Solved: Furnace Is Leaking Water and 8 Other Heating Problems

Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you throw 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 cause, learning how your heating system works and a little bit about some typical 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 not sure about the problem or don't have the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a professional HVAC company like ACE Solutions. We can accurately pinpoint the issue and perform 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 prevalent heating dilemmas:

1. The Furnace Is Leaking

A furnace can leak water for a number of reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water produced during the combustion process is not properly draining away. This might be due to a clogged 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—leaking out of the furnace.

It is necessary to correct water leaks quickly to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician like the crew at ACE Solutions is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue properly.

2. My Furnace Makes Cold Air/Lack of Heat

Some possible 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 plugged air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It could also be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety mechanism.

If your furnace will not blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can provide an accurate assessment and advise you on the correct solution.

3. My Furnace Struggles to Keep Up

A widespread reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home doesn’t have enough insulation, which can cause heat loss and decreased efficiency. Another reason your furnace is having difficulties is because it’s not big enough for your home, so it can’t generate enough heat to completely warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also result in insufficient 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 ensure it’s set right and the batteries are working.

If the problem continues, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as ACE Solutions, who can inspect 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 couple of steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling a pro. Make sure the thermostat is set correctly 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 unit.

If there is power but your furnace won't ignite, the problem may rest with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's best to consult 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 frequently at short intervals instead of running in regular cycles like it ought to. This can cause inefficiency, higher energy bills and potential damage to your heating system.

If you think your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to pull out your unit’s air filter. Filters should be changed on a regular basis 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. Second, go to your thermostat and verify  it’s set right and the batteries are good.

If those two things don’t work, it’s a good idea to call experts like the crew at ACE Solutions. Quick professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent 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 an indication of a malfunction with the electrical elements or the blower motor. Because of this, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is critical to take action.

If the noise doesn't go away, it is best to  contact a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Makes Loud Noises

If your furnace is emitting a persistent loud noise, it's important to handle the issue right away to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards.  One common reason 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 safer to contact a heating and cooling specialist.

8. My Furnace Is Not Turning 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, see if the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is functioning properly. If these basic checks don't address the problem, you can inspect 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 professional for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Won't Ignite

Like a a furnace that won't turn on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be the result of 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. Indications of these include the furnace continually making an attempt to ignite without success, no heat production or the furnace is making a burning or gas smell. Both of these issues can be simply addressed by HVAC specialists like the team at ACE Solutions.