What To Do When Your Heating System Starts Blowing Cold Air
Posted on: 27 July 2020
When you turn on the heat during the cold season, you expect the system to blow warm air into your home. Therefore, if your furnace suddenly starts behaving like an air conditioner, you should be concerned. A properly functioning heating system should not blow cold air. If it does, there is something wrong with the components. Below are some of the checks you can perform to ascertain the cause of the malfunction.
Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Your furnace could be blowing cold air due to a clogged or worn air filter. The air filter collects dust, pollen, and other contaminants in the air and prevents them from getting into the home. If the filter is dirty, it will inhibit airflow from the furnace. This may cause the furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety measure. However, the fan will still keep on blowing air into the home, but this time it will be cold. Clean or replace your air filter to allow proper airflow into your house.
Check the Ductwork for Leaks
If you have old HVAC ductwork in your home, it could be leaking warm air instead of delivering it to the respective rooms. In addition to leaking warm air, leaky ducts also allow cold air from the house to leak into the system. This air significantly lowers the temperature of heated air from the furnace. As a result, you will receive not-so-warm air even after setting the thermostat. Hire an expert contractor who can inspect your ducts for leaks and repair them.
Inspect the Thermostat
Your heating woes may be due to a faulty or incorrectly set thermostat. If the thermostat is set to "ON" and not "AUTO," it may blow air into the house, even when the furnace is not running. Therefore, check to make sure you have the correct setting. If you do, the thermostat may be faulty. A faulty thermostat may misread indoor temperatures and fail to warm the house. This usually happens if it is damaged or installed near a heat source. Replacing the device should fix your heating issues.
Examine the Furnace for Faults
If none of the above components are faulty, the next thing to check is the furnace. This is the heart of your heating system. It is tasked with heating air and distributing it into your home through a series of ductwork. If the furnace isn't working, you won't get warm air. Some common problems include overheating, ignition problems, and wear and tear. Only an expert can diagnose and repair a faulty furnace.
A healthy heating system should not blow cold air when the furnace is on. If you notice these problems, contact a heating repair contractor for system diagnosis and repairs.
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