Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?
During the chilly winter months, you undoubtedly desire a
home that is warm and comfortable to return to after a long and arduous day.
However, on certain occasions, you might realize your furnace blows out cold
air. This situation can be both confusing and uncomfortable. Now let us
consider why this may be occurring and what actions you can take to remedy this
problem.
Thermostat Settings
Before you panic, you must check your thermostat settings. It may seem
obvious, but there are times when the settings on the thermostat may be set
incorrectly.” Also, confirm that the fan setting is not set to “on,”
as this will cause your heating system to blow continuously even when it is not
providing any heat. So, make sure your thermostat settings are correct. If it
is a smart model, make sure it is programmed to meet your current needs and
preferences.
Pilot Light Issues
If you have a furnace that relies on a pilot light, the
issue may be as basic as the light being out. The furnace cannot begin heating
without this component being lit, which means it will blow cold air. You can
look at the pilot light based on guidelines from its manufacturer and ignite it again. Nevertheless, if you are uncertain or do not feel confident
about performing this task, it is strongly recommended to get assistance from a
professional.
Dirty Air Filters
One more reason for your furnace to blow cold air is a dirty
air filter. Filters filled with dirt, pet fur and other particles can limit the
airflow that goes into the furnace. This decreased airflow might make the heat
exchanger become too hot and turn off rapidly, which will not allow the furnace
to adequately heat your home. Regularly changing your filters can resolve this
issue.
Fuel Supply Problems
Another chief reason behind your furnace blowing cold air may
be that it is not getting the fuel it needs to make heat. For gas furnaces, you
will want to check if the gas supply is turned on and see that there are no
breaks in the line. For electric ones, make sure your furnace is getting sufficient
power. At times, basic problems such as a tripped breaker or blown fuse can
cause the furnace to function incorrectly. Depending on what you discover, you may need emergency help from an HVAC repair technician.
Knowing the usual reasons for this, you can do some
problem-solving on your own. But if you have tried all the simple
troubleshooting steps and still have this issue, it is better to get help from
a heating expert who will find and fix the issue so that your home remains a
comfortable place to be.
D & A Heating and Air, LLC is a father & son
family-owned and operated business. Our Trane-certified HVAC repair technicians offer
numerous Heating & Cooling services including furnace replacement and
central air conditioner installation. We are fully licensed and insured, and
integrity is at the center of everything we do. In addition to offering
top-notch HVAC solutions, we specialize
in fixing and replacing plumbing. Our 20 years of experience in the industry
means we have the background to handle your projects and offer clean, fast, and
efficient workmanship. Contact us for 24/7 emergency service, affordable
financing, and up-front guaranteed pricing in the Denver metro area and other
surrounding areas.
Setting the Ideal Humidity Level in Your Home to Prevent HVAC Damage
Many of the problems that D&A Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning encounters at our clients’ homes stem from improper humidity levels that impede the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system from working properly. When humidity levels fall too low or rise too high, it can damage the HVAC system and create a health hazard.
The Importance of Humidity
Humidity refers to water vapor amounts in the air. The term absolute humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. As water vapor increases, so does humidity level. Low humidity results in dry air, which causes human skin to dry. High humidity proves better for the skin but wreaks havoc on an HVAC system.
On the TV news, meteorologists express the water vapor in the air as relative humidity. Relative humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum possible water vapor at a specific temperature. For example, if the meteorologist forecasts tomorrow’s high temperature as 90 degrees and a dew point of 70 degrees, they would also include the relative humidity as a percentage, in this case 52%.
Indoor Humidity and Your HVAC System
This tiny bit of science helps you because it lets you know the importance of humidity. Modern HVAC systems include humidity controls, so you can keep it between 40 and 50%.
Because high humidity means lots of water in the air, if your humidity levels rise above 50%, your home remains too moist. Just as rain coming through a window can damage your home, so can moisture in the air. It can damage the HVAC system by causing condensation, which causes rust and corrosion of parts, ducts, and vents. Mildew and mold can also develop due to the high humidity levels.
When humidity falls too low, typically 30% or less, the air becomes too dry, causing the wood to crack and warp. You might not see this damage since some of it occurs inside your home’s walls in its framing. When the plywood subfloor undergoes this dryness damage, it cracks, warps, and buckles.
Measuring Humidity Indoors
A low-cost hygrometer can measure the humidity in your home. These devices offer an easy way to determine humidity indoors if your home lacks a newer HVAC that monitors and maintains it.
Upgrading Your HVAC
If your home has an older HVAC system, upgrade it to a modern system that manages humidity for you. Today’s HVAC systems last for 12 to 15 years before needing replacement.
Call D&A Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
When your humidity levels get out of whack, call D&A Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve served Littleton, Colorado, and the surrounding area for more than 20 years. Operated by a father and son, our family-owned business provides 24/7 emergency service and affordable financing.