Although Mississippi winters are usually mild, the weather is anything but predictable! To endure another year of record-breaking cold fronts without a working heater is far from ideal. However, if your furnace is blowing cold air, it’s not always a sign of needed repair. There are various maintenance and troubleshooting tips you can follow to prevent and fix such an issue when you need reliable heating the most.
Heblon Heating & Air Conditioning is here to share these guidelines with homeowners to ensure a warm, safe environment for everyone this winter.
In the event that your furnace requires professional repair, our heating experts provide prompt and thorough service you can depend on. Read on to learn more about proper furnace care and how to correct mechanical issues.
Preventative Maintenance
Replace Furnace Air Filter
Believe it or not, your furnace blowing cold air could be a result of it overheating. Overheating is usually caused by a disrupted airflow, aka dirty air filters.
A restricted airflow forces your system into overdrive, meaning it will run harder and longer, causing it to overheat. The safety control limit switch will shut off the burners in such cases. Therefore, the fan will keep running to cool the unit and protect it from damage.
Depending on your home’s size and whether you have pets, you should replace air filters once every 1-3 months to prevent dirt buildup that causes overheating. Once there is unrestricted airflow, and your furnace is able to cool down, it should restart and begin producing warm air.
Clean The Flame Sensor
Your furnace’s flame sensor spends much time submersed in fire, which can lead to rust, carbon deposits and dust buildup. A corroded or dirty sensor can prevent your furnace from lighting.
If it does not detect a flame when the gas is on, it will automatically shut down as a safety precaution. Most units will shut down up to three times before it goes into lockout mode to let any gas buildup clear the area. To maintain a well-functioning, healthy unit, routine cleanings of the flame sensor are crucial. Thankfully, it is a very straightforward process.
Most importantly, turn off your furnace before attempting to clean it. Locate the flame sensor bracket and remove any screws bounding the sensor in place. Gently slide it out, and lightly wipe away any debris with a fine emery cloth. Once cleaned, simply slip it back inside the bracket.
Furnace Troubleshooting Tips
Check Your Thermostat
Sometimes, the issue is not with your heating unit — warm air could be a simple thermostat setting change away! Check that your fan setting is on “Auto” to ensure the furnace does not run the blower fan between heating cycles.
When your fan setting is “On,” it runs continuously, even when the system is not working to provide heat. Overworking the blower fan between cycles can raise your energy costs and pump unwanted cold air into your home. If you switch the settings and are still experiencing cold air, your thermostat may need replacing. A broken thermostat will not be able to communicate your temperature settings to your furnace, resulting in cold air when you need warmth.
Schedule a replacement with a technician and ask about programmable options. A smart thermostat will allow better control over your temperature needs and energy usage.
Reset The Furnace Control Panel
Like your thermostat, if there is a problem with your unit’s control panel, all it takes is a quick reset to get things running correctly again. To reset your system, turn it off and wait a few minutes before powering it on again. If this does not resolve the issue, let a pro handle the repair.
Secure Air Leaks In Ductwork
Air leaks in your duct system allow heat energy to escape and pull surrounding cold air in, ultimately lowering the temperature. Therefore, by the time the air reaches your vents, it’s cold!
Inspect your ducts for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice any holes and leaks, seal them with metal-backed tape or some form of duct sealant.
Relight The Pilot
If there is no fuel combustion taking place, then your furnace cannot heat your home. Check to see if the pilot light is out and if so, here’s how to relight it:
- Turn both the furnace and pilot light reset switch off.
- Wait at least 10 minutes to allow any escaped gas to dissipate.
- Turn the reset switch to “Pilot” while using a match or lighter to light the outgoing gas at the end of the pilot.
- Once you relight it, you may then turn the switch on and power the furnace again.
If you can’t get the pilot to relight or if the flame keeps going out, you may have a thermocouple-related issue. A professional will have to adjust or replace the component.
Clear Condensate Drain Clogs
If your furnace is a newer, high-efficiency model, it may feature a condensate drain line. The drain line collects and removes any water gathered from the heating process. However, if there is a clog, the system will almost always activate the overkill switch to turn off, preventing the burners from lighting.
To clean a condensate drain, follow these steps:
- Turn your heating unit off.
- Locate the drain pan and remove water with a wet/dry vacuum.
- Remove and wash the pan with either a distilled vinegar solution or mild dish soap and water.
- Set the pan back in place and follow the drainpipe to its outdoor exit.
- Place your wet/dry vacuum at the opening of the end of the drainpipe to suck out clogs.
- After removing the clogs, you may turn the unit back on.
Heater Still Blowing Cold Air? Schedule A Furnace Repair
Whether you need a furnace repair, replacement, or preventative tune-up, Heblon Heating & Air Conditioning is here to handle all your heating needs! We offer a variety of specials and several financing options for new unit replacements! Give us a call today or visit our location in Meridian to discover what our expert team can do for your home.
