6 Signs Your Furnace Isn’t Working

Furnaces are complicated appliances that can be difficult to figure out. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if an issue can be resolved on your own or if it requires expert assistance.

If you suspect that your furnace may not be working, don't ignore the signs. Knowing when your furnace needs repair can help you save time and money in the long run.

To help you out, we put together a list of signs your furnace isn’t working. Read on to learn about red flags to watch out for so you’ll know how to handle potential problems.

  1. It’s difficult to start the unit.

A common issue is having trouble starting and maintaining the device. Get an experienced HVAC contractor to look at your furnace if you notice that it takes a number of tries to start or you need to restart it frequently during the day. Having clean filters, functioning AC coils, and fixing auxiliary heat exchangers often solve many of these problems.

  2. You hear unusual noises.

Many furnaces make a steady whirring sound that lets you know that it’s in good condition. But when you start to hear odd noises, such as pounding, rattling, irregular hums, moans, or rattles, they’re signs of a problem.

Contact a professional HVAC contractor if the noises persist so they can determine the source of the issue.

  3. You notice water spills.

If you see a pool of water near your furnace, it might be a sign of a water leak. But don’t worry because if it’s fixed right away, it won't cause major problems. 

A break in the condensation line or a clogged condensation drain might be the issue. Additionally, a clogged internal drainage system or an issue with your humidifier may be the source of your water leak. 

A furnace HVAC repair contractor can locate the problem quickly and make sure that the water leak doesn't cause more challenging issues like mold growth.

  4. Your house isn't properly heated.

One of the signs your furnace isn’t working is when air isn’t blowing through it. 

A broken blower motor, which prevents the system from forcing air through the ventilation system, is one main reason for this. Even though it can be a fairly straightforward problem to address, it can also be an indication of other HVAC repair issues that are more complicated and costly to fix.

The same goes when heat isn’t being distributed throughout a space evenly. When you use a functioning heating system with a single zone setting, the temperature in every area in your house should be roughly the same.

  5. Your energy costs are higher than usual.

Your furnace is certainly working inefficiently and needs to be repaired if you see a significant monthly increase in your energy bill. While you should anticipate seasonal fluctuations, if you notice an abrupt or steady increase in your bill, it may indicate that your furnace isn't operating as it should. In this case, you should probably call an HVAC maintenance technician to have a look.