A furnace that blows cold air wastes your money and resources, leaving your family cold and shivering. A malfunctioning heating system can quickly tank your comfort and put your property at risk of frozen pipes and broken appliances. There are several reasons your furnace may be blowing cold air, from an issue with the thermostat to a compromised gas line. Here are a few of the top reasons furnaces begin to blow cold air rather than warm your home.
Dirty Air Filter
A clogged air filter has the power to stop your furnace’s heating cycles. Filters are made of permeable materials so that debris can be caught in their fine fibers as air is pulled through. Your furnace needs a constant supply of air that can be heated and circulated. Without enough air to push around the home, your furnace may blow out cold air or nothing at all. It’s recommended to switch out your filter at least every three months. If you have pets in your household or live with family members with allergies, it’s better to replace them earlier.
Pilot Problems
A faulty pilot light can impact whether or not the furnace fuel ignites. Without a steady flame or an efficient electric ignition process, the furnace’s fuel can’t burn. Your pilot light may be going out due to problems with the flame sensor or gas supply line. If your pilot goes out due to a strong breeze, you can easily relight it by yourself. However, if it continues to go out, it’s best to call in one of our professionals to clean and repair the component if necessary. Any issue with the flame or gas line has the potential to leak carbon monoxide into your home.
Thermostat Malfunctions
You need a functioning thermostat to direct and control your furnace. If your thermostat isn’t accurately reading the temperature or can’t adhere to your settings, it may leave your furnace off for longer. Thermostats send signals directly to the heating system’s circuit control board, which then starts a heating cycle. Faulty wiring and other thermostat issues may only tell your furnace to turn on the blower fan rather than the heat. Once your thermostat becomes a decade old, you should consider replacing it with an improved model that can boost your home’s efficiency.
Faulty Circuit Board
The circuit control board in your furnace acts as the system’s brain. It receives heating demands and sends further signals along to other vital components. These boards commonly fail due to a lack of routine maintenance and professional cleaning. They’re also highly susceptible to water damage that can cause the component to fail completely. Only a trained professional should repair and replace the many electrical components in your furnace.
Clogged AC Coil
If you have a furnace as well as central air conditioning, the AC’s evaporator coil is likely in your heating system. This component uses refrigerant to absorb and redistribute heat. Since it’s in the furnace, the system’s warm air has to pass by it to reach the ductwork. If the coil is dirty or compromised, it can obstruct airflow. Bi-annual HVAC maintenance can make sure all parts of your HVAC system are clean and efficient. Without regular care, heating and cooling issues will worsen throughout the year, making it difficult to keep your family comfortable.
Overheating Furnace
Cold air coming out of your furnace may also mean it’s internally overheating. This happens when the system isn’t getting enough airflow or is experiencing heat exchanger issues. A safety feature called a main limit switch will activate, prematurely shutting down the furnace mid-cycle. Limit switches stop the overheating from melting the wires and damaging the heat exchanger. Along with blowing cold air, an overheating furnace will also short cycle. Stop further damage by turning off your furnace and requesting immediate HVAC service.
Reputable HVAC Services in Billings
Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC has been a family-owned heating and cooling contractor in Billings, MT since 1983. Our expert team strives to diagnose and fix any HVAC issue the day we arrive. Our company is EPA-accredited, NATE-certified and BBB-accredited. We also offer 24-hour emergency repair service to get your HVAC system back on track. Let us repair, replace or maintain your heating and cooling systems. We can also install a new ductless system, service your fireplace and boost your indoor air quality. Contact Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC today to schedule your next heating service appointment in Billings.
Today!
