It’s no joke to discover your furnace blowing cold air in the middle of a Calgary winter. But before you panic, check out your thermostat and consider other possible easy fixes for the heating system. It may be a simple fix, or at the very least, you may get a better idea of what to tell your HVAC technician when you book an appointment for furnace repair.
5 Reasons the Furnace Blows Cold Air
1. Set Thermostat to Auto
The fan on your heating system may be blowing whether or not the heat is coming on. Turn the setting to “Auto” and then raise the temperature setting until the heat comes on. The fan will come on regardless of whether the heat is working, but you will be able to tell if the heat is coming on with it. If you still find the furnace blowing out cold air, it could be that the thermostat needs replacing. If you have a manual or digital thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or Wi-Fi model.
2. Furnace Circuit Breaker is Off
Sometimes power surges or other issues can cause problems that result in the furnace or heat pump failing to provide heat. Turn the unit to “Off,” then wait a few minutes and turn it back on. Sometimes resetting the unit can clear the problem.
3. Furnace Filter is Dirty
Believe it or not, a dirty air filter can prevent the heating system from providing heat. A dirty filter impedes airflow, causing friction inside the unit and raising temperatures. The limit switch could shut the heating cycles down if temperatures are too hot. If the filter is dirty, replace it and check to see if the air is as warm as it should be.
4. Air Ducts Are Leaking
It’s possible your air ducts have developed leaks. You may need a service tech to check them out.
5. Pilot Light is Out
Most modern furnaces have electrical ignitions, but if your furnace has a pilot light, check to see if it’s out; if so, re-light it.
Need help with a furnace blowing cold air? Contact Arpi’s Industries.
