Why is My Heater Blowing Cold Air?
Did you finally turn your heater on this winter only to have cold air blowing out of your vents? Or did your heater stop working just when you started to need it most? There are a few reasons your heater is blowing cold air, and there are a few things you can check before you need to worry. At JMAC Plumbing and Air Conditioning, we are here to help keep your home warm and comfortable this winter. If you’re having trouble with your heater, check these things first and then call us for help.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
Be sure to set your thermostat to the correct setting. If it is set to an ON position, the blower will run continuously even when the heater is not heating the air. The air coming through the vents will seem cool because it’s room-temperature air. Your thermostat should be set to AUTO, which is when the fan blows only when the heater is heating.
Change the Air Filter
A dirty air filter can cause your heater to overheat. It will restrict the airflow in and out of your heater, which can cause this issue. If it does overheat, the safety control on your HVAC unit will shut the burners off. Shutting off the burner causes the fan to blow cool air through the house versus heated air.
Check the Pilot Light
Your gas heater may be blowing cold air because the pilot light is out. It’s a simple fix; just relight the pilot. Depending on the age of your system and the model, you may have to manually relight it yourself or push a button. Call our professionals at JMAC Plumbing and Air Conditioning if you are unsure how to proceed. We are always happy to help. If the pilot continues to go out, please contact us to come and take a look. This could be indicative of a bigger problem requiring professional help.
Reboot Your System
If you have a newer heater, yours is probably controlled by a computer. It could simply be a glitch in the system, and it needs a simple reset—the same way you would restart your computer or smartphone. If you turn off your heater for 30 seconds and then back on, it may reset itself and begin functioning correctly. If that doesn’t do the trick, call JMAC to have one of our professionals come out and diagnose and repair the issue for you.
Examine Your Ductwork
The older your ductwork is, the more likely it is to be damaged or leaky. If it is damaged or leaky, air can escape before it gets to the desired living areas in your home. The US Department of Energy (DOE) advises that leaking heated air into unheated spaces, like an attic, can greatly impact your energy bills. You can inspect the ductwork yourself, but it is possible you may not be able to visually detect the rips or tears. It is best to call us at 702-227-5622 for a thorough duct inspection.
Contact Us for All Your Heater Needs
If after trying these troubleshooting suggestions your heater is still blowing cold air, unfortunately, you may have a bigger problem that requires professional diagnostics and service. Contact JMAC Plumbing and Air Conditioning today at 702-227-5622 and we would be happy to schedule a convenient time to bring comfort back to your home!
