While it hasn’t been all that cold in the Austin area so far this winter, you never know when it will be chilly enough to need the warmth of the furnace. Nothing is worse than turning the heat on to take out the chill, only to find your furnace is blowing cold air. What could be the problem? Before you call in our heating professionals to check it out, take a look at the possible causes.
Check the thermostat. You might think “duh,” but you would be surprised at the number of people who forget to switch the thermostat over to “heat” mode. Once this is done, adjust temperature to your liking. Easy fix!
Is the air filter dirty and clogged? This is another situation that may cause your furnace to blow cold air. Restricted air flow can cause a furnace to overheat, which in turn will result in cold air. Depending on the type of filter you have, clean or replace with a new filter. The same is true if you have an oil-fired furnace, but cleaning or replacing may be a bit more difficult.
Check to see if the pilot light is out. If the pilot light is out it is impossible for your furnace to light and heat the fuel. The owner’s manual will instruct you on relighting the pilot light. Once you light it, make sure the flame stays lit for several minutes; if it goes out again within a short time, you will want to contact our Austin heating repair experts as there is likely an issue with the thermocouple.
Gas valve issues. When the pilot refuses to light at all, it may be that a good cleaning is in order. Dirt and debris build up in components of your furnace, which could cause the valve to stick. If cleaning doesn’t do the trick, it could be a faulty gas valve. We’re here to help in this situation.
Gas supply. Gas furnaces are equipped with safety features to keep your family safe and reduce risks. The gas supply may lock down if it a threat is detected, such as a ruptured or cut line. A furnace must get adequate gas in order to produce heated air, so check to see if the supply is on. If it is but your furnace isn’t getting the gas it needs to function properly, give our technicians a call.
There are several issues that could make your furnace blow old air, and hopefully the problem isn’t too serious. If you have done everything you know to do and the problem persists, schedule an appointment with our Austin heat and air professionals. We know not all homeowners are comfortable working with gas appliances, so put your mind at ease by working with our team!
