If you’ve ever gone to turn on your furnace only to have it blow cold air, you know how frustrating it can be. Depending on where you live, the winter months can bring brutal conditions to many areas with sub-freezing temperatures. As a result, it is important that your home heating system operates at peak performance all winter long.
Unfortunately, a common problem during the winter is that homeowners discover their gas heater blowing cold air. If your gas heater is blowing cold air, it may be due to a variety of issues. Keep reading to learn what to do if your gas heater is blowing cold air.
Check the gas supply
If you notice that your gas heater is blowing cold air, the first thing you should do is check the gas supply. Make sure that the gas valve is turned on and that there is enough fuel to run the furnace. If there is a problem with a valve or the gas supply, you will need to call a professional for help with your furnace. If you have a tank of natural gas that is running low, you will need to contact the gas company for a refill.
Check the pilot light
If your gas heater is blowing cold air, you’ll need to check is the pilot light. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas in the heater, and if it’s out, the heater won’t work. To check the pilot light, find the knob on the front or side of the heater that says “Pilot.” Turn it to “Pilot” and hold down the button until you hear a clicking noise. If you don’t hear a clicking noise, release the button and wait 30 seconds before trying again. Once you’ve heard the clicking noise, release the button and wait 10 seconds. Then look at the top of the pilot light to see if it’s lit. If it’s not lit, turn off the knob and wait five minutes before trying again. If you can’t get the flame to ignite or stay lit, you may need an HVAC professional to diagnose and remedy the issue.
Check the temperature and thermostat setting
Your thermostat could be calling for cold air because the temperature setting may not be high enough for heat mode. The thermostat may need to be set higher to activate the heat mode and produce heat in your home. You can check the temperature setting on your thermostat to ensure it is set high enough for heat mode. If it is not, you can adjust the temperature setting on your thermostat to increase the heat output and improve the heating performance in your home.
Your thermostat could also be set to “cool” mode instead of “heat” mode. This is a common issue if you are experiencing cold air blowing from your HVAC, despite your desire for heat. To fix this, check your thermostat settings to make sure it is in heat mode. If it is not, change the setting and see if that fixes the problem.
Ensure good airflow to your gas heater
If your gas heater is blowing cold air, you should check to make sure there is nothing blocking the airflow. This could be caused by something as simple as a piece of furniture blocking the vent or a dirty filter. Most people don’t think about their air filters until they start having problems with their HVAC system. Contrary to popular belief, air filters are not just there to keep your system clean; they also play a very important role in your comfort. When air filters are clean, they provide clean, fresh air for your home and help improve indoor air quality. However, when they’re dirty, your comfort could be in jeopardy. In fact, a dirty air filter can lead to a heater blowing cold air.
This is because a dirty air filter can impede airflow, which can cause your system to work harder than it needs to. This can lead to a number of problems, including a decrease in comfort and an increase in your energy bills. In order to avoid these problems, it’s important to make sure your air filters are cleaned on a regular basis.
Most experts recommend changing your air filters at least every three months. However, if you have pets or if you smoke, you may need to clean or change them more often. If you’re not sure how to take care of your air filters, your HVAC technician can help you out.
Overall, it is important to take action if your gas heater is blowing cold air. This can create some miserable indoor conditions and could potentially lead to a dangerous situation, so it is best to take steps to address the issue as soon as possible.