 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. Next, check your thermostat and verify  it’s set right and the batteries are good.

If those two things don’t work, it’s best to call experts like the team at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning. Prompt professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and avoid additional complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming

Whenever your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a symptom of a malfunction with the electrical hardware 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 better that you  contact a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

If your furnace is emitting a constant loud noise, it's important to handle the issue right away to prevent further damage or potential safety risks.  One common cause of this is a malfunctioning 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.

Because of 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, verify that the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the furnace is sending power to the unit. If these basic checks don't resolve 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, phone a heating specialist for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Won't Ignite

Much like a furnace that won't turn 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 out 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 could be a faulty igniter or faulty flame sensor. Signs of these include the furnace continually 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 easily solved by HVAC professionals like the team at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning.