When your furnace blows cold air, it’s time for service. Winters are too cold to go without heat. Ignoring the issue can leave you uncomfortable and lead to bigger problems. Luckily, we offer furnace service in St. Paul and the surrounding areas, and we’re here to help.
There are a few common reasons why your furnace might blow cold air instead of heat. Some issues are minor and easy to fix, but others need professional attention. Let’s take a look at what could be causing the problem.
What Does Furnace Maintenance Service Include?
Furnace maintenance service includes checking and cleaning the ignition system, replacing air filters, inspecting the blower motor and heat exchanger, and testing the thermostat. These steps help ensure efficient performance, prevent unexpected breakdowns, lower energy bills, and extend the life of your heating system.
Why Is Your Furnace Blowing Cold Air? Common Causes Explained
First, check your thermostat. It’s surprising how often the thermostat causes furnace issues. It could be set to “cool” instead of “heat.” If that’s the case, switch it to “heat” and you should be good to go. But if you’ve already tried that and the air is still cold, dead batteries or faulty wiring in the thermostat could be the problem.
Another common issue is with the ignition or pilot light. For gas furnaces, the pilot light must be lit for the furnace to produce heat. If the ignition system is broken, the furnace will blow cold air.
Dirty air filters are another culprit. When filters are clogged, airflow is restricted, which can cause cold air to blow through your vents. Changing your air filters regularly is an easy way to avoid this problem. Annual furnace maintenance is a great way to catch this early.
Lastly, more significant mechanical problems like a broken blower motor or a faulty heat exchanger could also be the reason your furnace is blowing cold air. In these cases, professional service is your best bet.
When to Call a Furnace Repair Professional
It can be tempting to troubleshoot furnace problems yourself, but without proper training, it’s easy to make the problem worse, not to mention the fact that it is extremely unsafe. Our certified HVAC technicians have the knowledge to get your furnace back in working order quickly and safely.
Our team consists of NATE-certified furnace technicians who can accurately diagnose and repair any issue. Whether it’s an ignition problem or a faulty blower motor, we’re the furnace repair experts you can trust.
Furnace Maintenance Tips to Prevent Cold Air Issues
The best way to avoid furnace problems is regular maintenance. We recommend annual furnace maintenance to keep your furnace running efficiently. A yearly tune-up helps catch minor issues before they become big problems. It also keeps your system working at its best, which can save you money on energy bills. Regular maintenance also prolongs the life of your furnace, so you won’t need to replace it as often.
Don’t wait for a minor furnace issue to turn into a major headache. Call our team for furnace service in St. Paul today. Whether you need a repair, replacement, or maintenance, we’re here to help. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll get the job done right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why is my furnace blowing cold air instead of heat?
Answer: A furnace may blow cold air due to thermostat settings, dead batteries, or faulty wiring. Other common causes include a dirty air filter, ignition or pilot light problems, or mechanical failures like a broken blower motor. Some issues are simple fixes, while others require professional repair.
Question: Can a dirty air filter cause my furnace to blow cold air?
Answer: Yes, a clogged filter restricts airflow and can prevent proper heating. This can cause cold air to circulate through your vents. Replacing air filters regularly is a simple way to maintain efficiency and avoid furnace problems, especially during peak heating seasons.
Question: When should I call a professional if my furnace is blowing cold air?
Answer: If replacing filters, checking thermostat settings, or relighting the pilot light doesn’t solve the issue, it’s time to call a professional. Certified technicians can safely handle ignition failures, blower motor problems, or heat exchanger issues to restore reliable heating.
Question: How can I prevent my furnace from blowing cold air in the future?
Answer: Regular maintenance is the best prevention. An annual tune-up helps catch minor issues before they become major repairs. Maintenance keeps your furnace efficient, lowers energy bills, and extends the system’s lifespan, ensuring consistent heating all winter.