After a long winter day, there is nothing more relaxing than coming home to a warm house. Alternatively, there is nothing more frustrating than turning on your furnace expecting a warm blanket around your home, and instead, feeling cold air. Your home’s heating system is incredibly intricate, and no matter the age of your furnace, small things can go wrong. If you are experiencing cold air coming from your furnace there are a few explanations. Our heating professionals at Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing are sharing 5 reasons your furnace might be blowing cold air, so you can find the right solution and get back to being comfortable quicker.
- The Thermostat Setting Is Incorrect
We’re starting with the simplest explanation. Your thermostat’s settings can be a point of contention among family members, with some wanting it to be cooler than others. If your fan is set to “on” instead of “auto” it will blow continuously, even at times when your furnace is off or recycling—leading to cool air.
Another thermostat issue that can affect your furnace is the battery. While most thermostats are connected to your home’s central power, others use a battery pack. If your thermostat is old and the battery is low, it can mess with your thermostat’s effectiveness, in turn, affecting your furnace.
- Dirty Filter
When was the last time you cleaned your filter? If the answer is more than a few months, this could be the reason your furnace is malfunctioning. Dirty filters can cause restricted airflow, causing your furnace to overheat. A quick solution is to change your air filter and then restart your furnace.
- Fuel Source Issues
Furnaces can use oil, electricity, and natural gas as a fuel source. If this fuel source is missing, your burner won’t turn on, resulting in cool air. For example, with an oil-fired furnace, check if there is oil in the tank. If not, the burner will fail to light, and your furnace will circulate cool air.
- Blown Out Pilot Light
While this is especially a problem for older furnaces, any heating system that has a continuous pilot light could be accidentally extinguished. Now, if you’ve tried to light the pilot and it won’t work, chances are there is an issue with your gas valve. Contact a heating professional to have your system serviced. For newer electronic systems, pilot light problems can be solved by having your furnace adjusted by a professional.
- Burner or Flame Sensor Problems
Both burners and flame sensors are sensitive to dust and grime buildup. If either of these components gets overly dirty, fuel won’t be able to get through the system to be heated. Another issue can be general wear and tear on these essential components. If your system’s flame sensor is worn down, it can affect the burner’s ability to stay on.
Caring for Your Furnace
When you need to warm up your home and your heater isn’t getting the job done, call our experienced and NATE-certified team at Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We provide free repair estimates and fast service so you are never left in the cold. We also offer extensive preventative maintenance plans, ensuring your system continues to run smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
Need heating repairs in Sterling or surrounding areas? Call us today at (703) 457-8676 or fill out our quick, online form.