Why is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

During winter, most people eagerly anticipate nothing more than to get into their houses so that they may enjoy their furnace’s heat. Shockingly, you find your loved ones cuddling, drawing warmth from each other- the furnace is blowing cold air! There is no sign of the so-needed warm air from your heating system.

A furnace is a vital component in every household when temperatures drop. However, just like any other appliance, it can fail to work efficiently to provide comfort. Regular furnace checks are essential; you should not wait for winter to discover an underlying problem. Let’s explore why your furnace is blowing cold air.

Your Furnace Thermostat Could Be Having Problems

A thermostat plays a crucial role in your furnace temperature settings. If you switch on your furnace and it only blows cold air, the thermostat’s settings may need to be corrected. It’s easy to forget to adjust the device’s settings when the weather changes from a hot to a cold season. You need to check the settings and adjust them appropriately.

In addition, your thermostat’s batteries could have died off. Check if your thermostat displays the low battery symbol and replace it.

The Filters Are Unclean

Furnace filters protect the blower fan on your furnace from any debris, dust and other particles collected by the air ducts from your house. If you fail to change them regularly, they may become clogged and obstruct airflow to the furnace. This can cause the furnace to overheat, turn off and blow cold air.

You should never forget to change your air filters regularly because neglecting them can lead to your furnace failure. Furnace repairs or replacement costs can be expensive. Therefore, you must change your air filters to avoid damage.

Your Furnace Pilot Light Is Off

A pilot flame is a blue flame lit below a gas furnace to generate heat. The pilot light should always be on to help your gas furnace function efficiently. At times, wind can blow off the pilot light; in this case, your furnace will not blow hot air. If you light the pilot light and it keeps going off, then there could be other underlying issues that need to be checked.

A pilot light can also go off due to thermocouple issues. Thermocouples are sensors that control the gas and ignition. When the device fails to detect any flame, it will shut off the gas flow to your furnace, and you will not receive warm air.

Leaking Air Ducts

Air ducts are an important part of your HVAC system and are responsible for indoor air quality. They are also the channels that transport warm or cold air from the HVAC unit. The air ducts can develop holes or leakage, allowing warm air from the furnace to escape. Poorly installed air ducts can also obstruct hot air from the furnace from reaching every room in your home.

Furnace Flame Sensors Are Dirty

Sometimes, your furnace can fail to function due to dirty flame sensors. These devices detect the flame from your burner, and your furnace produces hot air. When the flame sensors are dirty or worn out, they may affect the furnace’s functionality and result in high power expenses. Ensure the flame sensors are clean, and get a professional for assistance.

Low Gas Supply

If you operate a gas furnace that doesn’t produce the required heat, your gas may run out. Since your furnace generates heat from the gas, it will stop warming your house once it is depleted. Ensure that your gas tank has sufficient gas to fuel the furnace.

Do You Need Help? Make an Appointment With the Furnace Repair Experts

Handling a malfunctioning furnace can be stressful and risky. Apart from the mentioned issues, your furnace may need repairs when you notice the following signs:

  • Weird noises from the furnace
  • Abnormal high power bills
  • A strange smell when you switch on the furnace
  • Regular respiratory health issues in your home
  • Frequent furnace breakdowns

Maintaining your furnace to help it work efficiently is essential. At Jco Heating A/C Electrical, we proudly offer high-level services with quality products to keep your home comfortable. We have been servicing Springfield and Lane County residents for over two decades, and you can make us your go-to HVAC experts. We also offer electrical, indoor air quality and commercial HVAC services. Our experienced experts will restore your furnace functionality for your home’s safety and comfort. Contact Jco Heating A/C Electrical to schedule an appointment for maintenance and tune-ups.