During these days when the temperatures go sub-zero, you need your furnace to be in tip-top shape more than any other time of the year. You just don’t want to deal with a heating system that releases cold air instead of warm. But what if it does? How are you going to handle the situation?
There are things you can check to have an idea of what’s going on and you can even solve minor issues on your own, which saves you from a potential service call.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted heating company in Crystal MN that offers top-notch HVAC products and services.
To help you sort things out, here are some of the things that can cause your furnace to exhibit such behavior:
Check the thermostat.
This may be a no-brainer but when you’re exposed to cold temperatures, you may forget that your thermostat setting directly affects your furnace’s performance.
The first thing to do is to make sure that the thermostat fan setting is set to “AUTO”. This will turn the blower off when the furnace is finished heating. If this is programmed to “ON”, the blower will run constantly, even when the furnace is no longer heating.
However, if you notice that the furnace is blowing cool air after turning it on, this is normal. It takes about a couple of minutes before the burners and ductwork get warmed up.
Check if the unit is overheating.
If your furnace turns itself on and off too frequently, it is probably overheating. Also known as “short cycling”, this issue happens when certain parts are dirty such as the air filter and blower. Blocked vents and a broken gas valve can also cause your furnace to overheat. This problem diminishes your system’s efficiency, resulting in higher energy bills.
If it’s a filthy filter, you are probably more than capable to replace it yourself. However, if the problem is more complicated, such as a gas valve issue or a blower problem, it’s best to call a qualified professional to apply appropriate measures.
Turn the unit off and back on.
Most new furnaces have a computer system, which can experiences glitches from time to time. A system glitch can cause the blower to run even if the fuel supply has been impacted. In this scenario, the problem can be rectified by locating the unit’s on-off switch and turning it off. After a few seconds, turn the system back on. Most of the time, a simple reboot is all the furnace needs to get back on track.
Search for ductwork issues.
If you have central air, your furnace distributes heated air via the ducts and if there are any leaks or cracks anywhere within the network, your furnace will fail to transport warm air.
Such tiny openings will draw cold air that blends with heated air, which compromises your home’s overall temperature. Serious duct issues can cause you to lose heated air altogether.
The regular maintenance of your ducts is an important aspect of ensuring a hassle-free operation of your furnace. But such a task may be too daunting for someone who does not have the right knowledge and tools, so it’s best to leave this job to an HVAC professional.
Look for electrical issues.
Your furnace needs electricity to operate, even if you have a gas-fired unit. Therefore, electrical issues like a tripped breaker or wiring problems can cause your furnace to malfunction. Your heating system won’t even start due to a tripped circuit breaker.
An effective way to solve this problem is by resetting the breaker. However, if the problem persists, contact a heating specialist as this could indicate a more serious problem.
Need Help? Call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
If your furnace is blowing cold air instead of warm, try these steps. But if the problem seems too complex for you, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our teams of NATE-certified HVAC professionals can diagnose the problem and apply the necessary solutions. We will restore your heat in no time. Over the past 40 years, we have been the premier Golden Valley furnace repair company.