This winter, you will once again rely on your furnace for protection against severely cold weather. Because it generates and distributes heated air throughout your home, you can live as if it were fall and not that cold. But what if your unit fails to provide the temperature you prefer? What if it blows cold air instead of warm? For sure, you don’t want to let your family be left in the cold, so it’s best to call your preferred heating company in Edina MN like Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning.
In this article, we aim to help you understand why your furnace seems like it has lost the ability to keep you and your family warm.
A Clogged Filter
Dirty filters are a common source of heating problems. The accumulated dust and debris in your filters restrict airflow, which adds pressure to your furnace. When this happens, your furnace is forced to work harder to compensate for the lack of airflow. As a result, your heating system uses more energy to heat your home. Keeping your furnace filters clean keeps the system in great shape, giving you the warmth you desperately need during winter.
A Dirty Flame Sensor
One of your heating system’s safety devices is the flame sensor. It tests to determine whether or not your furnace’s burners are working properly. If it detects that the burners are not working, it will shut them off.
A flame sensor can get dirty over time, especially when you run your system with a clogged air filter, which can cause the unit to turn the burners off prematurely. If the burners are turned off, your furnace will not have a source of heat, allowing cold air to blow out of your registers. That’s why dirty flame sensors should be cleaned by a professional who possesses the right knowledge and tools to perform such a task.
Electrical Issues
Did you know that even if you have a gas-fired unit, your furnace still needs electricity to work? Simple issues such as a tripped breaker inside your electrical panel can cause many issues, including your furnace failing to release warm air. It can also lead to a pilot light malfunction. A tripped circuit breaker can cause your furnace to not turn on at all. These issues are just some of the reasons why your heating system fails to perform its job.
So, check the furnace and surrounding walls for another switch or circuit breaker and ensure that it is turned on. If any of these switches and breakers are turned off, turn them on and allow your system to run. If your circuit breakers keep on tripping, then this could indicate a problem with your home’s electrical system. It’s best to call a professional electrician or your trusted HVAC technician to fix the problem. Trying to DIY this problem without the proper training can lead to accidents and can even start a fire. So, leave it to the experts.
A Failing Limit Switch
Another safety device that can cause your furnace to blow cold air when not working properly is your limit switch. This part is responsible for commanding your furnace’s fan when to turn on and off.
If your limit switch malfunctions, your fan will not receive the signal to turn off and it can continue to run even after your furnace has completed a heating cycle. If your limit switch is not working properly, it should be inspected and repaired by a qualified professional.
Dealing with a Furnace Blowing Cold Air? Let Us Help You
If you want to restore the heat in your home, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We have teams of heating experts who understand furnaces from the inside out. We will give your heating system a thorough inspection and identify the root of the problem. We will make sure that a long-term solution is applied, giving you peace of mind. Our HVAC professionals will put back the heat and comfort in your home in no time. We are your dependable Minnetonka HVAC repair company that delivers no less than top-notch workmanship and unparalleled customer service. Call us today. It would be our pleasure to help you!