Why Is My Heater Blowing Cold Air?
Cooler weather has arrived, and that means that your furnace has kicked on to keep your home comfortable. As your unit works hard to warm the air, you might notice it suddenly begin blowing cold air. Figuring out why your heater is misbehaving is key to fixing the problem.
Your Thermostat
Your thermostat is basically the control center of your heating and cooling systems. While they’re pretty easy to use, they’re bound to cause trouble at some point. If you notice cool air coming from your heater, double check that you’ve set your thermostat to your desired temperature.
As seasons change, we easily forget smaller tasks like setting the thermostat. Although it isn’t likely, just make sure that you have changed yours to its ‘Heat’ and ‘Auto’ settings, and that the temperature is where you would like it.
The Furnace Has to Warm Up
Just like we have trouble getting up on a chilly morning, your heater can do the same. There are tons of moving parts in your unit that can take a bit to work properly. So if you notice your heater is cooling instead of heating, try waiting a little longer. If 15 minutes pass and the unit is still blowing cold, there might be an issue with the system.
Filters Are Dirty
Air filters not only keep your air clean, but they also keep your system functioning properly. That’s why it’s so important to clean and change your filter regularly, because a dirty filter could contaminate your air and even damage your system.
Dirty filters block airflow to the heat exchanger in your furnace, which can cause the system to overheat. An overheating unit will shut off its pilot light, a safety measure to prevent fires, so your air is no longer being heated. Instead, the system will just blow cool air through your ducts.
Luckily, this means that your heater is doing a good job of keeping your family safe, and replacing the filter should fix the issue!
No Pilot Light
Another common culprit in older heating systems is an extinguished pilot light. Check your furnace for a small blue flame because this heats the system and your air. Without this flame, your furnace cannot warm itself and will only blow cold air.
If you see no pilot light, even though your unit should have one, the flame needs to be reignited. Our team can do this for you safely, and this is the best option if you have never had to relight your pilot light before. Our technicians can make sure there is nothing else wrong with your system, and that it’s safe to relight the flame.
