Your furnace is the piece of equipment that gives you comfort in the midst of relentlessly cold weather. It gives you the ability to live a normal life while the temperatures go sub-zero. But even when you don’t want it to fail, it may let you down at some point, blowing cold air instead of warm. Identifying what causes the issues will help you determine whether you can fix the problem yourself or you will need professional assistance.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is a leading heating company in Ramsey MN. We can help you diagnose your furnace, find out what went wrong, and restore the comfort in your home.
Here are some of the common reasons for a furnace to blow cold air.
Clogged Filters
The filter protects the blower fan from collecting dust, debris, hair, and other particles. A clogged filter can cause a furnace to work with added strain and sometimes, to not work at all. Dirty filters are the most common causes of furnace malfunctions. Dust and debris restrict airflow, and when the filter gets too clogged, the heat exchanger will overheat and shut off too quickly, which results in your home not getting the right comfort levels.
Needless to say, the filter is the easiest furnace part to maintain. All it needs is regular cleaning or replacing (depending on the model). When your furnace runs with a clean filter, it works effortlessly. As a result, you get that toasty home minus the excessively high heating bills.
Thermostat Issues
The thermostat tells your furnace what to do; without it, you can’t expect to have the comfort level you want. It measures your home’s temperature and uses that information to activate your furnace and meet your heating needs.
If your thermostat is turned on and has the right settings, check if the batteries are weak. Oftentimes, thermostat issues can be fixed by simply changing the old batteries with fresh ones.
However, there are more complicated thermostat problems that can cause your furnace to not work properly. Faulty thermostat wiring, accumulation of dust, and other factors can disable the communication between the thermostat and the furnace. For problems like these, it’s best to call a professional.
No Power
If the filter is clean and the thermostat is working fine, but the furnace doesn’t seem to turn on properly, a tripped breaker can be the culprit. Make sure your furnace is connected to the wall outlet and see if the circuit breaker is tripped. If the furnace’s breaker is in the OFF position, flip it back to ON. If it stays in the ON position, your problem is solved. However, if it keeps on tripping, there could be a more serious problem such as faulty wiring or a malfunctioning breaker. For your own safety, call an electrician instead.
Electronic Ignition Problems
Most new furnace models use an electronic ignition system that creates a spark to light the pilot, which serves as the ignition point when gas flows into the heating system. Ignition problems can be exposed by turning the power off to the furnace and resetting the circuit breakers.
If you have electronic ignition, check the condition of the flame sensor before proceeding to any other troubleshooting steps. This system shuts down the whole unit when it detects gas but no flames. When the sensors are covered in filth, they fail to detect the flames, and unnecessarily power everything down.
Turn off your furnace altogether. Close the gas supply valve. Then, carefully remove the flame sensor using a hex-head screwdriver. Gently rub the sensor with fine-grade sandpaper. Wipe off any leftover dust with a paper towel, then put the sensor back. See if the problem is solved. If it persists, consult a heating professional.
Need Help? Call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
Fighting off the cold is much easier with a working furnace. But in case your unit acts up, try these four troubleshooting steps. You just might solve the problem on your own! But for more complicated issues, don’t hesitate to give us a call. For top-notch Elk River furnace repair, talk to one of our certified HVAC professionals.