Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you throw the switch to turn on your heating system when the weather gets cold and it won’t start, common furnace problems can strike 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 vital in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional services. By noting 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 uncertain about the problem or don't have the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a professional HVAC company like Siloam Springs Heating & AC. 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 common heating dilemmas:

1. Your Furnace Leaks Water

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 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 lead to water—as well as dangerous gases—coming out of the furnace.

It is imperative to address water leaks immediately to prevent more damage to your furnace. Reaching out to a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Siloam Springs Heating & AC is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.

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

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

If your furnace won’t blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a trained HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and suggest the proper 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 lacks insulation, which can lead to heat loss and reduced efficiency. Another reason your furnace is struggling is because it’s not big enough for your home, so it can’t produce enough heat to completely warm the space. A defective thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce inconsistent heating.

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

If the problem continues, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company, such as Siloam Springs Heating & AC, 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 calling a heating specialist. Make sure 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 verify power is reaching the system.

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 a good idea to contact a knowledgeable HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Is Short Cycling

If your furnace is short cycling, it means it is turning on and off frequently at short intervals instead of running in regular cycles like it should. This can cause inefficiency, higher energy bills and potential damage to your unit.

If you believe your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to pull out your unit’s air filter. Filters should be exchanged 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. Next, 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 a good idea to call experts like the crew at Siloam Springs Heating & AC. Quick 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 an issue with the electrical components or the blower motor. For this reason, if you hear your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.

If the noise continues, it is best to  get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Is Making a Loud Noise

If your furnace is making a constant loud noise, it's important to handle the issue right away to prevent further damage or potential safety concerns.  One common problem that causes this is a broken blower motor or fan, which can make a grinding or screeching sound. Another possible 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 best to consult with 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 preferred temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are functioning. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is sending power to the unit. If these basic checks don't take care of the problem, you can check 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, phone a heating specialist for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is Not Igniting

Like a a furnace not turning 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 could be a faulty igniter or nonfunctional flame sensor. Indications of these include the furnace continually 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 simply addressed by HVAC specialists like the team at Siloam Springs Heating & AC.