by Winter can be a tough time for your HVAC furnace. When temperatures start to drop, you may find that it’s not working properly—either not turning on or your furnace blowing cold air. Most of this happens due to a faulty thermostat, but there could be other mechanical issues at play.Need a skilled Doraville plumber? RS Andrews has a team of experienced plumbers ready to assist you.
Here are some tips and tricks on identifying the problem and getting your furnace working like new again in no time!
The Pilot Light Is Not Working
If your furnace is blowing cold air, the pilot light might be the cause of the problem. If the pilot light is not lit, it won’t ignite the burner and heat your home. The pilot light on your gas furnace is a small flame that ignites the burners so your system can create heat. With older furnaces, it’s common to have issues with the pilot light.
To check whether this is the source of your problem, you’ll need to access the inner workings of your furnace. You can then look for the pilot light and ensure it’s lit and burning steadily.
Ensure the gas valve is open, and then try to re-light the pilot with a match or lighter. You should also check for broken parts on your furnace, such as faulty valves, connectors, or hoses. If it isn’t, you may need to call a professional HVAC technician or replace the pilot light on your own.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
Make sure that it’s set correctly for both temperature and fan speed. If you find that they aren’t correct, adjust them accordingly and see if this solves the issue. Start by checking the thermostat in your home to make sure it’s set on Auto.
If your thermostat is toggled to On, this will cause your furnace to run all day long, even when it doesn’t need to produce heat. Change the setting from On to Auto so that the gas furnace will only turn on during the standard heating process.
A Broken Thermostat Could Be Causing Issues With Your Furnace
Your thermostat helps regulate when the furnace turns on and off so that you don’t spend too much money heating an empty home. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, it won’t be able to tell when to turn on or off, leading to cold air blowing through your system instead of warm air. Check if any settings have been changed, or if you need to replace your thermostat entirely.
Check For Any Kinks Or Blockages In The Air Vent System
These can cause a decrease in airflow, affecting how well your system works. The newest furnaces on the market come with condensate drain lines that help remove moisture. If these lines become blocked, it can cause the burners to deactivate and make the furnace blow cold air into your home.
Inspect For Damages In The Ductwork
Your furnace’s ductwork may have become damaged or disconnected over time, which can cause it to blow cold air. To check for this, look for gaps in the joint connections and ensure that all parts are securely connected. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to clean out debris from the interior of your ducts. In addition, duct sealing might be necessary if the furnace is located in an area prone to extreme temperatures or outside air infiltration. It will also allow warm air to circulate more efficiently throughout your home.
Check For Faulty Wiring And Connection Issues
If you find that there are any loose wires or connections, these could be causing your furnace not to work properly. Make sure all of your electrical connections are tight and secure, and there aren’t any signs of corrosion on the wiring itself. You can also consult a professional if you’re unsure how to handle this issue.
Low Gas Supply In The Home
You may have a low gas supply if you’re having trouble running your furnace properly. If your furnace isn’t receiving enough gas to heat properly, it will automatically turn off. Try to check the connection between your furnace and the mains, as well as any potential blockages in the line.
This could be causing an issue with your fuel supply. Having access to a carbon monoxide detector is also helpful for detecting leaks or other problems with your gas line. Unfortunately, you cannot fix this problem by yourself. The best option would be to call a professional HVAC technician for help.
The Air Filter Is Causing Reduced Airflow
If your furnace is blowing cold air, it might be due to a clogged air filter. This will reduce the airflow in your system and force your furnace to work harder to produce heat. Make sure you check and replace the filters regularly, as this will help maintain optimal performance from your furnace.
There May Be Dirt And Grime On The Flame Detector
If the flame detector is dirty, it won’t be able to sense the heat produced by your furnace. This can cause the unit to shut down, leading to cold air blowing through your HVAC system. To check for this issue, remove the cover of your furnace and take a look at the flame detector. You may need to use a cotton swab or brush to clean away any dirt or grime that might be blocking its view of the burner flame.
These are some common reasons your HVAC furnace may not turn on or blow cold air. It’s important to remember that not every problem with your furnace will require repairs or replacement.
In most cases, minor adjustments can help your system run properly again so you can enjoy comfortable temperatures throughout the year. However, if none of these solutions are working, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician for help. They will be able to identify the source of the problem and provide you with the necessary repairs or replacements.
With their expert knowledge and experience, they’ll be able to get your furnace back up and running in no time!
