Skip to main content

Rated: 4.9 / 5 based on 1560+ reviews. Read our reviews

We're hiring! Come join the Grasshopper team. Apply online

6 Common Furnace Problems Many Homeowners Face

Image of Amanda Triolo - CEO of Grasshopper
Amanda Triolo, CEO of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling
Published September 13, 2021
6 Common Furnace Problems Many Homeowners Face

A furnace is one of the most important appliances in many homes because it helps keep indoor temperatures comfortable. When everything is going well with your furnace, you may not notice it operating behind the scenes. While these heating units have a long lifespan by design, there is a probability that something will go wrong at some point. The good news is that many furnace problems are pretty easy to fix. You can do some troubleshooting on your own, or a trained heating expert can help solve the problem quickly. Below are some of the most common furnace concerns and what you can do to fix your furnace.

1. A Malfunctioning Thermostat

If your home’s furnace is not producing heat at all, check the thermostat to ensure you’ve set it to heat. You can also check your thermostat batteries and replace them if necessary to ensure the thermostat has sufficient power to activate your furnace. Also, make sure the location of your thermostat is away from any sources of heat to avoid wrong readings. If you’ve replaced batteries and checked the settings and the furnace is still blowing cold air, you need to contact a professional.

2. Ignition Issues

Most of the modern gas furnaces come with electric ignition. The electronic part ignited by some electrical components turns the gas pilot on, which kindles the burners later. If there’s an issue with the ignition, your furnace might start malfunctioning. The good news is that simple fixes such as filter replacement, power and gas line checks can do the trick. If these fixes don’t solve the problem, it’s time to call in your technician.

3. Furnace Noises

Banging, squealing, rumbling, humming, and thumping sounds are all signs of internal problems in your home’s furnace. If you notice loud or unusual noises coming from the furnace, it can indicate a serious issue. Turn off the gas and power to the heating system and call your heating expert immediately to inspect the unit and diagnose the problem. Leaving the gas or power on can cause severe damage to your furnace.

4. Cracked Heat Exchangers

A crack on the heat exchanger can affect the general performance of your furnace. It can also lead to carbon monoxide buildup in your home. Some of the signs of cracked heat exchangers might include unpleasant odors, pools of water on the floor near your furnace, carbon monoxide poisoning, and soot on the inside part of the furnace. If you notice any of these signs, shut down the heating system immediately and call an expert to handle the problem.

5. Dirty Furnace Filters

A dirty filter is among the most common causes of furnace and air conditioner breakdowns. Dirty filters can get clogged with dust and dirt, impeding airflow. As a result, your furnace will have to work extra harder than usual to maintain the set temperatures. Additionally, clogged filters can also cause your furnace to keep switching on and off. This problem will not only cause your house to feel quite uncomfortable but also increases your home’s energy consumption and the probability of a furnace breakdown. Make sure you regularly check and change the furnace filters, particularly during the heating months, to reduce the chances of a furnace breakdown.

6. Zero or Insufficient Heat

The purpose of having a furnace in your home is to make your living space comfortable when the outdoor temperatures are extremely low. However, if your heating unit fails to blow warm air, it is an indication that your system needs repair and maintenance. If you are conversant with heating systems, you can make a quick check on your thermostat, power availability in your furnace, and the heat registers. However, if you have no experience with these units, it’s highly recommended to call an expert to inspect your unit.

Contact Us for Reliable Furnace Services

Knowing the common furnace problems that might arise during the heating season and ways to fix them can help keep your unit running efficiently. It can also lower your chances of a furnace breakdown or costly repairs in the long run. If you experience any of the above issues and have tried fixing them yourself with no luck, our heating experts at are here to assist. These licensed professionals have the industry know-how and experience to correct and service your heating unit for optimum efficiency.

Our company also offers air conditioning, zoning, air quality, ventilation, and new construction services to the residents of Albany, NY, and its surroundings. Contact our experts today to schedule your service request or book an appointment.


Image of Amanda Triolo - CEO of Grasshopper
Amanda Triolo
Amanda Triolo is the CEO of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, a rapidly growing HVAC company based in Albany, New York. She leads by focusing on creating opportunities that positively impact both employees and customers.

SOLVED! 6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Smells & What It Means

Published January 4, 2025
Understanding Furnace Odors and Their Causes If you’ve ever noticed an unusual smell coming from your furnace, you’re not alone. Furnace odors can range from harmless to hazardo…

Heat Pump Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

Published December 31, 2024
When you don’t have a comfortable climate inside your home because of a malfunctioning heat pump, you may be unsure of what to do. Could you try a couple of heat pump trou…

Top 8 Reasons Your Heat Pump Is Not Heating

Published December 17, 2024
Are you having problems with your heat pump not heating? As experts in heat pump diagnostics and repairs in Albany, New York, and the surrounding areas, Grasshopper Heating &amp…

Why Does My Furnace Have A Flashing or Blinking Red Light?

Published December 17, 2024
What causes a blinking red light on furnaces? Grasshopper Heating & Cooling can determine whether you have a problem with your heat exchanger, gas pressure, or something els…

Preparing Your Heating System for Winter

Published December 16, 2024
Whether you look forward to the stark beauty of a snowy landscape or you’re already counting down the days until spring, preparing your heating system for winter is key. It does…

How High Can I Turn Up My Thermostat?

Published December 13, 2024
If you’re sensitive to cold winter weather, you may ask, “How high can I turn up my thermostat?” At Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, we know how your heating…
Asset 3@2x 9fde410d

“He installed our new unit a little over a year ago. He is professional, courteous and very knowledgeable – and willing to answer lots of questions from this engineer. Today he came back to trouble shoot an issue we were having, had it resolved in no time, and waived the diagnostic fee. Highly recommend.”

-Sara M.

“I am very impressed with the service I received from Grasshopper. I sent in an inquiry form and within minutes I was on the phone with a representative helping me with my concerns. He explained everything clearly and offered short and long term solutions. I am very grateful for his help!”

-Michelle J.

“Love Grasshopper! They did an awesome job! When we had an issue they came out the same day, did a quick fix and got us back up and running during a heat wave. Courteous and clean service. Everything from our first meeting to installation of mini-splits – all great experiences! 10/10 would recommend.”

-Kathleen C.

“Very informative and great service. They had someone out to our house the same day we called. He walked us through the process of what was going on with our current system and all the options. I would highly recommend Grasshopper Heating and Cooling to anyone who is looking for heating and cooling services.”

-Kim C.

“Tyler and Peter just came to my home. I was having problems with my air conditioner. They appointment was made quickly. They called before they came out. Diagnosed the problem and resolved it. They were professional and explained what the problem was. The pricing was fair and affordable. I definitely recommend Grasshopper”

-Dee B.

Schedule Service

* By clicking “Send Message”, I am providing express written consent to receive autodialed and pre-recorded calls, texts, and SMS/MMS with marketing communications from Grasshopper Heating & Cooling regarding home services at the phone number provided above, even if the number is on a corporate, state, or national Do Not Call list. Consent is not a condition to purchase services or products.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.