It may be shocking to turn your furnace on and feel a blast of cold air. There are some instances in which the issue will resolve quickly. However, an ongoing supply of cold air can be a problem requiring professional furnace repair. Before you contact your HVAC contractor, however, take a little time to troubleshoot. You might be able to avoid the expense of a service call.
Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?
The reasons for cold air can vary, and you will need to observe the circumstances related to the issue. For example, if the system is turning on for the first time on a cold day, you might feel a blast of cold air as the supply in the ducts moves through the house. If the air warms quickly after that initial blast, you probably won’t need to worry about further trouble.
Another frustrating but easily resolved issue can be incorrect thermostat settings. If you have curious children who like to tinker, you might find that the thermostat is set for cold air rather than for heating. Verify that settings are correct and that the battery is good.
If these steps don’t resolve the problem, you may want to follow through with some additional diagnostic checks for general furnace issues:
- Gas supply – make sure that the pilot is lit. Try relighting if it is out. If it won’t light, verify that gas valves are open and that the utility hasn’t experienced an outage.
- Electronic components – check to be sure that plugs are connected and that the fuse to the system isn’t off.
- Air supply – check your air filter as a clogged unit can contribute to numerous system problems.
- Error codes – modern units may provide LED displays that have blinking lights or numerals to indicate specific errors. You will need to check your owner’s literature for specific information about the malfunction.
- System reset – you can reboot your system by lowering the heat setting on your thermostat to below room temperature, disconnecting electricity to the furnace, and waiting for three minutes. Reconnect the electricity, and increase the temperature setting so that heating activity can initiate.
If these steps don’t solve the problem of cold air coming from your furnace, you will need to call for heating repair service.
Work with a Skilled Contractor
There are sensors and controls that can affect the performance of your furnace. Additionally, the buildup of residue and dirt in your furnace can affect heat-producing components. A professional will be able to troubleshoot quickly and efficiently to determine the source of your trouble. Additionally, you will be able to count on a safe solution to your problem as your trained professional works with your gas-burning system.
Don’t Forget HVAC Maintenance
At Berkeley Heating & Air Conditioning, we are able to help with your comprehensive HVAC needs. We can provide emergency service if you are faced with a furnace malfunction on a chilly day in Hanahan, SC. We also recommend annual furnace maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation of your system each winter. You can contact our office to schedule an appointment.
