Why is Your Furnace Blowing Cold Air? Common Causes and Fixes
Your furnace is an essential part of your home insulation system. It helps keep your house warm during those cold winter months and cooler in the summer. But if your furnace starts blowing cold air, it can disrupt your home comfort.
If you're wondering why your furnace is blowing cold air, you could be dealing with one of several possible issues. This article will provide an overview of the common causes of a furnace blowing cold air and what you can do to fix the problem.
Possibilities When a Furnace Blows Cold Air
When your furnace is blowing cold air, you need to assess what's causing the issue so you can find a solution. Here are the most common reasons a furnace might be blowing cold air:
Pilot Light is Out
One of the most common causes of a furnace blowing cold air is a pilot light that has gone out. The pilot light is the small flame inside the furnace that ignites the burner and starts the heating process. If it goes out, then the furnace won't be able to generate heat.
Before initiating an inspection of the pilot light, be sure to turn off the power to the furnace at the breaker box. You'll then need to open the furnace door and look for the pilot light assembly. Make sure the gas supply is on, and relight the pilot light. A professional HVAC technician can also do this for you if you're concerned about doing it yourself.
Thermostat Issues
Sometimes a furnace will blow cold air because of a problem with the thermostat. An issue might involve a faulty thermostat or one that's been incorrectly set. Before anything else, try turning the thermostat from its current setting to the "Fan On" position. If you can hear the furnace running and the fan starts to blow, you'll know the thermostat isn't the problem.
If this doesn't get the fan to turn on, you'll need to check the wiring connections on the thermostat. Oftentimes you can do this yourself if you're comfortable with wiring. You may find the need to make corrections or possibly have some connections replaced. If all else fails, you may need to have the thermostat replaced.
Dirty Furnace Air Filter
Your furnace has an air filter to filter out particles of dust, debris, and other air contaminants before they circulate through your home. If it becomes clogged, however, your furnace will be unable to draw enough air to produce hot air. This can result in cold air being blown through the vents, so it's worth closely inspecting the air filter to make sure it's not the cause of your furnace blowing cold air.
If the filter is inaccessible, you may need to call a professional for assistance. If you're able to access it, you should be able to replace it with a new filter. If your furnace continues to blow cold air, you should contact a professional for assistance in determining the cause.
Dirty Furnace Blower Motor
If you have a furnace blower motor that has become encrusted with dirt, it can lead to the blower motor not running properly. If this happens, the blower may be unable to draw hot air through the heating system, which can cause your furnace to blow cold air.
You can clean the furnace blower motor yourself if you're comfortable doing so. Make sure to turn off the power to the furnace first, and then gently brush away dirt and debris from the blower motor and fan blades. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to get rid of any dust and debris.
If your furnace continues to blow cold air, you should contact a professional to have your furnace inspected.
Failed Blower Motor
If your furnace blower motor has failed, it will result in the furnace being unable to blow hot air through the vents. This can lead to cold air being circulated through the home, so you should inspect the furnace blower motor to make sure it is functioning properly.
If you're unable to inspect the blower motor yourself, you should contact a professional HVAC technician. Depending on the age of your furnace, they may need to repair or replace the blower motor.
How to Prevent Cold Air From Blowing
Whether your furnace is blowing cold air due to a simple issue or a more complex one, it's important that you take the necessary steps to fix the problem. Doing so will reduce the amount of energy your furnace will use and will help you keep your home comfortable.
To prevent cold air from blowing, take the following steps:
- Keep your furnace serviced regularly
- Change your air filters regularly
- Make sure your thermostat is working properly
- Make sure the pilot light is lit
- Make sure the blower motor is functioning properly
By taking these precautions, you can help your furnace run properly and reduce the possibility of cold air being blown through your home.
When to Call a Professional
While you may be able to identify and address some of the issues that can result in a furnace blowing cold air, not all furnace problems can be fixed on your own. If you think your furnace is blowing cold air due to a more complex issue, it's best to call a professional HVAC technician.
Professional HVAC technicians can inspect and repair your furnace, providing the necessary solutions to keep your furnace running properly. They can also provide advice and maintenance tips to help you save on energy costs.
Conclusion
If your furnace is blowing cold air, it could be due to a variety of issues, from a pilot light that's out to a dirty furnace air filter or a failed blower motor. Taking proactive steps to inspect and maintain your furnace can help reduce the possibility of cold air being blown through your home.
If your furnace continues to blow cold air, call a professional HVAC technician for assistance in identifying and repairing any underlying issues.
If you wish to read more information about Furnace blowing cold air, click here. For your convenience, you can also call a Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222.
Furnace Blowing Cold Air
PLEASE Ensure Adequate Furnace Maintenance: One of the best preventive actions to avoid furnace blowing cold air issues is to ensure adequate furnace maintenance. Having a professional HVAC technician inspect your furnace before the winter season to ensure it is functioning properly and running efficiently is highly recommended.
PLEASE Check that Thermostat Settings are Set Properly: It is important to check the thermostat settings to ensure they are set properly. If the temperature setting is too low, then the furnace is not likely to produce enough heat to keep the home comfortable.
