Why Is My Heater Blowing Cold Air?

Nov 15, 2021 | HVAC Maintenance

person wearing sweater and holding hot drink

So, you have noticed that your heater is actually blowing out cold air instead of warm. This can be really frustrating especially when you are just trying to keep your family warm during the winter. There are several reasons why this may be happening. A few are quickly and easily fixed and just require quick checks from you. Others may require a professional to step in to help you out.

Thermostat Settings

The thermostat is the first place you should check for any problems. This is usually the most common reason why heaters are blowing cold air and is due to human error. You should check with family members to see if anyone has been toggling with the settings. If there are multiple people living in the home, it could just be that someone pressed the wrong button while trying to adjust the temperature to their comfort level.

During the wintertime, you should also make sure that your thermostat is on “auto” rather than “on”. This keeps the fan switched off when it isn’t on a heat cycle. If it is set on “auto”, it will keep air moving only when the heater is on.

Lastly, try changing out your thermostat’s batteries. Some are powered by battery only and if they are weak or dead, this can also cause your thermostat to blow cold air.

Change Your Filter

Filters play a role in keeping your heating system running smoothly and ensuring that contaminants don’t get through. However, if it has been a while since you’ve last checked or changed your filter, it might be the root of your cold air problems. Clogged filters make it difficult for air to properly enter the heater to be warmed up. Swapping out your filter can be quick and just requires a run to the store for a new one.

Flame Sensor

Dirty flame sensors can also lead to heater malfunctions. The flame sensor is what helps your heater warm up the air and helps determine whether it is warm enough. Dirty flame sensors keep your gas burner from staying lit which can mean cold air as soon as your furnace is on. You will want to call a professional in to clean this for you because trying to take apart these pieces yourself could cause more damage.

Pilot Light

The pilot light is something that can go off in older units. This is a small flame that is always burning to ensure your heater can ignite. Newer units are usually equipped with electric pilot lights that can’t go out. It is best to contact an HVAC professional in this case too unless you know your unit well enough to reach it safely.

Call the Professionals

If you are still experiencing issues after troubleshooting yourself, your best option is to call in professionals. This way you can get the problem figured out quickly and get your home back to a comfortable temperature. Our team at Shriver Mechanical in Acworth, Georgia can handle any HVAC project you throw our way. Contact us or call us today at (770) 975-1927 to schedule an appointment.