Furnaces can develop issues when you first turn them on after staying unused for a long time during the warm summer months. Some of the common problems include faulty burners, heat exchangers, and aged furnaces that may have severe issues that prevent optimal functioning.
If you notice that your furnace is blowing cold air, it is best to have a professional look at it for repair or furnace replacement. Due to the high voltage, open flames, and generally complex nature of furnaces, they can be difficult for average homeowners to repair.
Below are some of the common reasons your furnace is blowing cold air and tips on when to get furnace repair or replacement services:
Thermostat Issues
Typically, the first place to check when you notice that your furnace is blowing cold air is the thermostat setting. Thermostats have multiple options and configurations, which means that someone could have clicked the wrong setting. It could also be that your thermostat has malfunctioned, which could require a replacement.
Tripped Breaker
If you are using an electric furnace, then a tripped circuit breaker could cause issues that result in the loss of proper heat circulation throughout your home. The furnace may not work when the breaker is tripped, as it is one of the built-in safety features.
Tripped breakers can also cause problems for people with gas furnaces that use an electric igniter to start the gas burners. Once the breaker trips, the furnace could stay on without warming up the surrounding air since the burner failed to ignite.
Pilot Light Problems
If the gas supply to the furnace is interrupted, then the pilot light will go out. Each furnace will have its own set of instructions for relighting the pilot light. You can try using those instructions to fix the issue. However, if the pilot light does not switch on again, it could indicate additional problems requiring professional assistance or furnace replacement.
Check the Flame Sensor
A furnace flame sensor is an essential part that validates that a flame is present in the heating unit. This feature is crucial for safety and ensures that the furnace does not turn on without a flame since gas can accumulate, and subsequently result in a risky situation. If that sensor is dirty, it may fail to register whether the burners have switched on, or it could prevent ignition.
Conclusion
These are some of the common furnace issues that can lead to cold air blasting from your vents. It is always a good idea to have an expert handle any repairs or maintenance on your furnace to avoid risky situations while getting the best service possible.
There are some cases where a complete furnace replacement is necessary to get your home comfortable and warm again. Please reach out to Kelly’s Heating & Cooling Inc. for professional maintenance, repair, or replacement of any furnace in Utah. Contact us today at (801) 282- 9952 for more information.
