When the temperatures drop, the last thing anyone wants is for their furnace to blow cold air. You may be freaking out thinking your furnace is completely damaged, and you’re only option is to get a new furnace.
Our team at Island Airco wants to let you know you can relax. Because even if these troubleshooting tactics we provide don’t help, we are a phone call away to help with any heating services. Here are a few things to check if you are concerned about your furnace blowing cold air.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
When your furnace is blowing cold air, the fix may be as simple as changing your thermostat settings. First, make sure your system is on the heat setting. Then, check your fan settings and be sure to set it to “auto” rather than “on.”
By placing your fan to auto, your system will only blow out air that has it has heated; when your fan is set to “on,” your system will blow out the air even when your furnace is not heating it.
Let The Furnace Warm-Up
Your furnace may be blowing cold air and needs a little more time to warm up. Give it at least 15 minutes to warm up and produce hot air. When you turn your hot water on, it takes a couple of minutes to warm up. If after 15 minutes your furnace is still blowing cold air, check our other troubleshooting tips.
If there is no solution, it may be time to schedule a furnace repair.
Check the Furnace’s Air Filters
We recommend changing your air filters every two to three months. When your system’s air filter becomes clogged, it will restrict airflow. The heater will overheat and shut off when the system’s airflow is restricted. Not only will it cause your heater not to work, but it will also create poor indoor air quality in your home.
Changing your furnace’s air filter is a process any homeowner can do. Follow these steps to change your furnace filter:
- Find out what size air filter your furnace needs. Then shut your furnace off completely.
- Open the access panel; you should see the old filter you can remove.
- Place your new filter in the system. You can follow the arrows on the packaging to help you; they should face inward towards your furnace.
- Turn your furnace back on.
While your furnace is open, this is also an excellent time to ensure all other furnace areas are clean. Dirt and grime build-up anywhere in or on your furnace may cause cold air to blow out from it.
Check Your Pilot Light
A pilot light is a small gas light that keeps a burner running for those who may not know. Many things may cause a pilot light to stop working, such as a draft or a dirty valve. Fixing a pilot light is an easy fix but does need prior knowledge about what type of heater you have. Most furnaces have instructions listed on them, but if you’re confused about how to reignite your pilot light, give us a call.
Inspect Your Condensate Line
Most high-efficiency furnaces have a condensate line. This line takes condensation that forms from your heater and moves it away from your system. The water will have nowhere to go if the line gets blocked and flow back into the furnace. When the water backs up, it will cause the furnace to activate a kill switch and shut off.
Things like dirt, grime, or ice may block your condensate line. Luckily this is an easy fix for our team at Island Airco.
Call The Pros
One of our top recommendations is to get an inspection of your system at least twice a year. Getting an inspection will prevent things like your furnace from blowing cold air. Give us at Island Airco a call today to schedule your furnace repair or inspection!
