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 strike your home at any moment.

Regardless of the problem, knowing how your heating system works and a little bit about some common furnace problems is essential in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional support. By watching 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 reputable HVAC company like Tokay Heating & Air. 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 issues:

• The Furnace Is Leaking: 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 could be due to a clogged condensate drain line or a failing condensate pump. Another potential 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 address water leaks immediately to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Tokay Heating & Air is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue properly.
• My Furnace Makes 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 plugged 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 better to contact a skilled HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can provide an accurate assessment and advise you on the proper solution.
• My Furnace Can’t Keep 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 lead to heat loss and reduced efficiency. Another reason your furnace is having difficulties is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t make enough heat to completely warm the space. A defective thermostat or ductwork problems can also result in uneven heating.
  To deal with this, first assess your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to keep warm air in and cold air out of your home. Also, check the thermostat to see if it’s set right and the batteries are working.
  If the problem continues, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as Tokay Heating & Air, who can look over your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or modifying your thermostat settings.
• My Furnace Isn’t Running at All: If your furnace is not working, there are a couple of steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling a professional. Check if 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 make sure power is reaching the unit.
  If there is power but your furnace won’t blow hot air, the problem may lie with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.
• My Furnace Is Short Cycling: If your furnace is short cycling, this means it is turning on and off multiple times at short intervals instead of running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. 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 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 ensure it is pointing in the right direction. Second, 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 best to call experts like the team at Tokay Heating & Air. Quick professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and reduce the chance of additional complications and high energy bills.
• My Furnace Won’t Stop Humming: Whenever your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is an indication of an issue with the electrical elements or the blower motor. Because of this, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is crucial to take action.
  If the noise continues, it is better that you employ a professional HVAC technician.
• My Furnace Is Noisy: If your furnace is emitting a consistent loud noise, it’s important to deal with the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety concerns. One common reason is a failing blower motor or fan, which can make a grinding or screeching sound. Another possible cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may make a squealing or rattling noise.
  Due to the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it’s safer to contact a heating and cooling specialist.
• My Furnace Can’t Turn 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 working. Then, see if the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the furnace is working right. If these basic checks don’t take care of the problem, you can check 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 work, phone a heating specialist for furnace repair.
• My Furnace Is on but Not Igniting: Like a a furnace not turning 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 assessing your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other likely causes of a furnace not igniting are a faulty igniter or nonfunctional flame sensor. Symptoms of these include the furnace continually making an attempt 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 very easily fixed by HVAC professionals like the team at Tokay Heating & Air.