Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you throw the switch to power up 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, 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 assistance. By monitoring the furnace's behavior, listening for peculiar 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 an experienced HVAC company like Titan Heating & Air Conditioning. We can accurately pinpoint the issue and complete 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. The Furnace Is Leaking

A furnace can leak water for a number of reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water released during the combustion process is not properly draining away. This may be due to a plugged condensate drain line or a broken 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—coming out of the furnace.

It is necessary to manage water leaks immediately to prevent more damage to your furnace. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue successfully.

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

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 also may be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety measure.

If your furnace won’t blow hot air, it's better to contact a professional HVAC tech to diagnose and fix the problem. They can give an accurate assessment and suggest the proper solution.

3. My Furnace Can't Keep Up

A frequent 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 falling short is because it’s not powerful enough for your home, so it can’t make enough heat to completely warm the space. A defective thermostat or ductwork problems can also result in insufficient heating.

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

If the problem lingers, consider consulting with an experienced HVAC company, such as Titan Heating & Air Conditioning, 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 some steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling a heating specialist. Ensure the thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are good. If the furnace still doesn't turn on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure 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 a seasoned HVAC technician 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 often at short intervals as opposed to running in regular cycles like it should. This can lead to inefficiency, increased energy consumption and potential damage to your unit.

If you believe your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to check your unit’s air filter. Filters should be switched out when they are dirty to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is dirty you should exchange it for a clean one—and make sure it is pointing in the right direction. Next, go to 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 crew at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning. Quick 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 Is Making a Humming Noise

If your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a sign of an issue with the electrical parts or the blower motor. Because of this, if you detect your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.

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

7. My Furnace Is Noisy

If your furnace is emitting a persistent loud noise, it's important to address the issue quickly to prevent further damage or potential safety risks.  One common cause of this is a failing blower motor or fan, which can make a grinding or screeching sound. Another common cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may make a squealing or rattling noise.

Due to the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's best to get in touch 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 right temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are functioning. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the furnace is working right. If these basic checks don't resolve 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, call 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 caused by a clogged air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, inspecting the air filter and taking a peek at 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. Indications of these include the furnace continuously 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 easily fixed by HVAC professionals like the team at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning.