Solved: Furnace Is Leaking Water and 8 Other Heating Problems

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

Regardless of the issue, understanding how your heating system works and a little bit about some typical furnace problems is crucial in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional assistance. By monitoring 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 unsure about the problem or lack the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like ACE Solutions. We can accurately diagnose 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 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 clogged condensate drain line or a broken condensate pump. Another potential cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can be responsible for water—as well as dangerous gases—coming out of the furnace.

It is imperative to address water leaks quickly to prevent further damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at ACE Solutions is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.

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 professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can provide an accurate assessment and advise you on the appropriate solution.

3. My Furnace Is Not Keeping Up

A widespread reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home is lacking insulation, which can lead to heat loss and decreased 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 completely warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce uneven heating.

To deal with this, first assess your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to insulate your home. Also, check the thermostat to ensure it’s set right and the batteries still function.

If the problem continues, consider consulting with 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 contacting a professional. Ensure the thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are not dead. If the furnace still doesn't power on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to verify power is reaching the unit.

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 contact a seasoned HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Short Cycles

If your furnace is short cycling, that means it is turning on and off frequently at short intervals rather than running in regular cycles like it is designed to do. This can cause inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your heating system.

If you believe 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 plugged with dirt you should exchange it for a clean one—and ensure it is pointing in the right direction. Next, look at 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 ACE Solutions. Immediate 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

When your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is an indication of problems with the electrical hardware or the blower motor. For this reason, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is critical to take action.

If the noise persists, it is better that you  employ a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Noisy

If your furnace is making a consistent loud noise, it's important to address the issue promptly 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 emit a squealing or rattling noise.

Given the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's best 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, check 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 do the job, contact an expert for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is Not Igniting

Much like 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, examining the air filter and taking a peek at your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other common causes of a furnace not igniting are a faulty igniter or malfunctioning flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace repeatedly 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 solved by HVAC specialists like the team at ACE Solutions.