Reasons a Furnace Blows Cold Air
Sometimes, the source of the furnace troubles lies in plain sight.
When cold weather arrives, and it’s time to turn on the furnace to heat the home, the last thing any homeowner wants is to discover that cold air is blowing through their vents. There are several reasons why this might happen, some of which are easy fixes. Other problems may require a little more attention from a professional HVAC technician. Keep in mind that the first time the furnace is turned on for the season, it’s normal for cold air to blow out for a few minutes as the air already within the system escapes. If the cold air continues to blow through the vents, the problem could be for various reasons.
Thermostat
Sometimes, the source of the furnace troubles lies in plain sight. Ensure the thermostat is on heat mode and set at an appropriate temperature. Many HVAC companies report this as a common source of furnace troubles people tend to overlook.
Air Filter
Air filters are an important part of furnaces that can cause poor heating performance. If the air filters haven’t been changed in some time, this is likely the cause of the cold air. A clogged filter can block airflow and sometimes cause the burners to shut down so they don’t overheat, causing cold air to blow. Luckily, air filters can easily be cleaned or replaced independently to resolve the issue quickly.
Pilot Light
The standing pilot light might go out in older furnace models and must be relit. Not all homeowners feel comfortable tackling this issue independently, so call a professional with doubts. Relighting a pilot light is a fairly quick and inexpensive task, and the peace of mind offered by professional services is always worth it.
Burners
Dirty burners can become clogged, which can cause the fan in a furnace to blow without any heat. This is another issue that is best handled by professional care. When scheduling an HVAC tune-up, ensure the technician checks and cleans the burners to avoid this build-up.
Flame Sensor
Dirty flame sensors may also be to blame, as they keep the gas burner from staying lit, causing the air to go cold.
Fuel Supply
The fuel supply must be available and working for a heating system to operate properly and produce heat. So, for gas furnaces, issues like a thermocouple problem or a faulty gas valve can prevent the fuel supply from reaching the burners, keeping the system from heating. A professional HVAC technician can assess and resolve the problem promptly.
A furnace that blows cold air doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious problem, so homeowners should be aware of the various possible causes to know if it’s something they can handle independently. If not, professional HVAC technicians have the expertise to quickly resolve these issues and return the heating system to strong working order.
Just in Case Mechanical offers residential and commercial plumbing, sewer, water softener, electrical, lighting, and HVAC services Lancaster County. Call us today at (717) 696-1511.
