As the chill of winter sets in, the last thing you want is to discover that your furnace is not blowing hot air. There are several common reasons why this might happen, and many of them are straightforward to diagnose and fix. Let’s explore the main culprits that could be causing your furnace to leave you in the cold.
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Wrong Thermostat Setting
One of the simplest explanations is an incorrect thermostat setting. Ensure that your thermostat is set to “heat” and that the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. Sometimes, the thermostat may be set to “cool” or the fan set to “on” instead of “auto,” which can cause the system to blow cold air continuously.
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Dirty Flame Sensor
A dirty flame sensor can prevent your furnace from staying lit. The flame sensor’s job is to detect whether the burner is igniting. If it’s covered in grime, it may not be able to detect the flame, causing the furnace to shut off for safety reasons. Regular cleaning of the flame sensor can prevent this issue.
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AC Fan Set to Auto
If your thermostat’s fan setting is on “auto,” the fan will blow air through your vents even when the furnace isn’t actively heating. This can result in cool air coming out of your vents intermittently. Ensure your fan setting aligns with your heating needs to avoid this problem.
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Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, making it difficult for your furnace to circulate warm air. Over time, clogged filters can cause the furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety measure. Regularly replacing or cleaning your air filters can improve air quality and ensure efficient furnace operation.
READ MORE: How often to change furnace filter
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Pilot Light Out (Older Gas Furnaces)
For older gas furnaces, a pilot light that has gone out can prevent the furnace from igniting. Relighting the pilot light may solve the issue. However, if it continues to go out, there could be an underlying issue such as a faulty thermocouple or a draft blowing out the flame.
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Furnace Too Small for Your Home
If your furnace is too small for your home, it won’t be able to generate enough heat to maintain a comfortable temperature. This often results in the furnace running constantly but never achieving the desired warmth. In such cases, you may need to upgrade to a furnace with a higher capacity to meet your heating demands.
Other Potential Issues
While the above reasons are common, other issues could also prevent your furnace from blowing hot air:
Blocked Vents or Ducts: Ensure that all vents and ducts are open and unblocked to allow proper airflow.
Faulty Ignition System: Modern furnaces may have electronic ignition systems that can fail and prevent the furnace from lighting.
Blower Motor Issues: If the blower motor is malfunctioning, it won’t be able to circulate air through the system effectively.
Tripped Circuit Breaker: Check your electrical panel to ensure the furnace’s circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
As you can see, there are a lot of potential reasons that your furnace is not blowing warm air or is blowing cool air. Some of these issues are easy for you to check on yourself, but others may need professional furnace repair.
Here is a handy heating repair cost guide to see what average prices are depending upon the issue the HVAC technician may diagnose.
Furnace Maintenance
Home furnace maintenance is essential for ensuring the efficiency, safety, and longevity of your heating system. Regular maintenance helps your furnace operate at peak efficiency, which reduces energy consumption and lowers utility bills. It also extends the lifespan of your furnace by addressing minor issues before they become major problems, saving you from costly repairs or premature replacements. Importantly, routine inspections can identify potential safety hazards such as carbon monoxide leaks, ensuring the safety of your household.
Furnace repair Cincinnati
If your furnace isn’t blowing hot air, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to restore warmth to your home. Start with the simple fixes, such as checking the thermostat settings and replacing the air filter. If the problem persists, it may be time to call in professional furnace repair to diagnose and fix your furnace. If you’re near the Cincinnati area give Quality Comfort a call at 513-620-4822 or book service online 24/7.
