That burst of cold air from your furnace may be alarming, but if it warms quickly, then you may simply be dealing with the clearing out of cold air from the ducts. This is not uncommon, especially if the system has been off and your house is chilly. However, if you don’t feel a change in the temperature of the air flowing from the vents, then you may need to do some troubleshooting. A visit from your HVAC contractor may be required, but some preliminary checks will help you to eliminate simple issues.
Pinpointing Basic Furnace Issues
If your furnace is blowing cold air, one of the first things to check is your thermostat. In homes with children, tinkering with settings may have occurred. Verify that the thermostat is set for heating and that your temperature selection is greater than the recorded room temperature. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you should verify that your battery is good. A failing battery can hinder correct communication between the control and the furnace. A bad thermostat can also be a possible issue, but this will require the diagnosis of an HVAC professional. Before calling for help, however, continue with some additional checks:
- Pilot – if the pilot is out, relight it
- Fuel availability – if your pilot won’t light, you may have a lack of fuel; verify that the supply valve is open and that your other gas-operated appliances are working
- Electricity – make sure you don’t have any plugs or switches to the system that are out of place or off
- Check your air filter to be sure that it isn’t caked with excessive amounts of dirt
Try rebooting your system if the preceding checks don’t help. Lower the temperature setting on your control so that it is below room temperature, negating the need for heating activity. Disconnect electricity to the furnace at the fuse box or plug, waiting at least three minutes before restoring the supply. Raise the temperature setting above room temperature to initiate a call for heat. If this doesn’t solve your cold air problem, then your heating contractor’s assistance is needed.
HVAC Electronics and Sensors
Your furnace includes many electronic components that can fail as the system ages. Some of these may affect timing causing cold air to blow before the system ignites. Other components that can wear out over time include sensors, heat exchangers and burners. These can create problems with poor heating or no heating. There are many possibilities, but your heating contractor is trained and equipped to pinpoint the specific issue quickly.
DIY repairs can be costly, leading to system damage and unnecessary expenses. It’s wise to invest in the expertise of a skilled contractor for both financial and safety reasons. Your heating equipment can promote the buildup of carbon monoxide if it is not properly serviced. Home heating is also a leading cause of residential fires, making professional service a matter of life-saving importance.
The professionals at Air Conditioning by Luquire can provide fast and efficient service if your furnace fails to supply hot air. We are also available for emergency calls at your Pike Road, AL home. You can contact our office staff to get assistance with your system malfunction.
