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why is my heater blowing cold air

Why Is My Heater Blowing Cold Air?

Written by topgunairtx on . Posted in Heating.

Your heater is supposed to combat winter chills, not join them. If your teeth are chattering and your heater is blowing cold air, what should you do? 

When your heat pump or furnace is blowing cold air, you must address this issue as soon as possible. A heater may blow cold air for numerous reasons, including a lack of maintenance, a low fuel supply, or a faulty thermostat.

Below, we discuss why your heater is blowing cold air, along with troubleshooting options and preventive measures to ensure that your home stays cozy all winter long.

At Top Gun Heating & Air, we specialize in heating installation, repair, and maintenance. If your heating system isn’t performing as expected, we can arrive promptly, diagnose any issues, and make repairs or recommendations on the spot. 

Common Causes of a Heater Blowing Cold Air

  1. Thermostat Settings Issues

Sometimes, there’s a simple fix for your heater’s cold air. Your thermostat fan should be set to “AUTO” instead of “ON.” And be sure that your thermostat is set to “HEAT” instead of “COOL.” We all forget to make the switch sometimes, so give your thermostat a quick look before moving on to other troubleshooting methods. 

  1. Lack of Proper Maintenance

Dirty air filters, blocked vents, and dust buildup can reduce your heater’s efficiency and make it blow cold air. Your heating system will run properly if you schedule regular maintenance and change air filters every couple of months. 

  1. Pilot Light or Ignition System Problems (Gas Heaters)

A pilot light ignites your furnace’s burners, allowing it to produce heat. Older gas furnaces often suffer from faulty pilot lights, which can be caused by residue buildup or excessive drafts. Many furnaces come with instructions on how to reset the pilot light—we recommend following those. 

Generally, you will want to find the pilot light assembly and its reset toggle. To do this, you should turn off the toggle to turn off the gas and wait a few minutes before turning the switch back on. After setting the switch to “ON,” you should put the reset toggle on the “Pilot” setting. This should allow gas to reach the pilot light. Once you have activated the “Pilot” setting, hold down your furnace’s reset button and put a match in front of the pilot light. You should see a flame form. If a flame appears, then release the reset button. Your furnace should be good to go.

If the pilot light cannot be re-lit or if you are having difficulty in the process, contact Top Gun Heating & Air. Our expert technicians will be able to walk you through the process and restore your furnace’s heating. 

  1. Overheated System (Safety Shutoff Triggered)

When a heater is overworked and becomes too hot, the system’s burners shut down to prevent damage to the blower motor. The heater will then blow out cool air to reach a safer temperature. 

The main causes of an overheated heater include restricted airflow and malfunctioning components. In a furnace, restricted airflow can result from dirty filters, which should be changed regularly. 

If changing your system’s air filter does not fix the problem, call Top Gun Heating & Air at (682) 332-7221. Our HVAC experts can diagnose the issue and lay out your next steps. 

  1. Fuel or Power Supply Problems

If your gas, propane, or electrical supply is low, your heater will struggle to produce warm air. Be sure to check all connections and contact your utility company about any outstanding issues. 

Advanced Issues That Require Professional Assistance

  1. Malfunctioning Heat Exchanger

A faulty heat exchanger creates safety hazards, including carbon monoxide leaks. A leak can result in serious illness or death, so it is important to contact a furnace repair service as soon as possible. If you notice strange smells, soot buildup, or an orange/yellow flame, your heater may have a malfunctioning heat exchanger. 

  1. Faulty Blower Motor

If your vents are pushing out little-to-no air, or if you smell a burning odor from the vents, your unit may have a faulty blower motor.  

Should you replace the blower motor or replace the furnace itself? If your furnace isn’t blowing hot air, then you should look at its age, and the cost of a furnace replacement vs a blower motor replacement. An HVAC professional can advise you, making recommendations that balance your financial and heating needs. 

  1. Electrical or Control Board Issues

Modern heaters rely on electricity and control boards to efficiently manage heating cycles. If the wiring is faulty or the electricity is cut off, your unit may experience inconsistent or no heating. An HVAC professional can diagnose and repair most control board issues, but the problem may occasionally lie with your utility provider. 

Preventative Measures to Avoid Heater Issues

  1. Regular Maintenance

Seasonal HVAC checkups will keep your furnace running efficiently, and a professional will find any issues before they become disasters. You should also replace air filters every 1–3 months. Dirty filters cause most furnace issues. 

  1. Monitoring Thermostat Settings

When you correctly program and maintain your thermostat, your heater runs efficiently and meets your heating needs. A well-monitored thermostat will ensure lower energy bills in the long run. 

  1. Addressing Issues Early

When you find and solve issues early, you avoid poor heating and high replacement costs. Being proactive is always your best bet, so contact a heating repair service immediately if your heater is blowing cold air and you cannot fix it. 

Contact Top Gun Heating & Air For Heating Maintenance and Repair

If your heat pump or furnace is blowing cold air, the solution can be as simple as adjusting your thermostat or as complicated as replacing the whole system. When your heater is still blowing cold air despite troubleshooting, contact a professional HVAC technician. 

Top Gun Heating & Air will help you stay ahead of heating issues, ensuring comfort all winter long. And when an emergency pops up, we’re more than happy to help. Our heating experts are available 24/7, providing repairs when you need them most. 

As a family-owned company, we know the importance of keeping your loved ones cozy. When your furnace is not blowing hot air, we know exactly what to do, and we’ll return your home to normal as soon as possible. Contact Top Gun Heating & Air for reliable, committed heating services around North Richland Hills.