Why Does My Furnace Fail to Blow Hot Air?
It can be frustrating and upsetting when your furnace isn’t blowing hot air. But before you panic or decide that your furnace needs replacing, here are a few simple checks. Some furnace maintenance will have your home warm and cozy again for the winter.
Broken Thermostat
A thermostat is a great place to start your checks if you suspect any problems with your heating system.
Fan is Set to On
A fan that’s on all the time eventually starts blowing cool air. That’s because the room has reached the desired temperature, but the fan still needs to be on. So it switched to cool air to prevent overheating the room. Switching your fan to auto resolves this issue.
The Thermostat Keeps Being Changed
Wondering why your room is cool despite setting the thermostat to a warmer temperature? Check with family members and see if anyone has changed the settings.
Battery is Low
If your thermostat has a battery, it will need to be replaced periodically. You can usually buy the battery at your local hardware store, then install it yourself. But if you aren’t sure, contact an HVAC professional for furnace maintenance.
Air Filter is Clogged or Dirty
The most common reason for a furnace to blow cold air is because of a dirty or clogged air filter. The air filter should be cleaned monthly, but if it gets too dirty, it can restrict airflow and cause the system to overheat and blow cold air.
High Limit Switch Failed
The high limit switch is an important safety feature that shuts off the furnace when it reaches a specific temperature.
Clog in the Condensate Drain Line
A clogged condensate drain line is a common reason a furnace stops working correctly. The condensate pump pulls water from the bottom of your furnace through a drain line and back into the sump pan. If the condensate line becomes blocked, it can cause your furnace to overheat or stop working altogether.
Issues with the Fuel Source
Furnaces can burn out or stop working for many reasons, from a change in the weather to a power failure, but one of the most common is running out of fuel. So check your oil tank, gas supply, and fuses before calling a technician. If in doubt about gas, oil, or electricity, call an expert. Don’t put yourself or your family in danger.
Broken and Leaking Ducts
Leaky ducts can cause a decrease in efficiency and make your home less comfortable. They can also lead to mold growth and other health issues. If you notice cold air blowing through the vents when there’s no longer a need to cool or heat the room, this might mean there’s a leaky duct somewhere in your system.
Pilot Light Isn’t On
If your pilot light isn’t working, you may need furnace maintenance.
If you have a forced-air furnace and the pilot light is not working, it’s important to address this as soon as possible. The pilot light is what lights up the gas inside the burner chamber. It’s what makes your furnace work properly and keeps your home warm.
Burner Issues
The most common cause of a blocked burner is the build-up of dirt and grease. The burner plate is usually made of cast iron, and the burner’s heat causes the grease to carbonize and build up. This will eventually block the holes in the plate and stop further airflow. Regular furnace tune-ups will help avoid this issue.
Flame Sensor Issues
The flame sensor is an electrical device that measures the flame’s temperature to determine if the furnace has enough heat to burn properly. If there is not enough heat, it may shut off to prevent damage to other parts of your system. If this happens too often, you may need to replace it with a new one.
Always Call a Professional for Furnace Maintenance
Furnaces are complex machines with multiple parts that can break down over time. If you’re not an expert on how furnaces work or what could potentially go wrong with them, then it’s just too risky for you to try fixing them yourself.
Professional furnace maintenance technicians can fix most issues quickly. Even though furnaces are complicated machines, most problems are relatively easy for professionals to fix. Their experience means they know exactly what needs to be done to get your home warm again in no time.
Don’t suffer from the shivers this winter. Book a furnace tune-up with the HVAC experts at Sierra and keep your home warm and toasty.
