EMERGENCY 24/7 RESPONSE

Why Is My Heater Blowing Cold Air?

Couple holding each other in a cold home.

When cool temperatures arrive for the season, your heater works hard to keep your home at a reasonable temperature. However, you may encounter a situation when you notice your heater blowing cold air — a big problem during colder months.

You rely on your heating and cooling systems to keep you comfortable throughout the year. But when a problem occurs with your HVAC system, it causes a significant inconvenience in your home. The best way to ensure your heating system is ready for cold weather is to schedule an annual inspection. RepairUSA provides furnace tune-ups in Jonesboro, AR, and the surrounding areas to keep your HVAC system in top condition. 

Reasons Your Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air

Your Furnace Hasn’t Warmed Up Yet

A furnace involves many moving parts that don’t work right away. When you turn on your furnace, everything needs time to fire up. If you notice your furnace blowing cold air, wait a little longer. Give it time to warm up, especially if it’s the first time you’re turning it on this season.

Your furnace should start blowing warm air within 15 minutes. When you have a furnace still blowing cold air after 15 minutes, there may be another issue with your furnace.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Thermostats are the first item to check when you realize that your heater is blowing cold air. Unfortunately, it’s common to have incorrect thermostat settings, especially when we turn on our furnaces for the first time in the fall.

If you can feel your heater blowing cold air, maybe you set it for the summer and haven’t changed it yet. An easy way to avoid this issue is to ensure your thermostat setting is ‘auto’ instead of ‘on.’ 

When you set your thermostat to ‘on,’ the fan on your furnace will blow even when you haven’t turned on your furnace. When you set your furnace to ‘auto,’ both the furnace and the fan will come on at the same time.

Dirty Air Filter

An air filter catches dust and debris we generate in our homes, so you should change them regularly. A dirty furnace filter limits airflow to your furnace, causing it to overheat and shut down in some instances. 

The possibility of a clogged filter is something you can check yourself. Ensure you turn off your furnace before inspecting or removing the filter from the air handler. We recommend changing your air filter every 90 days to prevent damage to your heat exchanger.

Clogged Condensate Line

Modern high-efficiency furnaces have condensate lines that transfer water away from the furnace. A clog in the condensate line will prevent your furnace from starting, resulting in your heater blowing cold air.

There may also be an issue with your condensate drain lines, requiring you to schedule a furnace repair appointment. This situation requires the attention of an HVAC technician at RepairUSA. 

Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

Many older furnace models have a pilot light on continually from the gas line. If your pilot light goes out, follow your furnace’s instruction kit to relight it. Remember to always turn off the gas before attempting to relight it.

Contact us if you’re uncomfortable relighting your pilot light on your own. Additionally, replacing a pilot light can be dangerous, so you should always schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician to make this repair.

Gas Supply Issue

If your pilot light is quickly going out or not lighting, there may be an issue with the gas supply. Your furnace includes a feature to shut it off when there’s a problem with your gas supply. It’s a safety feature that protects your home.

There may not be enough gas reaching your tank or an issue with how gas gets to your tank if your pilot light quickly goes out. However, if your pilot light doesn’t light, there may be an issue with the gas valve. Call a professional HVAC technician to repair or replace your gas valve. 

Leaky Air Ducts

If you have holes, disconnections, or leaks in your air ducts, the hot air escapes before it gets through your vents. Sometimes, this results from the age of your ducts, while other times, it results from damage from pests. 

Leaky air ducts can significantly impact the heated air in your home. Duct sealing fixes this issue, either with tape or new pieces depending on the severity of the damage. 

Depend on RepairUSA for Your HVAC Services

RepairUSA is your local HVAC company, offering air conditioning, heating, and IAQ services in Jonesboro, AR. We’re your Airpro Service Technicians with over 30 years of HVAC experience. Contact us or visit our website to schedule an appointment today!

Share This Post
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Get updates and learn from the best
More To Explore
In Need of Restoration Or Repair?
8709324282