PLEASE Check that the Thermostat or Furnace is Not in the Cooling Mode: If the thermostat or furnace is unintentionally set to a cooling mode, then the furnace could be producing cold air as opposed to warm air. Checking that this is not the case should be done before assuming that the furnace is malfunctioning.
PLEASE Inspect the Furnace Blower Fan: The furnace blower fan should be inspected to ensure it is running properly and efficiently. If the blower fan is malfunctioning, then it will not circulate the warm air properly, resulting in cold air being sent through the vents.
PLEASE Ensure the Pilot Light is Lit: A malfunctioning pilot light can cause the furnace to produce cold air instead of warm air. Checking that the pilot light is lit can help to determine whether it is the cause of the furnace blowing cold air.
PLEASE Replace Air Filters: If the furnace air filters become clogged with dust and debris, it can block air from entering the furnace, resulting in the furnace blowing cold air. It is important to regularly replace the air filters.
PLEASE Check Vents, Registers, and Ducts for Blockages: Any blockages in the vents, registers, or ducts can impede the flow of warm air, resulting in cold air being sent through the vents. It is important to check these areas to properly diagnose a furnace blowing cold air issue.
Advice for Repairing a Furnace Blowing Cold Air – San Diego, CA
Furnace blowing cold air is a common problem for homeowners throughout San Diego and the repair cost depends on parts, labor costs, and type of furnace. Before spending money on repairs, it's best to call a local and reliable appliance repair, such as Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222.
When it comes to cost, there are two categories to consider when repairing a furnace blowing cold air, the minimum installation and repair cost and the more complex installation and repair cost. The minimum repair or installation cost in San Diego can range anywhere from $150 to $400, while a more complex repair or installation can be anywhere from $400 to $1,200.
Most of the time, the most commonly replaced parts are going to be the furnace blower, the air filter, safety limit, transformer, and the wiring run from the transformer to the motors. If the parts to be replaced are not specifically stated on the repair bill, the cost for parts should be included in the overall service and installation rate.
Material costs should also be itemized in the repair bill, but the cost of materials is typically built into the service and installation rate. In some cases, the technician may need to purchase additional parts from the store which can add to the total cost.
When it comes to labor costs for repairs, the cost for labor will vary depending on the complexity of the repair and the technician's skill level. Most technicians will charge a minimum of one hour for repair cost, and as the complexities of the repair increase so will the labor cost.
Overall, it's important to keep in mind that san Diego city laws may change the labor rates. Calling a local and reliable appliance repair service, such as Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222 can provide the best advice on the average repair cost for the repair or installation of a furnace blowing cold air in the San Diego area.
Furnace Blowing Cold Air – Get Quick Repairs from Local Experts
If the furnace in your home starts blowing cold air instead of warm cozy heat, it is time to get it fixed quickly. You can trust the local experts at Reliable Appliance Repair & HVACR, to provide same-day repairs to get your home and family back to comfortable living.
Reliable Appliance Repair & HVACR is a family owned and operated local business in San Diego. They are licensed, insured and offer affordable and fair pricing for all their services. All the technicians have a minimum 5 years experience and know exactly how to fix problems like furnaces blowing cold air.
When customers call Reliable Appliance Repair & HVACR, they have access to experienced HVAC and appliance repair technicians who can provide same-day service. New customers may also qualify to receive $25 off their labor cost. This allows them to get emergency repairs and installations done while still saving money.
If you need emergency repairs, don't hesitate to call Reliable Appliance Repair & HVACR at (866) 516-1222 – a trusted HVAC and appliance repair solution in San Diego. They are the local experts at fixing problems quickly. Don't wait – call them today to get your furnace blowing warm air again!
FAQ: Why Is Your Furnace Blowing Cold Air? Common Causes and Fixes
What causes a furnace to blow cold air?
Furnace blowing cold air can have several causes, including thermostat settings, improperly sized or too much air in the furnace, missing or broken fans, blocked or frozen air vents, or a malfunctioning heat exchanger.
How do I fix my furnace from blowing cold air?
To fix an issue with a furnace blowing cold air, start by inspecting the thermostat settings and changing any settings that could cause the furnace to blow cold air. Next, inspect the furnace and the air ducts, checking for contaminants that could block or reduce airflow. Finally, check the size and condition of the furnace's heating elements and ensure they are functioning correctly. If none of these solutions work, consider calling a local appliance repair service for further assistance.
What if my furnace is not the right size?
If your furnace is too small, it can cause it to blow cold air and become overloaded, resulting in low efficiency and inadequate heating. If your furnace is too large, it can cause short-cycling and the furnace to blow cool air. In either case, installing a furnace of the correct size is the best solution.
What if the heat exchanger is malfunctioning?
If a furnace's heat exchanger is malfunctioning, it is important to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified technician as soon as possible. A malfunctioning heat exchanger can cause the furnace to blow cold air, reduce efficiency, and become a fire hazard if left unchecked.
What if I can't find the problem?
If you can't find the cause of why your furnace is blowing cold air, call a local reliable appliance repair service, such as Local Reliable Appliance Repair for help. They can inspect the furnace and diagnose any issue that is preventing the furnace from providing adequate heat.