When winter arrives, your furnace should be your trusted ally, keeping your home warm and cozy. But what do you do when your furnace is blowing cold air? Not only is this concerning, but it also majorly disrupts your comfort. Let’s explore some common culprits and their solutions!
1. Pilot Light is Out
If you have an older furnace, it likely has a pilot light that ignites the main burner. If you haven’t used it all summer, the pilot light might have gone out due to a dirty valve or a strong draft. Relighting it is usually straightforward, with instructions often found on the appliance itself. However, if the pilot light continues to extinguish, it’s best to contact your trusted HVAC company for a thorough inspection to address any underlying issues.
2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter can severely restrict airflow, leading to longer heating cycles and potential overheating, which may cause your heater to blow cold air. Fortunately, cleaning or replacing the air filter is an easy task for most homeowners. To maintain efficient heating, remember to clean or change the filter every three months, or more frequently if you have pets. This simple step can significantly enhance your furnace’s performance and prolong its lifespan.
3. A Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat signals your HVAC system to activate heating by sending a message to the furnace’s control board. If it’s only activating the fan without turning on the burner, you may experience cold air. This issue can stem from improper installation, an older thermostat model, or even wiring problems. If you suspect your thermostat is the culprit, contact a professional HVAC technician to assess and resolve the issue.
4. Damaged Ductwork
Even if your furnace is functioning properly, leaks in the ductwork can allow warm air to escape, resulting in cold air blowing from the vents. Duct sealing is crucial for ensuring that warm air circulates effectively throughout your home. Finding and sealing holes or cracks in your ducts is best left to HVAC professionals, as they have the tools and expertise necessary to perform this task.
Prevent Common Issues with Annual Furnace Maintenance
Annual, professional furnace maintenance and tune-ups can help identify potential issues with components before they escalate into major problems. By addressing minor concerns proactively, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns, extend the lifespan of your system, and maintain a warm and cozy home during the cold winter months.
Don’t wait for issues to arise – schedule your annual furnace maintenance with CK Mechanical!
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CK Mechanical has provided reliable service and peace of mind for homeowners in Windsor & Essex County since 2009. All our technicians are highly experienced, qualified and trained to critically evaluate all makes and models of HVAC, plumbing and fireplace equipment and to offer the best solution for ensuring your satisfaction.