Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air Instead of Hot

When the cold arrives we expect to enter a warm and welcoming environment when we get home. It would be a disaster to discover that the heating system is not working. To make matters worse, the heat is turned down, and just frigid air is coming out.

There are still potential sources of this unpleasant shock, even if your furnace is relatively young. The issue can be something you can solve on your own. However, you should know when to bring in the professionals for furnace repairs so that you don't have to spend unneeded time in the cold or disrupt your business. Another thing you don't want is for your pipes to freeze.

Keep reading to find out the 13 most prevalent causes of cold air output from your furnace and when to call for a repair.

Here are 13 potential causes for a furnace blowing cold air:

1. Wrong Thermostat Settings - Do you face thermostat wars at the office? If that's the case, perhaps someone was too warm the day before and flipped the switch on the thermostat from AUTO to ON. As a result, the fan will run nonstop, but the heater won't be on. Turn it back on AUTO, and the heater will start working again. Luckily you didn't have to spend a ton of money fixing your furnace this time.
2. Problems with Your Thermostat - Another potential do-it-yourself solution to the problem of a cold air supply from your heater is presented here. When was the last time you replaced your thermostat? Your heating system may not be compatible with the thermostat you choose if you installed it yourself rather than hiring a pro. Discuss your HVAC concerns with a professional. The thermostat's battery may die if you've had it for a while. We suggest you try recharging the batteries.
3. No Gas in the Tank - If it runs on that, you may be out of gas for your furnace. If that's the case, your fan might keep blowing frigid air even if the burners won't light.
4. Issues with Computerized Controls - Newer furnaces often feature electronic control panels, which might sometimes require resetting. The furnace's power switch may need to be turned off. Please wait a few minutes, and then try again. Restarting the computer this way is analogous to doing so while fixing a software problem. If the heater is still producing icy blasts, it is time to bring in the experts.
5. The Furnace has Overheated - When was the last time you replaced your air filter? If you don't, your furnace's overheating will switch off the burner to protect itself from the reduced airflow. For that reason, the heater is not producing any warm air. The air filter should be replaced, and the heater turned on again.
6. You Turned Off the Pilot Light - For older furnaces that use a continuous pilot light, this could mean that the pilot has gone out. This could happen if someone works too close to the furnace and creates a draught. You can attempt relighting the pilot yourself if you know how and are comfortable doing so. If that doesn't work, you should get some help.
7. Valve Problems - It's possible that the gas valve is broken if the pilot light won't light at all. A jammed valve could indicate that your system hasn't been cleaned yet. Having a professional come and clean and inspect your system is a good idea.
8. Malfunctioned Thermocouple - If you can relight the pilot, but it keeps going out, a broken thermocouple is probably blamed for the freezing temperatures coming from your vents. A thermocouple sensor manages the gas valve and sparks plug. To correct this, you will need to call a specialist to make adjustments or replace the part, but rest assured that the process is usually quick and painless.
9. Clogged Oil Filter - Like a gas furnace's air filter, the filter in an oil furnace can become clogged with dirt and debris over time. Clogged filters can prevent ignition, which means your heater won't be able to produce warm air. You can clean or change the filter yourself if you know how, but it's messy and not as simple as an air filter, so you might want to hire a professional.
10. Electronic Ignition Problem - Adjustments or new components may be required for a modern furnace's electrical ignition system, such as a hot surface or intermittent pilot. Your HVAC professional will need to inspect and fix this issue.
11. Leaking Ducts - If your heating system produces cold air, check for duct leaks. Get your furnace and venting system checked out simultaneously by a pro.
12. Defective Flame Sensor - If the air from your furnace is warm at first but suddenly becomes cold, the flame sensor may need to be checked. The burner may continuously turn off if the flame sensor is dirty or broken. You'll need to call in an HVAC technician to fix the furnace.
13. Dirty Gas or Oil Burner - Accumulated dust and filth on the furnace burner might make starting the fire difficult. To fix this issue, you need a professional to clean your system. 

Problems with your heating and cooling system, such as the furnace not producing warm air, are easier to avoid if you schedule regular maintenance.

Maintaining and cleaning your furnace regularly will help avoid several potential issues. If you haven't already this winter, it's time to bring in a professional HVAC service technician to maintain peak performance and prevent breakdowns.

Worried that the price would be too high? To meet your specific requirements and financial constraints, the best service providers at Best Owner Direct HVAC offer financing and affordable options to create a plan that works for you.