You rely on your home’s HVAC system to keep your space comfortable all year long. When the winter weather hits, even the most efficient heating system can develop problems that leave you worried about your home’s energy use.
With the average homeowner spending more than $104 per month on electricity alone, keeping your heating costs down is always a priority.
Luckily, catching most issues with your heater is as simple as paying attention to the air that’s coming out of the vents. If your heater is blowing cold air more often than not, you know that there’s an issue with your system.
So, what causes your heater to produce cold air during the winter months? Here are a few of the most common causes to watch for.
1. There’s a Problem With the Thermostat
Believe it or not, the most common reason homeowners believe they have a broken heater doesn’t have anything to do with the furnace or heater itself. Instead, it has to do with your thermostat.
When your thermostat is in good condition and is working properly, your furnace turns on when the air in your home drops below a certain temperature. It then turns off when the space gets warm enough.
If the sensor in your thermostat is off, you may end up receiving air at a different temperature than you’d prefer. This can make the air coming out of your vents seem cooler than it should.
The best thing you can do is get your thermostat inspected. If it’s damaged, replacing it with a newer model should fix the problem.
2. The Furnace Just Kicked On
No matter how new or old your furnace is, it needs to warm up before it can start producing warm air. If you hear the furnace turn on and feel a blast of cool air, be patient.
After a few minutes, the heater should start producing warm air.
If your heater is blowing cold air after a few minutes, you’ll need to schedule a heater repair appointment. An experienced technician will be able to identify the cause of the problem and make the necessary repairs to get your heater working properly.
3. The Air Filters Are Dirty
Every HVAC system has a series of filters in place to keep contaminants like dust, dirt, and debris from entering the rest of your house. Over time, those filters can get clogged with dirt.
Once this happens, the air on the other side of the filter takes longer to reach the rest of your house, causing it to drop in temperature. The result is cold air exiting the air vents whenever the system turns on.
If you can, check your furnace’s air filters. If they look dirty, replace them with new filters or wash them if you have reusable filters in place. This will help the air reach the rest of the house before it has a chance to cool down.
If you’re not comfortable changing the filters on your own, contact your heating repair contractor. They’ll be able to install new filters for you quickly.
4. Your Ductwork Has Leaks and Damage
Air ducts are one of the best ways to channel heat from your furnace throughout the rest of your house. While they’re designed to be durable, they can develop leaks and problems over time.
Those leaks can cause your furnace to end up blowing cold air throughout your house. This is because the heat generated from your furnace escapes through the holes in the ductwork.
Unfortunately, the only way to know if your ductwork is to blame is to schedule an appointment with your heating repair services team. They’ll be able to inspect the ductwork and make sure everything is in good condition. If they see any leaks or find corrosion that could lead to damage in the future, they’ll make the proper repairs.
5. There’s Not Enough Gas
One of the biggest problems homeowners face when winter is in full swing is making sure they have enough fuel to keep their heaters working properly. If you have an electric heater, you’ll have enough energy as long as you stay current on your electric bill. However, if you rely on a gas furnace, you need to keep an eye on your fuel tank’s levels throughout the season.
If you start to run low on fuel or enough fuel isn’t reaching the furnace itself, your system will produce cold air anytime it turns on.
The best thing you can do is to keep an eye on your fuel tank throughout the winter. If it starts to run low, schedule an appointment with your fuel provider. If you have enough fuel but the heater isn’t producing enough hot air, get your HVAC system inspected.
6. The Pilot Light Isn’t Turning On
Gas-powered furnaces work with the help of the pilot light. This light helps ignite the fuel supply anytime your thermostat tells your heater to turn on.
Most modern systems have an electronic ignition switch that turns the pilot light on to provide your house with heat. If your heater is blowing cold air, the pilot light may not be turning on as it should.
Schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible if you think you might have an issue with the pilot light. Remember, you should always let the professionals make repairs to any gas appliances. They’ll be able to make sure your system doesn’t have a gas leak and can safely handle each component without putting your safety in jeopardy.
Watch for These Causes if Your Heater Is Blowing Cold Air
If you think your heater is blowing cold air more often than it should, look for these common causes. If you notice even a single one, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with your trusted heating repair expert.
The sooner you get your system inspected, the easier it will be to repair any damage.
At Allied A/C & Heating, we pride ourselves on helping homeowners in the Port Richey and Pasco County areas keep their homes comfortable all year long. Contact our team to schedule an inspection today.
