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Troubleshooting a Furnace that is Blowing Cold Air

troubleshooting-a-furnace-blowing-cold-airThree hundred days of sunshine a year make Denver a beautiful place to live – even in winter.  If your furnace is blowing cold air during those chilly months, though, even the sunshine won’t help.

Before you call your HVAC professional, there are a few things you can do on your own that just may resolve the issue.

Check the Thermostat

Make sure your thermostat fan is on the proper setting.  If it is set to ON, switch it to AUTO.  This way it will won’t run constantly; the fan will only turn on when the furnace is heating air.

Check the Power Switch & Circuit Breaker

Make sure both are on and functioning properly.

Reset the Power

For a newer furnaces, unplug the unit, wait 30 seconds, replug.  Don’t do this more than 3 or 4 times.  Even if the heat starts working, however, this is an indication that something is wrong and should be checked by a professional.  [Give us a call!]

Replace the Air Filter

Replacing the air filter is a routine maintenance task that should be done once a month to keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently.  (You don’t need to buy the super expensive filters, which can actually reduce air flow without improving indoor air quality. Go with the inexpensive filters and change them regularly.)

Check the Pilot Light

If the furnace pilot light is out, relight it and ensure that gas is flowing into the furnace.  You may need to adjust or replace the thermocouple, which is a relatively inexpensive part that connects to the pilot light.   (Note: Furnaces with pilot lights have not been sold since the ’90s.  If you have one, you should consider replacing your furnace.)

If the pilot light doesn’t stay lit, or your furnace continues to blow cold air after addressing each of these areas, call an HVAC professional to inspect your system and diagnose the problem.  It’s a good idea to have your system checked annually to avoid problems before you really need the heat.

IAQ is always here to help with maintenance checks, system repairs, or replacement.  Contact us today and stay warm this winter!