In a couple of weeks, you’re about to need your furnace the most. For the entire season, you will be depending on it for comfort and safety. But what if one night, when the winter is at its coldest, your furnace blows cold air instead of warm? You don’t want to be in that situation, but if in case you do have such an experience, it helps to understand why it happens.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your total heating company in Bloomington MN. In this article, we will help you make sense of your furnace when it fails to perform its job. Here are possible reasons:
A Thermostat Issue
This is an absolute no-brainer, but can you make sure that the thermostat is set to heat and that the temperature is actually warmer than the outside climate?
If the furnace still won’t turn on, try switching the fan switch to “ON” to force the unit to start blowing air. Alternatively, you can check your programmable thermostat if it shows any error code. Newer thermostats will display an error code if something is not working properly. The thermostat should tell you what the problem is.
A Clogged Filter
Clogged filters are a primary source of heating problems. The accumulated dust and debris in your filters restrict airflow, which adds pressure to your furnace. When this happens, your furnace needs to work harder to compensate for the lack of airflow. As a result, your heating system uses more energy to heat your home. Keeping your furnace filters clean keeps the system in great shape, giving you comfort and peace of mind.
A Gas Line Issue
If you have a gas-fired furnace, and the unit doesn’t seem to emit hot air, there must be a problem with the gas line. So, be sure to check if the gas is turned on by inspecting the shut-off valve outside, or if you have a gas stove, try turning it on.
If you can determine that the issue has nothing to do with the gas line and that gas is being distributed to other appliances, verify if the gas supply to the furnace itself is open and clear. If there is a disruption to the furnace’s gas supply, the unit could be lacking the amount of fuel needed to ignite.
However, if you smell gas or believe there is a leak, go out of the house right away and call your gas company for an emergency service.
Leaky Ducts
Your ductwork is one of the most important parts of your home’s heating system as it transports heated air from the furnace to your living space. If the ducts have poor sealing or insulation, they let the heated air escape, causing you to have no heat.
Leaky ducts cause several heating issues that include:
- Higher energy bills
- A buildup of debris in your system, causes your furnace to overheat
- Compromised indoor air quality
- Hot and cold spots in your home
If your ducts have even small openings such as cracks, they may pick up cold air that mixes with heated air. If the damage to the ducts is heavy, they may lose the heated air altogether.
An Electrical Problem
Another reason for your furnace to not heat your home properly has to do with an electrical issue. The switch inside the unit could have accidentally been switched off, so check if the power is turned on. And keep in mind that even if you have a gas system, the furnace still uses electricity and must be turned on.
Also, check the breaker to determine if the power to the furnace has been tripped or not. If it has been tripped, simply slide it back on. However, if the problem persists, call a qualified HVAC technician to deal with the problem.
Furnace Issues? Call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
If the problem seems too complex, or if you suspect there is a safety issue, do not hesitate to call one of our Richfield furnace repair experts. We will get into it as soon as possible and get your furnace back in shape in no time.