As the chilly winds of winter surround us, the comforting warmth of a well-functioning furnace becomes a lifeline for comfort and coziness in our homes. However, imagine the horror of turning on your furnace only to find cold air relentlessly blowing through the vents! It’s a situation that can leave you shivering, scratching your head, and wondering, “why is my furnace blowing cold air when the heat is on?”.
If you have experienced this unfortunate dilemma, don’t worry, as you are not alone. Every winter, countless homeowners in Phoenix face the exasperating issue of their furnaces blowing cold air instead of the expected warmth.
According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), faulty HVAC systems, such as furnaces blowing cold air, are responsible for an average energy waste of 25-30% in residential buildings.
In this blog, we delve into the reasons behind the common issues of the furnace not blowing hot air and arm you with the knowledge to troubleshoot and rectify the furnace/heater blowing cold air problem with confidence. From simple DIY checks to professional furnace maintenance advice, we’ve got you covered.
So, say goodbye to icy gusts of air and embrace the warmth and peace of mind your home deserves.
Why is my home furnace blowing cold air?
Experiencing your furnace blowing cold air can be frustrating and uncomfortable, especially during cold winter. Several reasons could be causing this issue, ranging from simple fixes to more complex problems that may require furnace professional assistance. Let’s explore some common culprits behind your problem: “Why is my electric furnace blowing cold air?”:
Thermostat Settings
Check the thermostat settings to make sure that the temperature is set to a higher number. If it’s set too low, your system won’t be able to heat the home and will instead blow out cool air.
Pilot Light or Ignition Issues
If the furnace is still blowing cold air after adjusting the thermostat settings, then you may have an issue with your pilot light or ignition system. This means there’s not enough gas in the tank, or something has happened to prevent it from igniting properly. In this case, it’s best to call a furnace repair professional in Phoenix immediately because these issues can quickly become dangerous if they aren’t addressed promptly!
Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
If your furnace blows cold air and won’t shut off, the important thing you should check is the air filter. A clogged air filter can cause your furnace to blow cold air. If your filters are dirty or clogged, it’s time for furnace air filter replacement.
Gas Supply Problems
Another reason “why is my home furnace blowing cold air” is because of the gas supply issue. If the problem persists after replacing the dirty or clogged filters, it’s time to call a professional to inspect your home’s gas supply lines.
Malfunctioning Flame Sensor
The flame sensor is there to make sure that the gas or oil burner isn’t running when there’s no fire. A malfunctioning flame sensor can be another reason for your doubt, “Why is my gas furnace blowing cold air?”
Blower Motor Issues
If your blower motor is broken, it won’t be able to circulate warm air throughout your home. This means any rooms with a broken blower motor will be cold while others may remain warm. This can occur even if there are no other problems with the furnace itself!
Blocked or Leaky Air Ducts
When air ducts are clogged with debris, the airflow can be restricted and cause your furnace to run inefficiently. If you notice that your air conditioning isn’t working properly, it’s a good idea to check for blockages in your system. You may have to hire an HVAC professional to inspect and clean out any debris that has accumulated in your ducts.
Dirty or Faulty Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is responsible for distributing heat from your boiler to the rest of your home’s radiators. If this part becomes dirty or clogged with debris, it can cause problems with your system as well as result in higher energy bills than normal due to inefficient heating operations! If you suspect this might be an issue with your furnace, call an emergency furnace repair Phoenix professional immediately!
How to Fix a Cold Air-Blowing Furnace?
If your furnace is blowing cold air, it can be a major inconvenience—and a huge waste of money. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix a cold air-blowing furnace without having to call a furnace repairman.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you diagnose and resolve the gas or electric furnace blowing cold air problem:
Check Thermostat Settings
The first thing to do is check your thermostat settings. Make sure the temperature setting is at least 10 degrees higher than the normal room temperature and that you have it set to “heat.” If you’re still getting cold air, try setting it even higher than what you think is necessary. Also, make sure the fan switch isn’t on “cool.” You may have accidentally switched it during installation or maintenance work, so double-check that it’s set correctly.
Inspect Air Filters
If you’ve checked your thermostat and there’s no change in temperature when you turn on your furnace, it might be time to inspect your filters. If they’re dirty or clogged with dust and dirt, those could block airflow from entering your home when you turn on your heat pump system—and that would cause cold air to blow out instead of warm air! So clean them thoroughly before turning on the heat again—you’ll notice an immediate difference once everything gets back up and running smoothly again!
Check Pilot Light or Ignition System
If the pilot light goes out, it can cause your furnace not to ignite. You can fix this problem by relighting the pilot with a match or lighter and then turning on the thermostat again. If that doesn’t work, check for gas leaks using an electronic gas detector. If no leaks are found, and you still have no heat, call a professional.
Inspect Gas Supply
This is one of the most common reasons for a faulty furnace. If there’s too much gas leaking into your home’s air space, it will cause improper combustion in your furnace, which means less heat coming out of your vents! Check your pipes for leaks by running water through them while they’re exposed (this will help test if they’re leaking). If any leaks are detected, call a furnace repair professional immediately!
