A furnace is a classic method for heating your home or other interior spaces. It works by heating air and moving it throughout the space, increasing the temperature. While it is fairly simple, it can experience different issues that require prompt heater repair. Understanding what a given sign or symptom means will help you determine what to do.

At ProFlo, we’re experts in heater repair and HVAC maintenance. Over the years, we’ve seen it all and are happy to share our accumulated knowledge to assist home and business owners. Read our guide on the top five most frequently asked questions to learn the answers to common issues homeowners face with their furnace systems.

1. Why does my furnace smell like rotten eggs?

A rotten egg or sulfur-like smell coming from your furnace is a sign of a serious issue. It may indicate a gas leak, which can pose severe health risks or even a potential explosion, as dramatic as that sounds. While these gasses are odorless, companies add smells to make gas leaks easily identifiable.

If you notice a rotten egg smell in your furnace, immediately evacuate the space and call your gas company as well as an HVAC professional who can safely repair the gas leak. Don’t try to fix it yourself, as this will only expose you to further risk. A trusted company like ProFlo can repair your furnace so you and your family can remain safe and comfortable.

2. Can a furnace leak water?

Yes, under certain circumstances, furnaces can leak water. If you notice pools of water around or under your furnace, it may indicate one of several issues. It may be caused by water condensation pooling beneath your furnace due to inefficient exhaust, a clogged air conditioner drain, a broken heat exchanger, or other issues.

An HVAC maintenance professional can inspect your furnace and related components to identify and repair the source of the leak. Prompt heater maintenance is essential as pooling water can lead to bacteria and mold growth, which impairs indoor air quality. When left unaddressed, this can lead to eye irritation, headaches, general fatigue, and other health issues.

3. Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

While it’s normal for cold air to blow out of your vents initially before being replaced by warm air, if the cold air persists, it may indicate a problem. The issue may be as simple as the pilot light going out or as complex as thermostat or ductwork complications.

If your ductwork leaks, cold air can infiltrate your system, diluting the warm air’s temperature as it moves through your home. Another cause could be an overheated furnace, which causes an emergency shutdown, leading to cold air being circulated instead of hot air. You can prevent overheating by regularly cleaning your air filter.

There are other causes that can be identified and solved by an HVAC professional. While you can quickly reignite your pilot light, a more complex issue like a clogged condensate line or cracked heat exchanger will require a more skilled solution.

4. Why does my furnace blower keep running?

As any AC maintenance and heater repair company knows, this is a common problem that most homeowners face at least once. Like many of the questions on this list, there are various causes of a constantly blowing furnace — including the simple issue of your furnace being set to “on” as opposed to “auto.” 

If you have an older model, your fan limit switch could be in manual override mode, which means the fan will continue to run until you manually switch it off. All you have to do is turn the fan limit switch — which can be found near the blower motor or in the control box — back to auto. This will get your furnace to behave normally. 

It could also be caused by a faulty thermostat or a bad circuit board, which can be adjusted by professional HVAC maintenance services. We don’t recommend repairing electrical problems yourself, as this can result in severe injuries. Expert heating repair from professionals like ProFlo can get your furnace working normally and ensure a properly calibrated thermostat.

5. Why won’t my furnace turn off?

Similar to other issues on this list, a furnace that won’t turn off is likely caused by a malfunction in the thermostat, HVAC system, or furnace itself. The problem can range from incorrect thermostat settings and dirty air filters to more complicated issues like damage to the wiring between your thermostat and furnace.

If your furnace won’t turn off and you’ve tried recalibrating the thermostat, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician to inspect it in case of a more serious problem. They can complete efficient repairs and get your furnace working properly without wasting time.

Where to find professional HVAC maintenance

Homeowners looking for help with their furnace system can find the support they need from ProFlo. As a family-owned business, we understand the impact that a working HVAC system has on your health and well-being. We’ll get your home back to peak comfort with efficient HVAC maintenance backed by the latest tools and dedicated expertise. Whether your furnace is blowing cold air or simply won’t turn off, ProFlo has the solution you need! Call us today at 951-694-1300 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.