Did you know that the average Minnesotan spends about $1,500 annually on heating their home? That’s a lot of hot dogs and skol chants! But when your furnace is blowing cold air, that’s no laughing matter. As a fellow Northfielder, I’ve been there, and I’m here to help you get that sweet, sweet furnace heat flowing again.
You know how it goes – the temperatures start to plummet, the snow starts piling up, and all you want is for your furnace to keep chugging along, providing that lovely warm air to keep the chill out. But what happens when instead of hot air, your furnace starts blowing cold? It’s enough to make even the most stoic Minnesotan let out a hearty “uff da!”
Don’t worry, my fellow Northfield neighbors, I’ve got your back. In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to explore the common culprits behind a furnace blowing cold air, walk through some DIY troubleshooting steps, and discuss when it’s time to call in the professionals. By the end, you’ll be back to sipping your hot dish and watching the snow fall from the comfort of your toasty warm home.
Your Furnace is Blowing Cold Air, Why?
Let’s find out why your furnace is blowing cold air. There are a few common reasons why your furnace is blowing cold air instead of the nice, warm heat you’ve come to expect. Let’s start with the easy stuff that you can check yourself:
Thermostat Issues
First things first – make sure your thermostat is set properly. Double-check that it’s in the “heat” mode and that the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. If the thermostat is on the fritz, try giving it a good ol’ whack. Sometimes that’s all it takes to get those contacts working again.
Dirty Air Filters
Another common culprit is dirty air filters. Those filters need changing every 1-3 months, otherwise your furnace has to work overtime, leading to reduced airflow and lukewarm air. Don’t forget to stock up on furnace filters before winter hits – you can usually find them at your local Fleet Farm or Hardware Hank.
Pilot Light is Out
If you’ve got an older furnace that uses a pilot light, make sure that little flame is still burning bright. No pilot light means no heat, so you’ll need to relight it. Just be careful – those pilot lights can be finicky, so don’t be afraid to call in a pro if you’re not comfortable working with gas.
Okay, so you’ve checked the easy stuff and still, your furnace is blowing cold air. Time to put your heavy winter coat on and get down to business.
Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air – Let’s Fix It
Clogged Burners
Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris can build up on your furnace’s burners, preventing them from igniting properly. Grab your trusty shop-vac and give those burners a good cleaning. You may need to disassemble the furnace a bit to access them, so be prepared to get a little handy.
Faulty Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out. If it’s not working correctly, it can cause your furnace to stop producing heat. Replacing a thermocouple is a bit trickier, so this may be a good time to call in an HVAC technician, unless you’re feeling particularly handy and have experience working with gas lines.
Broken Heating Element
For electric furnaces, a broken heating element is the likely culprit if you’re not getting any warm air. Unfortunately, this usually means a full replacement is in order, which is definitely a job for the professionals. Time to call up Ole and Lena!
Don’t Freeze, Call in the Experts!
If you’ve checked all the easy fixes and still your furnace is blowing cold air, it’s time to call in the pros. Here in Northfield, we’re lucky to have some great local HVAC companies that can get your furnace back in tip-top shape faster than you can say “uff da!”
When should you call in the reinforcements? Here are a few signs it’s time to bring in the furnace repair experts:
- You’ve tried the basic troubleshooting steps, but the furnace is still blowing cold air.
- You suspect a more complex issue, like a problem with the gas line or a malfunctioning thermostat.
- The furnace is making strange noises or displaying error codes.
- It’s been a while since your furnace has had a tune-up or maintenance check.
The team at One Hour HVAC has been serving the Northfield area for over 20 years, and they know these old furnaces like the back of their hand. Give them a call, and soon you’ll be back to toasty warmth, sipping on some hot cocoa and watching the snow fall outside.
Remember, taking care of your furnace is crucial, especially in our frigid Minnesota winters. Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road. So be proactive, keep an eye on your furnace, and don’t hesitate to call in the professionals when you need them.