When winters start and the winds start getting colder, the last thing we all want is a furnace that doesn’t work like it should and keeps your home warm and comfortable. Several issues might be causing this problem, ranging from simple fixes to more serious repairs and we’re talking about them all.
This detailed article will take you through common causes and solutions behind your furnace not blowing hot air, ensuring your furnace runs smoothly and keeps your home warm.
Understanding Furnace Issues and How to Fix them
Thermostat Challenges
An essential part of any heating system, the thermostat is the central hub that tells the furnace when and how to run. If the heat isn’t coming out of your furnace, check the thermostat first. Your furnace’s efficiency may be affected by several issues that relate to the thermostat:
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Improper Thermostat Setting
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Battery Life
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Placement and Calibration
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Electrical Connectivity
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Upgrading Your Thermostat
Some changes to the settings could be made accidentally that wouldn’t allow your furnace to produce heat. To make sure the fan is running, check that the thermostat is on “heat” and also set it to “auto”, The fan will only turn on while the heating is actively underway, due to this configuration. If set to “on,” the fan keeps going and might blow cold air when the room isn’t heating up.
Batteries are required for thermostats that are not wired into your home’s electrical system. Batteries that don’t work well or are completely dead can cause problems like cold air coming in or not starting the ignition process at all. Changing the batteries once a year or as needed is a good idea.
To get reliable temperature readings from your thermostat, make sure to place it in an area free of drafts, direct sunshine, and outside doors. False readings and insufficient heating activation can result from placement errors. Incorrect temperature readings can also be avoided by making sure your thermostat is calibrated correctly.
Thermostat performance could be compromised by frayed or loose wires. Having a professional take a look at the problem and maybe fix it by securing all connections and replacing broken wires is the norm for this type of issue.
As they age, thermostats may lose some of their efficiency. You may improve heating efficiency, reduce energy usage, and get more precise temperature control by switching to a new, smart, or programmable thermostat.
Air Flow Issues
For your furnace to work at its best, proper airflow is crucial. Your furnace could overheat or not blow hot air at all and start blowing cold air if the airflow is restricted:
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Air Filter Maintenance
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Clearing Vents
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Ductwork Integrity
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Blower Fan and Motor Health
A dirty air filter is one of the main reasons airflow is restricted. You should check the filters once a month, particularly during the busiest times of use, and change them every one to three months, depending on factors like the number of pets in your home or the amount of dust that gets inside to stop your gas furnace from blowing cold air.
Vents can become blocked by furniture or other objects from time to time, preventing the movement of warm air and leading to the heater blowing cold air. To keep air moving consistently throughout your home, make sure that all vents and registers have open routes.
The effectiveness of air circulation can be drastically reduced if the ducting is compromised in any way, be it by leaks, holes, or bad connections. The efficiency of your furnace and the amount of money you spend on energy bills are both negatively impacted by this. You can fix these problems by hiring an HVAC professional to insulate your ducts or seal them.
Air is circulated around your home and furnace by the blower fan. Lack of airflow could be the consequence of a malfunctioning fan or motor. You can make sure these parts work properly by inspecting them regularly.
Fuel Supply Concerns
You can’t rely on your furnace to heat your home without a reliable fuel source. Your furnace might not light if there are issues with the fuel supply:
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Gas Accessibility
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Gas Valve Functionality
The primary gas supply valve must be turned on for the gas to flow. While doing regular maintenance or other tasks around the house, this valve could be accidentally turned off. There may be an issue with the gas pressure or the supply line if your furnace starts up but doesn’t stay running. Resolving such challenges typically involves seeking professional evaluation and intervention.
Your furnace’s gas valve controls the amount of gas that can be supplied to the burner unit. In the event that this valve is not operational, the gas required to generate heat will not reach the furnace. When the pilot light stays lit but the furnace doesn’t get hot, it could be because of a faulty gas valve. Such problems usually necessitate the assistance of an expert.
Ignition and Pilot Light Failures
During the colder months, it can be quite uncomfortable when the furnace doesn’t start or when the pilot light goes out frequently. When the ignition and pilot light stops working, you could have the following issues:
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Electronic Ignition Failures
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Pilot Light Issues
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Troubleshooting Tips
These days, electronic ignition methods are increasingly common in gas furnaces compared to the older pilot lights. There are two main types of these systems: hot surface ignitions and intermittent pilots. When the furnace is in operation, an intermittent pilot light will ignite the gas using a little flame; a resistance element will start the combustion process with a hot surface igniter.
Furnace electrical problems, aging igniters, or faulty ignition controls can all cause problems with these systems. To catch these issues early and prevent ignition failure, routine inspections are crucial.
Issues with drafts, blocked gas orifices or broken thermocouples can lead to frequent extinguishments in older furnaces that employ continuous pilot lights. If the thermocouple does not detect a flame, it will turn off the gas supply as a safety measure. It could stop the natural gas flow and prevent ignition if it mistakenly thinks the pilot light is out. These problems can be reduced by maintaining a clean pilot area and checking that the thermocouple is working properly.
