Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air

When winter arrives, you need a fully functioning heater. If your furnace is blowing cold air instead of heat, it won’t keep your home comfortable in the winter months. There are several reasons why your furnace could not be blowing warm air, and there are also solutions for each reason. You may not need to install a new furnace. At Milestone, we have a team of experts ready to help you with your HVAC issues. If you live in Dallas-Fort Worth, contact us for reliable furnace repairs and maintenance. 

Why Is My Heater Blowing Cold Air?

A furnace that blows out cool air could be a simple fault or a more complicated one. There are a few DIY ways to solve the problem, but some solutions may require expert hands. If you can’t solve the problem, we will know how to fix your heater. Here are a few possible problems, paired with possible solutions. 

Clogged Air Filter

A blocked air filter is one of the most common HVAC problems. It is easily overlooked but can cause a world of trouble if it is not replaced or cleaned regularly. A clogged air filter will prevent air from flowing out of your furnace. Long or continuous heating cycles also point toward a blocked air filter. You can simply replace or clean the air filter to restore your furnace so the warm air can blow out the vents. This should solve your problem.

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Faulty Pilot Light

If you have a gas furnace, try checking the pilot light first. In electric furnaces, the electronic ignition ignites the burners in your furnace, so it can provide heat for your home. If your heater is over ten years old, it is more likely to have a faulty pilot light. While there are ways to correct this yourself, we recommend hiring a professional Technician. Gas can be dangerous to work with. We know how to fix your furnace safely. 

Dirty Flame Sensor

If your furnace does not have a pilot light, it will have a flame sensor. Flame sensors  are similar to pilot lights in that they provide heat. From time to time, your flame sensor  may get dirty or covered in soot. This will cause your furnace to blow cool air. You can rectify this by cleaning your flame sensor. We recommend homeowners call a professional to do this.  If you struggle to find the flame sensor, consult your instructions manual. On the other hand, if you need help with this, you can call Milestone to fix the problem.

Clogged Condensate Lines

Your heater produces moisture, but it has a clever system to remove the moisture. This is done with condensate drain lines. These lines will ensure that moisture stays out of your heating system. Sometimes, your condensate drain line may become clogged, and the burners may stop working. This means that only a fan is running, so you won’t feel the warm air. Call Milestone to diagnose the issue and restore your comfort. 

Insufficient Gas Supply

Your furnace may not be to blame for the cold air. Your gas line may not be supplying enough gas for your furnace to keep your home warm. If your furnace does not get enough gas, it may shut down. This does not have a DIY solution. The best course of action is to call us for our expertise, or another trusted, licensed, and insured residential HVAC company. We will be able to fix this problem so you can enjoy your warm home again. 

Damaged Ductworks

Most HVAC systems rely on a series of pipes (called ducts) running through your home to distribute your air. If the ductwork is damaged or there are leaks, your furnace may blow out cold air or maybe make one room feel much warmer than another. Holes in your ductwork allow cold air to get in from outside or the attic. While your furnace may be in perfect working order, your ducts may be to blame. You can contact Milestone to take care of your ductwork. We will ensure that all the holes are sealed and that the ductwork is distributing air efficiently throughout your home 

Tripped Breaker

An electrical problem may have caused one of the breakers to trip. This will switch your thermostat off. When the thermostat is off, your furnace will probably not run. You can try flipping the switch on your electric panel. However, if the breaker trips again, you should seek professional help. Milestone Electricians can fix this issue in a flash!  

Incorrect Thermostat Setting

Lastly, your furnace may not blow warm air due to the incorrect thermostat setting. Ensure that your thermostat is set to “auto” and not “on”. The “on” setting will cause the blower to run continually. 

Need Help with Your Furnace?

Milestone has a skilled team of HVAC Technicians prepared to get your heater back in working order. Contact us online or give us a call to discuss your furnace repairs and maintenance. We are happy to help you!