Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flick the switch to start your heating system in the fall and it won’t start, common furnace problems can impact your home at any moment.
Regardless of the problem, understanding how your heating system works and a little bit about some common furnace problems is vital 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 uncertain about the problem or lack the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call a reputable HVAC company like Bell Mechanical Services. We can accurately pinpoint the issue and perform the required repairs or maintenance, so we can get your furnace ready to go 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 several reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water created during the combustion process is not completely 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—escaping from the furnace.
It is necessary to deal with water leaks promptly to prevent additional damage to your furnace. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Bell Mechanical Services is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.
2. My Furnace Blows Cold Air/Lack of Heat
Some likely 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 plugged air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It is also possible your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety precaution.
If your furnace does not blow hot air, it's a good idea to contact a professional HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can offer an accurate assessment and suggest the appropriate solution.
3. My Furnace Can't Keep Up
A common reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home lacks insulation, which can lead to heat loss and decreased efficiency. Another reason your furnace is falling short is because it’s too small for your home, so it can’t produce enough heat to completely warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also cause inconsistent heating.
To handle this, first look at your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to protect your home. Also, check the thermostat to make sure it’s set right and the batteries still function.
If the problem won’t go away, consider consulting with an experienced HVAC company, such as Bell Mechanical Services, who can inspect 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 few steps you can take to troubleshoot before phoning a pro. Make sure the thermostat is set properly and the batteries are good. If the furnace still doesn't start, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure power is reaching the unit.
If there is power but your furnace won't blow hot air, the problem may lie with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's a good idea to contact a seasoned HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.
5. My Furnace Turns On and Off
If your furnace is short cycling, it means it is turning on and off frequently at short intervals as opposed to running in regular cycles like it should. This can lead to inefficiency, higher energy bills 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 switched out regularly to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is clogged with debris you should exchange it for a clean one—and make sure 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 a good idea to call experts like the team at Bell Mechanical Services. Quick professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent further complications and high energy bills.
6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming
When your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a sign of problems with the electrical elements or the blower motor. Because of this, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is crucial to take action.
If the noise doesn't go away, it is best to get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.
7. My Furnace Is Noisy
If your furnace is making a constant loud noise, it's important to deal with the issue promptly to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards. One common problem that causes this is a failing blower motor or fan, which can generate a grinding or screeching sound. Another possible cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may emit a squealing or rattling noise.
Due to the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's better to get in touch with a heating and cooling specialist.
8. My Furnace Won't Start
If your furnace won't turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the desired temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are good. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the furnace is functioning properly. If these basic checks don't fix 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 work, phone a heating specialist for furnace repair.
9. My Furnace Is on but Not Igniting
Similar to a furnace that won't turn on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be the result of a dirty air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, inspecting the air filter and assessing your circuit breakers are a good place to start.
Other potential causes of a furnace not igniting include a faulty igniter or faulty flame sensor. Signs of these include the furnace repeatedly 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 fixed by HVAC professionals like the team at Bell Mechanical Services.