Clean or Replace Flame Sensor
The flame sensor tells the blower motor when to turn on and off. If it’s dirty, it may not be able to sense heat properly, which can cause the blower motor to run constantly and overheat. Remove the cover from around it and clean carefully with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. If this doesn’t work, replace the flame sensor (which is located near where the gas line enters).
Check Blower Motor and Fan
If your furnace is blowing cold air but doesn’t ignite, check to see if the blower motor is working. If not, replace it, then turn on the power to the unit. Make sure all wires are connected tightly where they meet at each terminal block (you should hear a clicking sound when you touch them together). If everything checks out okay, contact an HVAC technician for further troubleshooting help!
Inspect Air Ducts
Air ducts can become clogged with dust and debris, which can cause your furnace to blow cold air. To fix this problem, inspect the air ducts for any blockages or damage. If you find any issues, replace or repair the damaged ductwork as needed.
Inspect Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is responsible for moving hot air from your furnace into your home’s ductwork. If this piece of equipment becomes damaged, it may cause cold air to blow out of your vents when you turn on your furnace. Check the heat exchanger for signs of damage and replace it if necessary.
Reset the Furnace
lastly, reset the furnace. This means turning off the power to your furnace and waiting at least 10 minutes before turning it back on. This allows the internal components of your furnace to cool down and ensures that you won’t damage anything if you continue working on the system while it’s hot.
DIY Vs. Professional Furnace Repair Phoenix
When it comes to furnace repair, you have a few options: Do it yourself or hire a professional. Both have their benefits and drawbacks.
Here’s a quick comparison of DIY vs. professional furnace repair service, considering the pros and cons of both options so that you can make the right decision for your heating needs:
| DIY Furnace Repair | Professional Furnace Repair in Phoenix |
| Simple troubleshooting steps and filter cleaning. | Expert technicians with in-depth knowledge. |
| May address minor issues quickly and cost-effectively. | Guaranteed repairs, ensuring safety and efficiency. |
| Risk of potential hazards if not done correctly. | Diagnose and fix complex problems efficiently. |
| Suitable for basic maintenance and filter replacement. | Advanced tools and techniques for comprehensive repairs. |
| Limited expertise and may not tackle major malfunctions. | Extensive experience in handling various furnace models. |
| Quick fixes for common problems like thermostat settings. | Comprehensive inspection for identifying hidden issues. |
Top Furnace Maintenance Tips
Furnace maintenance is an important part of keeping your home comfortable and healthy. Your furnace is responsible for providing heat and hot water to your home, so it is crucial to keep it running smoothly. If you want to be prepared for all seasons, follow these tips to keep your furnace in good working order:
- Replace air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow and improve indoor air quality.
- Schedule annual professional furnace inspections for optimal performance and safety.
- Keep the area around the furnace clean and free from clutter.
- Lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and extend the furnace’s lifespan.
- Test the thermostat and calibrate it if necessary to maintain accurate temperature control.
- Check for gas leaks and carbon monoxide emissions to safeguard your family’s health.
- Clear blocked vents and air ducts to promote efficient heating throughout your home.
- Monitor furnace cycles and look for unusual noises or odors that may indicate problems.
- Install a programmable thermostat to save energy and adjust temperatures according to your schedule.
- Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace for cost savings and environmental benefits.
Get Your Furnace Examined by Professional Furnace Repair Experts in Phoenix, AZ!
We all want the same thing: to be comfortable and to feel safe in our homes. When your furnace is not working properly, it can greatly disrupt these feelings. A broken furnace can lead to health problems for you and your family, as well as causing damage to your home. Your furnace is an important part of your home’s infrastructure, so when it breaks down, you need to call in professionals who know what they’re doing!
And when it comes to furnace service, look no further than Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation.
Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation is a leading HVAC and energy management company that has been serving Phoenix, AZ, for over many years now. We are a full-service HVAC company that provides a complete range of Furnace Services in Phoenix to all of our customers, including:
- Furnace cleaning Phoenix
- Furnace installation Phoenix
- Furnace repair in Phoenix
- Furnace replacement in Phoenix
- Gas furnace installation
- Gas furnace replacement
- Gas furnace repair
- Electric furnace installation
- Electric furnace replacement
- Electric furnace repair
The best thing? Our HVAC experts have vast experience in all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning areas. We offer 24/7 emergency services with no overtime fees if you need us on a weekend or holiday. Our team is licensed, bonded, and insured, so you can rest assured that you will be getting the best service possible for your heating or cooling needs. They are also equipped with the knowledge required to handle any situation that may arise during installation or repair work. Our technicians are experienced in installing all types of gas furnaces, including:
- Heat pumps
- High-efficiency gas furnaces
- Condensing furnaces
- Boilers
- Ductless mini-split systems (DMS)
- Electric furnaces, and
- Many others
We also provide free estimates so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting before signing on the dotted line!
Whether you need a new furnace installation or just some routine maintenance, we have the tools and expertise to get the job done right. Call us today at 480-591-0814 to learn more about our furnace services in the Phoenix area!