Cooler weather has arrived, and that means that your furnace has kicked on to keep your home comfortable. As your unit works hard to warm the air, you might notice it suddenly begin blowing cold air. If this is happening to you, Champion AC has some solutions.
Champion AC knows that even though our San Antonio winters might not be frigid, they can require a heater to stay cozy. We’re here to help get your heater blowing warm air again so that you and your family can stay comfortable! Figuring out why your heater is misbehaving is key to fixing the problem.
Reason One: Your Thermostat Isn’t Set Right
Your thermostat is basically the control center of your heating and cooling systems. While they’re pretty easy to use, they’re bound to cause trouble at some point. If you notice cool air coming from your heater, double check that you’ve set your thermostat to your desired temperature.
As seasons change, we easily forget smaller tasks like setting the thermostat. Although it isn’t likely, just make sure that you have changed yours to its ‘Heat’ and ‘Auto’ settings, and that the temperature is where you would like it.
Reason Two: The Furnace Has To Warm Up
Just like we have trouble getting up on a chilly morning, your heater can do the same. There are tons of moving parts in your unit that can take a bit to work properly. So if you notice your heater is cooling instead of heating, try waiting a little longer.
If 15 minutes pass and the unit is still blowing cold, there might be another issue with the system.
Reason Three: Your Filters Are Dirty
Air filters not only keep your air clean, they also keep your system functioning properly. That’s why it’s so important to clean and change your filter regularly, because a dirty filter could contaminate your air and even damage your system. Grimy filters can cause your furnace to blow cool air.
Dirty filters block airflow to the heat exchanger in your furnace, which can cause the system to overheat. An overheating unit will shut off its pilot light, a safety measure to prevent fires, so your air is no longer being heated. Instead, the system will just blow cool air through your ducts.
Luckily, this means that your heater is doing a good job of keeping your family safe, and replacing the filter should fix the issue!
Reason Four: The Unit Has Overheated
Your heater may blow cold air because it’s overheating, but this doesn’t mean that the unit is broken. When a furnace overheats, it causes the safety feature to shut the system off to prevent fires and carbon monoxide leaks. This means that your furnace is no longer heating, and your home is now just circulating cold air until the entire system shuts off.
There are several reasons that your system overheats, like built-up dirt, mechanical failures and old age.
Collected Dirt
We know clogged filters are often to blame when your furnace won’t heat, but the dirt in your filters can also be found in the unit. If your unit looks like it needs a deep cleaning session, it’s time to call a trusted heater repair company. A professional clean can help get your system running properly again.
Mechanical Failures
Your heater doesn’t rely on just one part, it’s a system of connected mechanisms which have their own process. That means that each of those mechanisms can malfunction in their own way. If you haven’t had a furnace tune-up in a while, or if your system is older, there might be a mechanical failure within your unit.
Old Age
If your system is close to fulfilling its 15-year lifespan, you may have noticed a decline in its performance. While parts may wear out and need replacing, preventative maintenance should help your system reach the 15 year mark. Without this, your heater may break down much sooner. So if you notice your older furnace is frequently overheating, it may be time for a heater replacement.
Reason Five: There Is No Pilot Light
Another common culprit in older heating systems is an extinguished pilot light. Check your furnace for a small blue flame, because this heats the system and your air. Without this flame, your furnace cannot warm itself and will only blow cold air.
If you see no pilot light, even though your unit should have one, the flame needs to be reignited. Our team can do this for you safely, and this is the best option if you have never had to relight your pilot light before. Our technicians can make sure there is nothing else wrong with your system, and that it’s safe to relight the flame.
Your San Antonio Heater Repair Professionals
At Champion AC, we put our client’s comfort first. Our thorough heater inspections and repairs will put your mind at ease this winter and you’ll get to enjoy a fully functioning system all season. And if you’re looking to replace your old heater, our technicians can install a new energy-efficient unit with no hassle for you.
To schedule one of our premier heating and cooling services, connect with us today!
