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 affect your home at any moment.

Regardless of the cause, learning how your heating system works and a little bit about some frequent furnace problems is crucial in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional services. By watching 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 don't have the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services. We can accurately diagnose the issue and execute 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 dilemmas:

1. My Furnace Is Leaking 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 effectively draining away. This could be due to a blocked condensate drain line or a malfunctioning 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 necessary to deal with water leaks promptly to prevent further damage to your furnace. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician like the crew at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

2. My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air/Not Blowing Hot Air

Some potential causes for a furnace blowing cold air or not blowing hot air are 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 measure.

If your furnace does not blow hot air, it's better to contact a skilled HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and advise you on the proper solution.

3. My Furnace Struggles to 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 lower 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 adequately warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce uneven heating.

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

If the problem won’t go away, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services, who can look over your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or modifying your thermostat settings.

4. My Furnace Is Not Working

If your furnace is not working, there are a couple of steps you can take to troubleshoot before contacting a professional. Check if the thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are good. If the furnace still doesn't start, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure power is reaching the unit.

If there is power but no heat, the problem may rest with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's a good idea to reach out to a seasoned HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.

5. 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 lead to inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your heating system.

If you suspect your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to pull out your unit’s air filter. Filters should be exchanged when they are dirty 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. Next, 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 best to call experts like the staff at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services. Prompt professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and reduce the chance of more complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Hums All the Time

Whenever your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a sign of an issue with the electrical parts or the blower motor. For this reason, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.

If the noise doesn't go away, it is a good idea to  get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Noisy

If your furnace is emitting a constant loud noise, it's important to handle the issue quickly to prevent further damage or potential safety concerns.  One common problem that causes this is a broken blower motor or fan, which can create a grinding or screeching sound. Another common cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may produce a squealing or rattling noise.

Given 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 will not turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the right temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are good. Then, verify that the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the furnace is working right. If these basic checks don't resolve 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 Not Igniting

Similar to 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, inspecting the air filter and assessing your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other likely causes of a furnace not igniting could be a faulty igniter or nonfunctional flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace continuously attempting 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 addressed by HVAC pros like the team at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services.