During the winter months you rely on your furnace to keep your Wichita Falls home warm and comfortable, but what should you do if you have a furnace blowing cold air? Read on for a list of reasons why you may be left out in the cold, and advice on when to call for service.
- Your fan is on. If you turn on your heating system and are met with cool air, check the setting on your fan. If the switch is set to “on” it will run continuously until turned off; fix this by switching over to “auto” which will only run the fan when the furnace is in operation.
- Your pilot light is out. Older furnaces may be equipped with a pilot light that can occasionally blow out. Check and re-light the unit according to the owner’s manual, calling for service if the problem continues.
- You have a dirty sensor. Intermittent heat is a sign of a dirty flame sensor, preventing the burner from staying lit. Typically the furnace will start up and begin to throw heat only to shut down, and this process may repeat several times before shutting down completely. Call for a professional to clean the sensor, keeping in mind this issue is easily prevented through annual preventive maintenance.
- The heat is on its way. A furnace blowing cold air isn’t always cause for alarm; it may simply take a few seconds after the unit turns on for the heat to reach the supply vents.
- Damaged ductwork. Cool air delivery to one or more vents may signal a disconnect in your ductwork, allowing conditioned air to escape and cool air to enter.
- It’s more complicated. There are a number of other reasons why your furnace may be blowing cold air, such as a malfunctioning circuit board or faulty ignitor, requiring you to call a professional for diagnosis and service.
The next time you have a furnace blowing cold air, call the experts at James Lane Air Conditioning & Plumbing Co. We are proud to serve homeowners in Burkburnett, Graham, Iowa Park, Olney, Vernon and Wichita Falls.
