We hope you don’t experience this scenario but consider the possibility. You wake up one chilly night and realize that your air is cooler than you think it should be. You check the register and realize your furnace is blowing cold air.
This is the start of a long night as you try to figure out what is happening with your furnace and how to fix it. There are many reasons why your furnace may not be kicking out the heat you would expect. Likewise, there are various solutions to those problems. However, not all problems are things you can fix on your own. To ensure your safety, some are best left to trained professionals. Let’s explore what could be going wrong.
Air Flow Restrictions
Your furnace works by circulating air. It pulls air through your system and then pushes it back out into your home. When there is a restriction in that airflow, it can prevent the system from working as it should.
When you suspect a restriction, the first thing to check is your air filter. You should inspect your filter monthly, though you probably only need to replace it every two or three months. When you do check it, consider vacuuming off the intake side of the filter to help it last longer.
Other areas where restrictions may occur include your heat exchanger and your air ducts. However, these are both difficult to get to and may pose a safety hazard. Consequently, they’re best left to professionals. Duct cleaning is a simple service to have arranged. Your heat exchanger should be cleaned as part of regular maintenance like that provided on Long Island by B.A.C. Systems, Inc.
Faulty Furnace Components
Problems that are more commonly responsible for cold air blowing are caused by faulty furnace components. One of the primary culprits is the high limit switch. This is a safety device intended to protect the furnace from overheating. When it malfunctions, it makes the furnace think it’s hotter than it actually is. This causes the circulating fan to run without allowing the burner to ignite. The result is circulation of cold air.
Another common furnace component that may go bad and cause an issue is a faulty hot coil ignitor or burner. Either of these may prevent the furnace from cycling as it should.
If you think any of these may be a problem with your furnace, be sure to enlist the help of a certified technician. Trying to fix these issues on your own carries the risk of personal injury or damage to your furnace or home.
Fuel Issues
Many modern furnaces run on either natural gas or propane. When there’s a problem with getting fuel to the furnace, this will obviously prevent it from heating properly.
One of the primary issues that may prevent fuel from arriving properly is the gas valve. This is a component that controls the flow of gas into your furnace. There are actually two of them that could malfunction. The first is outside your home, and it’s commonly known as the gas shut-off valve. The other one is in your furnace itself, and that controls the flow during the heating cycle.
There’s also the possibility of a problem in the line that runs from your fuel supply to your furnace. If there’s any kind of leak, you need to have the line inspected for possible repairs. All of these issues require professional attention.
Poor Insulation
Insulation is key to keeping your heat in and the cold weather out. It’s also important to helping deliver heat to the right areas of your home. Most buildings have ductwork that runs in unheated areas. If the ducts are not properly sealed, cool air can be drawn into the duct and circulated. This will make the air coming out of the register feel cooler.
Likewise, if the ducts are not well insulated, heat will dissipate out through them, causing the same effect. A professional heating technician has the equipment to detect areas leaking heat. You can then seal and insulate the ducts to reduce excessive heat transfer.
If your furnace is blowing cold air, you’ll need a trustworthy and competent technician. You can always depend on one from B.A.C. Systems, Inc. We’re in Farmingdale, and we’ve been serving the Long Island area since 2004. Our professional technicians are proficient in servicing all furnace makes and models. No matter what’s causing your furnace to blow cold air, our team will solve it. Besides heating repair, we also perform maintenance and installation. You can even count on us for that same range of cooling services too. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
