Furnace Running but Not Blowing Air
As the temperature gets lower in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles more and more people are using their furnaces. For many it could be the first time they are turning their furnace on this year. When you set your thermostat to heat mode, the typical process for a furnace is to use natural gas to heat the air and then use the blower to move the air through the ductwork and out the registers. What happens if you find your furnace running but not blowing air? You may start thinking about how much money a furnace repair might cost, but there are many different reasons for your furnace running but not blowing air. Some are easier to fix than others, but they do require you to contact a professional for furnace repair. Read on to find out what could cause your furnace to run without blowing any air.
Blower Issues
The most common reason for a furnace running but not blowing air is likely due to issues with the blower or blower motor. The blower is responsible for pushing air out of the registers and when it fails no air will come out. If the blower is not the issue it could a failed control board or with the furnace fan limit control switch. The control turns the blower and can fail due to age or a failed capacitor.
Clogged Air Filter
Regularly checking and replacing your air filter is a simple step you can take in between maintenance visits. The best rule of thumb to follow is to change them at least once every 3 months and more often during periods of regular use. A clogged air filter will restrict air flow and you will notice diminished air coming through your air registers or no air at all. A clogged air filter will also cause your furnace to overheat, and when this occurs the safety shutoff will be tripped and shut itself off.
Pilot Light is Out
The pilot light is a small ignition device on the furnace that ignites the burner. On older furnaces it is an actual flame that remains on, but newer furnaces have an electric ignition system that is only lit when it needs to be.
Thermostat Error
Make sure your thermostat is set correctly to “auto” and heat mode and no one else in the home is turning it off or down. Next, check that the thermostat settings are correct for date and time especially if it is a programmable thermostat. It is also a good idea to set the temperature to at least 5 degrees higher than your indoor temperature to check if that will kick the fan on. Also check the batteries and replace with new ones. Sometimes if the battery is low it could cause the thermostat to reset its settings. If it is due to wiring errors contact a professional.
Gas Supply is Off
If your furnace is not blowing any hot air, it could be as simple as the gas valve being shut off. Locate the gas valve and be sure it is in the on position.
Furnace Breakers
If you have had recent electrical work done, it is possible the furnace circuit breaker was turned off. It is not uncommon for the furnace blower motor to also have a separate circuit breaker so check that one as well. Near the furnace there will also be an on/off switch make sure it is set to on. If the circuit breaker was tripped and you turn it on and after running furnace it trips again contact a professional for diagnosis.
Lack of Furnace Maintenance
Lack of routine maintenance can cause a lot of issues with your system, some of which could result in costly repair or replacement. At the very minimum you should service your AC once before summer, and your furnace once before winter. To help keep your system on a routine schedule, sign up for a bi-annual maintenance plan.
Contact LA Construction, Heating and Air
We understand if you discover your furnace running but not blowing air you may feel alarmed. Take the time to check your thermostat settings and air filter and hopefully get your furnace back up and running quickly. If this does not solve the issue give us a call for help. You may call us at 818-341-3406 or contact us online. We are here to ensure your furnace is running at its best and keeps you comfortable throughout the winter, give us a call today!
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