Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

It’s the dead of winter. The last thing you want is to turn on your furnace only to have it blow cold air in Oklahoma City, OK. This unpleasant surprise can seem to come out of nowhere, but it’s less likely to happen if you keep up with your regular HVAC maintenance. Here are the reasons your furnace might be malfunctioning:

• Thermostat problems: The first thing to check is your thermostat—the settings may have accidentally been changed. Check to see if the switch is on “AUTO” or “ON.” If the switch has been set to “ON,” the fan will continue to run even when the heat is off. If you switch it back, the heat will come on. If that doesn’t fix the problem, check the thermostat batteries.
• Electronic control panel issues: If you have a new electronic furnace, you might need to turn it off and turn it back on again—just like your computer. This gives the electronics a chance to reset. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you need to call a professional.
• The pilot light is out: If your furnace has a continuous pilot light, it may have been extinguished. This can happen from gusts of air, and prevents the furnace from igniting. It’s usually best to call a professional to relight the light, unless you’re comfortable doing it yourself.
• Overheated furnace: You’re keeping up on your monthly air filter changes, right? If not, you might have an overheated furnace, which shuts the burner down. When the filter is clogged with dust and debris, the air flow is compromised. Change the air filter and try restarting your furnace.
• Problems with the electronic ignition: Electronic ignitions like hot surface or intermittent pilot ignitions can suffer from issues, too. You’ll need a professional for this—they can make adjustments and check to see if any of the parts need to be replaced.
• Flame sensor issues: What if your furnace starts blowing hot air, but then it quickly turns cold? The flame sensor may be too dirty, which causes the burner to shut off.
• Dirty burner: The burner itself may be too dirty to ignite. Over time, grime and dust can accumulate. Have your HVAC professional come out to clean the burner and check for any other problems that might be contributing to the malfunction.
• Leaky ducts: Sometimes, your ductwork has leaks, which contribute to the sensation that cold air is blowing through your furnace. Have your HVAC professional inspect your ducts to ensure they’re all in good working order.
• Valve issues: Finally, your gas valves may be to blame. They may either be too dirty, and therefore stuck, or have other issues causing them to malfunction. This is something your HVAC tech should inspect and repair.

If you’re having problems with your furnace, call your local furnace repair service in Oklahoma City, OK. Dailey Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We’ll come out and make sure your home is toasty warm for the rest of the season.

Categorised in: Furnace Repair

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