Begin troubleshooting ignition issues by verifying that the furnace is powered and the thermostat settings are correct. Make sure the heater is turned on and the thermostat is set correctly. Look for evident signs of wear and tear on any parts that are within reach. In some cases, resetting the furnace will solve problems with electronic ignitions. However, pros should handle persistent issues to prevent gas leaks and other dangers.
Heat Exchanger and Heating Elements
Critical for the furnace’s operation, the heat exchanger and heating elements require careful attention to ensure safety and efficiency:
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Heat Exchanger Complications
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Electric Furnace Heating Elements
The heat exchanger allows the combustion gases to be heated and then transferred to the duct-circulated air in the home. The component may eventually shatter or wear out from repeated heating and cooling cycles, which could lead to dangers including carbon monoxide leaks.
Be on the lookout for telltale signs like water gathering around the furnace as a result of condensation, odd odors (like formaldehyde), or visible rust or cracks. A qualified technician must inspect a cracked heat exchanger without delay.
In electric furnaces, the air that is circulated is heated directly by the heating elements. These elements can fail or lose efficiency due to buildup or aging. Ensuring these elements are regularly checked and replaced when necessary by a professional ensures safe and efficient operation.
Mechanical Wear and Tear
The lifespan and efficiency of a furnace are affected by the wear and tear of its mechanical components:
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Blower Motor
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Belts and Bearings
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Routine Maintenance
This component drives the fan that distributes air throughout the dwelling. Over time, the motor’s bearings can degrade, or the motor itself can fail, resulting in inefficient heating and increased energy usage. Indications of a failing furnace blower motor include unusual sounds, frequent on-off cycling, or ineffective air circulation.
Some older HVAC System designs utilize belt-driven motors. These belts can slacken or break, disrupting air distribution. Regular inspections and replacements can avert such disruptions. Similarly, bearing wear can cause noisy operation, signaling a need for lubrication or replacement.
Addressing these issues proactively through regular maintenance is crucial. This includes lubricating moving components, tightening electrical connections, and checking the condensate drain and pan for blockages. Such preventative measures not only prolong the furnace’s operational life but also enhance its safety and energy efficiency.
Ductwork and Ventilation Concerns
Effective ductwork is essential for your heating system to function correctly. Problems within the duct system can significantly impact your furnace’s capability to distribute warm air efficiently across your home.
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Leaky Ducts
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Insulation Deficiencies in Ducts
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Maintaining Ductwork
Common issues such as gaps or holes in ductwork can cause heated air to escape before it reaches its destination. This not only results in inefficient heating and increased energy costs but also forces your furnace to work harder to maintain temperature, leading to potential overstrain. Using mastic sealant or metal tape to seal these leaks can greatly enhance system efficiency and reduce furnace workload.
In areas like attics or basements, ducts without adequate insulation can lose a lot of heat to the surrounding environment. This heat loss can cause the air to cool down by the time it arrives in your living areas, leading to your furnace outputting air that feels warm rather than hot. Wrapping these ducts with high-quality insulation material can help maintain the air temperature as it moves through the system, ensuring effective heating.
To prevent complications, it is crucial to maintain your ducts through regular professional inspections and cleanings. Ducts can accumulate dust and debris over time, obstructing airflow and reducing system efficiency. Clearing out your ducts can enhance both air quality and furnace performance.
Issues with Limit Switch and Control Board
The furnace’s limit switch and control board are integral for ensuring it operates safely and efficiently. Problems with these components can cause substantial heating issues, including a furnace that fails to emit hot air.
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Malfunctioning Limit Switch
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Control Board Failures
This switch prevents overheating by turning the furnace off when the air in the plenum gets too hot. If this switch malfunctions, it may shut off the furnace too early or fail to trigger at all, leading to overheating and potential damage. Testing and replacing a faulty limit switch are critical for restoring furnace functionality.
Serving as the furnace’s main unit, the control board directs electrical power to various furnace components. Defects in this board can disrupt the heating process, leading to symptoms like intermittent heating, failure to start, or the furnace not blowing air. Fixing these issues typically requires professional evaluation and replacement of the control board.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
If you want your furnace to last and work efficiently, you must maintain it frequently. This requires some standard procedures:
Who should you call if your furnace blows cold air instead of hot?
When your furnace unexpectedly starts blowing cold air instead of hot, reaching out to a reputable HVAC specialist like Comfort Union is a prudent choice. Renowned for their proficiency in managing heating and cooling systems, Comfort Union provides prompt and expert services to address and resolve your furnace issues like a furnace blowing cold air effectively.
Additionally, several issues could be potentially dangerous to your home and health – like a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning. This is why, a professional must look at your broken furnace only.
Our team, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and extensive knowledge, ensures your heating system is swiftly returned to optimal functioning and there’s no more cold air blowing in the home. Opting for Comfort Union means securing detailed inspections and comprehensive services from seasoned technicians committed to ensuring your home remains cozy and warm.
