Why Is My Heater Blowing Cold Air?

With temperatures continuing to drop, it’s time to get your heater going. If you’ve turned your heater on for the first time this season only to discover that your system is blowing cold air through your air registers, something is wrong. This is a relatively common problem that can be caused by a number of things, some of which you can fix on your own. Read through this article to see if you can figure out what is causing your heater to blow cold air and reach out to Winters® Home Services if you need any assistance.

Your Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly

This might seem silly, but it happens more often than you might realize. If your fan setting is turned to “On,” your HVAC system will continuously blow air into your home, even when your heater is turned off. That means you will likely have cold air coming into your home. Make sure this setting is turned to “Auto” to take care of this problem. That way, the fan is only running when your heater is on and producing warm air.

It is also possible that you forgot to switch over from the cool setting to the heat setting. Make sure your thermostat is set properly, and if that doesn’t do the trick, you need to schedule an inspection.

Your Furnace Needs Time to Heat Up

When temperatures are low enough, it can take a few minutes for your heater to warm up. Let it run for a while and see if the air starts getting warmer.

Your Filter Is Clogged

Your HVAC air filter needs to be changed every 1-3 months, depending on how dirty it is. Once it becomes dirty and clogged, air has a harder time passing through it. When air struggles to get past your filter, your heater is put under a lot of strain, which can result in a system malfunction. Change your air filter and see if that takes care of the problem.

Your Heater Has Overheated

Extensive use, old age, and a lack of proper maintenance are all things that can put some serious strain on your system. Once your system is under enough pressure, safety mechanisms can kick in and shut your system off to keep it from overheating too much. These issues are best addressed by a trained professional who can locate the exact source of the problem.

Your Ductwork Is Damaged

If your ductwork has holes or gaps in it, the heated air can escape while cold air from your attic can make its way inside the ducts. Once cold air sneaks into your ductwork, it is then circulated throughout your home.

Your Pilot Light Is Out

If you have an older furnace, it is possible that the pilot light is out. If your pilot light goes out after you’ve already reignited it, you might need to call in a professional for a repair.

Your Flame Sensor Is Dirty

Your flame sensor is designed to monitor your system and shut the flame off when your home is warm enough. If this component becomes dirty, it won’t work properly, which means it might shut the flame off and blow unheated air into your home. This issue needs to be repaired by an HVAC technician.

When In Doubt, Call Winters® Home Services!

If your heater is acting up and you don’t know why turn to Winters® Home Services. Our team understands the importance of a comfortable home and is here to make sure yours is taken care of. As the most trusted name in home services, we have encountered and resolved every kind of heater problem imaginable, and we guarantee we can handle yours as well. Turn to our technicians for an inspection and repair, and rest assured we’ll get the job done right the first time around.

In addition to furnace repairs, our heating services include:

• Furnace installations
• Furnace maintenance
• Heating inspections
• Heating services
• Heat pumps
• Boiler repairs

Don’t settle for anything less than the stellar service you deserve. Choose Winters® Home Services and we’ll have your heater back up and running again in no time!

Call 617-221-5899 or contact us online to schedule a heater inspection. We look forward to serving you.