Furnace Blowing Cold?

As we enter winter you have probably noticed the temperatures beginning to drop overnight. The last thing you want is your furnace not working or worse blowing cold on one of those nights. There are several reasons that can lead to your furnace blowing cold air instead of heating up your home. In this article we will discuss what could be the problem and when to call in a professional.
Thermostat Setting is Incorrect
The first place you should check for an issue is your thermostat. It is easy to change your thermostat to an incorrect setting. Make sure your thermostat setting is set to Auto and not ON. If it was accidentally switched to ON the fan will continuously blow even if the furnace is not on. Change it back to AUTO and you will have heat again.
Dirty Air Filter
Air filters are a vital component of your HVAC system. They are responsible for catching pollutants and particles such as dust and debris. It is important to check and replace them before they become clogged. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow and could cause your furnace to overheat and turn off. This is the simplest step you could take as part of routine low-cost maintenance that can prevent costly repairs or replacement.
Damaged Pilot Light
The pilot light could be a concern mainly for older furnaces. The pilot light is responsible for igniting the burner. Many newer models have electric pilot lights. Pilot lights are not something you should handle on your own, they can be very dangerous to replace.
Clogged Condensate Line
Newer high efficiency furnaces are designed with condensate drain lines that move water away from the furnace to aid with moisture removal. If there is any blockage in the lines this may prevent your furnace from igniting leading to your furnace blowing cold air.
Damaged Ductwork
Another reason your furnace may be blowing cold air is due to leaks, holes, or disconnections in your ductwork. All the hot air is escaping before it is able to make its way to your vents. This can be due to age, or rodent damage. Have your ductwork inspected to check if it could benefit from duct sealing or if it needs to be replaced.
Overheated Furnace
If your furnace overheats there is a safety mechanism in place that will shut your furnace down. There are a few reasons your furnace could overheat besides a dirty air filter. If you checked your air filter and found it was dirty it is possible that the dirt and debris also made its way to other parts of your furnace. If the dirt made its way to the blower it could cause your furnace to overheat. If one of the components of your furnace is working harder than it should the increased wear and tear could also lead to your furnace overheating. Lastly age alone could cause your furnace to overheat. Furnaces usually last around 15 years so as the internal components start to malfunction the furnace will not perform as it should.
Contact LA Construction, Heating and Air
Give LA Construction, Heating and Air a call today at818-341-3406 or contact us online. We can diagnose and repair the problem on the spot. Our technicians carry most parts for most brands on their vehicles. We can also perform routine furnace maintenance after the repair is complete to leave your furnace working properly and efficiently. Routine maintenance is the easiest step you can take to minimize the chances of your furnace blowing cold. We also offer furnace replacement and air conditioning services. Give us a call today, we are here to help you stay comfortable in your home year-round.
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