Solved: Furnace 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 the weather gets cold 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 frequent furnace problems is crucial in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional support. 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 uncertain about the problem or aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call an experienced HVAC company like Ilten's. We can accurately identify 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 common heating issues:

1. Your Furnace Leaks Water

A furnace can leak water for several reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water released during the combustion process is not effectively draining away. This could be due to a clogged condensate drain line or a malfunctioning condensate pump. Another possible cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can be responsible for water—as well as dangerous gases—leaking out of the furnace.

It is imperative to correct water leaks immediately to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Ilten's is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.

2. My Furnace Blows 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 is also possible your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety measure.

If your furnace does not blow hot air, it's best to contact a trained HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer 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 lower efficiency. Another reason your furnace is having difficulties is because it’s not powerful enough for your home, so it can’t produce enough heat to adequately warm the space. A malfunctioning thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce inconsistent heating.

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

If the problem continues, consider calling an experienced HVAC company, such as Ilten's, 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 Isn't Running at All

If your furnace is not working, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling a heating specialist. Make sure the thermostat is set right and the batteries are fresh. If the furnace still doesn't power on, 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 best to contact an experienced HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Short Cycles

If your furnace is short cycling, it means it is turning on and off multiple times at short intervals rather than running in regular cycles like it ought to. This can cause inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your furnace.

If you suspect your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to check your unit’s air filter. Filters should be changed on a regular basis 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. Second, check 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 Ilten's. 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

When your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is an indication of a malfunction with the electrical elements or the blower motor. Therefore, if you hear your furnace making a humming noise, it is critical to take action.

If the noise continues, it is best to  contact 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 right away to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards.  One common cause of this is a broken blower motor or fan, which can generate a grinding or screeching sound. Another common cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may produce a squealing or rattling noise.

Due to the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's best to consult with 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 preferred temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are functioning. Then, see if the circuit breaker or fuse that goes to the furnace is functioning properly. If these basic checks don't take care of the problem, you can examine 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, call a heating specialist for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is Not Igniting

Similar to a furnace that will not 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 assessing your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other potential causes of a furnace not igniting are a faulty igniter or nonfunctional flame sensor. Signs of these include the furnace continuously attempting to ignite without success, no heat production or the furnace is making a burning or gas smell. Both of these issues can be simply fixed by HVAC pros like the team at Ilten's.