If your furnace is blowing cold air instead of warming your home, you might be feeling more than just a chill. At Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we understand how frustrating it can be when your furnace isn’t working as expected. Let’s dive into why this happens and what steps you can take to fix it, so you can get your home cozy again.
Common Reasons for a Furnace Blowing Cold Air
When a furnace blows cold air, it’s usually due to one of several issues. Knowing what might be causing the problem can help you figure out if it’s a quick fix or something that needs professional attention.
1. Thermostat Settings
One of the simplest reasons your furnace may be blowing cold air is an incorrect thermostat setting. If your thermostat is set to “ON” instead of “AUTO,” the fan will blow continuously, even when the furnace isn’t heating. This means it may blow cool air when it’s not actively heating your home.
Solution: Check your thermostat settings and ensure it’s set to “AUTO.” This way, the fan will only blow when the furnace is producing heat.
2. Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
In older furnaces, the pilot light ignites the burners. If the pilot light goes out, the burners won’t light, and your furnace won’t heat the air. With modern furnaces, an electronic ignition system is used instead of a traditional pilot light. If there’s an issue with the ignitor, the furnace will not produce heat, leading to cold air being circulated.
Solution: For a pilot light, check to see if it’s lit. If it isn’t, try relighting it according to your furnace’s instructions. If the problem is with an electronic ignition, you’ll likely need a professional from Kotz to diagnose and resolve the issue safely.
3. Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, which may cause your furnace to overheat. When a furnace overheats, it triggers a safety switch that shuts off the burners. While the furnace fan may still be running, only cold air will circulate.
Solution: Replace your furnace filter regularly to avoid restricted airflow and overheating. For most homes, a new filter every three months works well, but check more often if you have pets or a larger household.
Furnace Maintenance Steps You Can Take
Regular furnace maintenance performed by a highly trained Kotz technician can prevent a lot of issues that cause your furnace to blow cold air. Here are a few easy steps you can take to keep your furnace running smoothly.
1. Inspect the Air Filter
As mentioned above, changing the air filter every few months keeps your furnace functioning properly. A clean filter not only prevents overheating but also improves air quality in your home.
2. Check the Thermostat Batteries
Some thermostats are battery-powered. If the batteries are low or dead, your thermostat might not function properly, leading to temperature control issues. Replacing the batteries is a quick and simple fix.
3. Keep Vents and Registers Clear
Blocked vents and registers can also cause your furnace to overheat, as it must work harder to push air into rooms. Make sure furniture or other items are not blocking your vents.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and your furnace is still blowing cold air, it may be time to call in the professionals. Our Kotz technicians are trained and certified to diagnose and repair all types of furnace issues. Here are a few situations when you should consider getting professional help:
1. Electrical Issues
If there’s an electrical problem in your furnace, it’s best to leave it to a licensed technician. Electrical issues can be dangerous and complex to handle without the right training.
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Due to a Failing Component
Parts of the furnace, such as the blower motor or control board, may fail over time. Our technicians at Kotz can identify and replace faulty components safely, ensuring your furnace is running efficiently again.
3. Frequent Cycling
If your furnace constantly cycles on and off, it could be due to a range of issues, including a clogged filter, thermostat problems, or more severe system malfunctions. Contact Kotz to schedule a professional assessment and maintenance to help extend the life of your furnace and prevent further issues.
Prevent Future Issues with Regular Furnace Maintenance
Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is here to keep your furnace in top shape with regular maintenance. Here’s how our professional services can make a difference:
Training
Our team is made up of certified, highly trained professionals who are skilled at diagnosing and repairing any heating system. Kotz on site training lab provides ongoing instruction to help navigate the ever changing heating industry. With Kotz, you’re getting top-tier service and expertise.
Trusted Products
We stand behind the products we offer from trusted manufacturers. When you need parts replaced, we ensure only high-quality, reliable parts are used.
Local, Reliable Service
Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has proudly served the Waterford area and Oakland County, MI, since 1929. Our reputation is built on quality workmanship, honesty, and integrity, so you can count on us to handle any furnace issue with care and professionalism.
Let’s Get Your Furnace Working Again!
If your furnace is blowing cold air, we’re here to help. Don’t let the Michigan winter catch you with a chilly home—call Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to schedule a service appointment. We’ll ensure your furnace is back to blowing warm air, keeping your family comfortable all season long.
