When the weather is frightful, there’s no better feeling than cranking up the heat inside your home. However, if it seems like your furnace is only producing cool air, it’s easy to start panicking. Is there something wrong with your heating system? How can you fix this problem quickly so you can return to enjoying your warm comfortable home?
The unfortunate truth is that there are many potential reasons why your furnace is blowing cold air. The good news is that we’re here to help you diagnose the issue.
If your furnace blows cold air, consider following this guide to get to the root cause of the problem once and for all.
How Does a Furnace Work?
Before we dive into the nitty gritty, it’s important to know how a furnace works in a house.
Furnaces are some of the most popular HVAC systems among homeowners, as they’re known for their quick heating capabilities, efficiency, and reliability. But what happens when these heating systems turn on?
Use this guide to learn what happens during a typical furnace heating cycle:
Start With the Thermostat
You might consider checking the thermostat setting first if you’re wondering why your furnace is blowing cold air. You should ensure that the thermostat’s fan setting is on “AUTO” instead of “ON.”
If the thermostat is set to “ON,” your furnace will run continuously during all hours of the day — even when it isn’t going through a heating cycle. As a result, this setting can make it seem like your furnace is not blowing hot air when it should be.
Thermostat issues can happen with gas, oil, and electric furnaces, so don’t overlook this simple tip when troubleshooting the problem.
Replace the Air Filter
When you find your furnace not blowing hot air, you might think that something major is wrong. However, there could be a quick and easy solution to the problem. Yes, we’re talking about replacing the dirty air filter.
The air filter in your furnace has a straightforward job. As air passes through it, the filter collects dust, dirt, and other debris before it has a chance to enter your home. This filter can become dirty and clogged over time, so you should consider changing it regularly. A general rule of thumb is to change the filter once every 90 days, but you might want to consider replacing it more regularly, depending on your needs.
Clogged filters can lead to many problems, including insufficient airflow. When the airflow becomes restricted, the furnace will have difficulty dispersing the heated air throughout your home.
During a professional maintenance service, a trained technician will perform various tasks, including replacing the air filter. Most residential HVAC contractors will suggest regular maintenance for your heating system to ensure everything is working properly.
Inspect Your Air Ducts
Although you might think your furnace is to blame for this frustrating problem, this issue could actually lie with your air ducts. If your ductwork has become damaged and has cracks, the hot air could escape through these holes before it has a chance to enter your home. Similarly, the cold air from your attic could be entering your ductwork through these holes, overpowering the hot air your furnace produced.
When you discover your furnace not blowing hot air as it should, it’s a good idea to check your air ducts. Consult your local HVAC technicians for a professional inspection.
Check the Pilot Light
If you have a gas furnace, there’s a chance that a pilot issue could be to blame. A pilot light can keep going out for several potential reasons, such as a weak flame or a damaged thermocouple. If the thermocouple becomes bent, this will cause the gas valve to close.
Do you think a pilot light issue could be why your furnace is blowing cold air? Don’t hesitate to contact a professional technician for assistance.
Clean the Flame Sensor
Some furnaces have flame sensors that are essential safety devices. These flame sensors ensure that the gas valve is open only when it detects a flame. Unfortunately, the flame sensor in your furnace can become covered in grime over time, which can make it difficult for the device to correctly detect the presence of a flame. As a result, your heating system will struggle to complete a typical heating cycle.
When you find your furnace not blowing hot air, don’t overlook the possibility that a dirty flame sensor could be to blame. Your local HVAC technician can help clean the device to make sure everything is working properly once again.
Heating Problems? Call the Experts at Arlinghaus!
If you’re unsure why your furnace is blowing cold air, it might be time to call a professional. Fortunately, Arlinghaus is here to help! Whether you’re dealing with insufficient airflow, a clogged drain line, or some other problem, rest assured that we can provide you with the necessary repair.
When you find your furnace not blowing hot air, you know who to call. Are you ready to schedule an appointment? We’re proud to offer Butler County heating and air conditioning services. Our service areas also include Erlanger, KY, among many others. Contact us today to learn more about our services!