Returning to a cold home after a long day of hard work is a scenario every homeowner would like to avoid. While maintaining your furnace annually will help prevent major breakdowns from happening, it isn’t uncommon for a furnace to blow cold – instead of warm – air. Here’s what you should do if you find your furnace is blowing cold air.
Change Your Furnace’s Air Filter
The first thing to check is the air filter. A dirty and clogged air filter can have more of an impact on your heating system’s operation than you might think; it can reduce the volume of warm air it blows or shut the system down completely. Remember to change your air filter at least once a month to help with efficiency as well as allergens.
Check Your Thermostat’s Settings
If your heating system is still blowing cold air after taking care of the air filter, check the thermostat’s settings. Ensure your thermostat is set to ‘heat’ and increase it by five degrees to see if the warm air ‘kicks’ in. Additionally, replace the batteries and blow out any dust that’s located inside the thermostat’s panel.
Inspect Your Heating System’s Air Ducts
If you have access, inspect your air ducts for any obstructions that may be blocking warm air from escaping through the vents. If that’s not the case, check the ducts for any holes, cracks or gaps where warm air can escape. A leaking duct will easily lead to a cold home and higher utility bills.
Contact Your Local HVAC Contractor
If you’re unable to access your air ducts, or if you haven’t solved the issue after completely the aforementioned steps, contact a local HVAC contractor. Considering that your heating system can pose a health and safety risk, it’s best to leave any other checks – or an ultimate furnace repair – to the professionals.
For more information about whether you should repair or replace your heating system, check out this blog or contact us at (847) 719-8442. We can help with an emergency furnace repair right away!
