8 Reasons the Furnace Won’t Blow Warm Air

There’s nothing better than coming home after a long day’s work to a warm and comfortable home. This is especially true for homes in Puyallup, WA during the winter. The average low temperature in this part of the country is 42°F. The average amount of snowfall is 10 to 20 inches each year. Even with the utmost care and maintenance, though, furnaces sometimes experience problems. Let’s look at the top eight causes of a furnace that fails to keep your home warm and what to do.

1. Thermostat Settings or Malfunction

A furnace that blows chilly air might be due to incorrect thermostat settings. For example, if you set the thermostat to “ON” instead of “AUTO,” the fan will run continuously, creating cold air circulation. A malfunctioning thermostat can also cause the furnace to blow cold air. This is because the thermostat helps control the heating cycle. If it’s broken, the thermostat will keep the furnace from heating to your desired temperature. Maintaining a well-functioning heating system requires regular checks and calibration of the thermostat settings and rapid attention to any problems.

2. Clogged Air Filter

Dirty air filters are one of the most common reasons that a furnace will blow cold air. Because less air can pass through a blocked filter, the furnace becomes too hot and turns off too soon. The best way for homeowners to address this problem is by checking and replacing the air filters at the recommended intervals. Experts suggest that you change your HVAC air filters at least every three months. However, you may have to change them more often based on factors like if your pets shed a lot or if your heating system has to run more often due to extreme weather.

3. Pilot Light Issues

A malfunctioning pilot light is a common reason a furnace may not operate correctly. This is because furnaces can’t ignite and produce hot air unless the pilot light works properly. Homeowners can fix this issue by calling a professional HVAC specialist. Your HVAC technician can clean or replace the pilot light assembly and check the ignition sequence to make sure it’s working correctly so that your furnace comes on when it is supposed to.

4. Gas Supply Problems

If there isn’t enough gas or there are issues with the gas valve, the furnace won’t be able to burn fuel properly and generate hot air. In order to fix this, homeowners need to check that the gas valve is in good working order and that the gas lines are not damaged. However, to identify and address any issues with the gas supply, it is essential to seek the advice of a HVAC specialist. A professional has the experience and training to ensure that the furnace operates both safely and effectively.

5. Faulty Limit Switch

If the limit switch on the furnace isn’t working properly, the heating cycle can end too soon, causing the furnace to shut off before your house is comfortable. If a homeowner suspects a malfunctioning limit switch, they should call an HVAC technician for assistance. The professional can inspect the limit switch for signs of damage and make any necessary repairs.

6. Thermocouple Problems

If your pilot flame ignites but goes out after you release the gas control knob, you probably have a bad thermocouple. This component is located over the pilot light and turns off the fuel supply if it detects it is not lit. Manufacturers include them in furnaces to prevent gas leaks. Dirt accumulation is one of the most common causes of thermocouple problems. To clean or repair the thermocouple and ensure it performs appropriately, homeowners should contact an HVAC specialist. Keeping up with routine maintenance makes it easier to catch minor issues like dirty thermocouples early on. This is a good example of why homeowners should have their heating systems tuned up regularly to ensure they will have a comfortable home throughout winter.

7. Dirty or Faulty Blower Motor

A dirty or broken blower motor can interfere with your heating system’s ability to deliver warm air. Because of this, cleaning and examining the blower motor should be part of the homeowner’s routine maintenance inspections. A trained professional can clean, repair, or replace the blower motor as necessary to ensure the whole heating system functions as it should.

8. Wrong Size Furnace

When a furnace short cycles, it will shut off before reaching the desired temperature, which can make the home cold. This happens when the furnace’s size is too large for the space it’s supposed to heat. On the other hand, a heating unit that is too small simply will not be able to keep your home comfortable when it gets frigid outside. To solve this issue, homeowners should seek the advice of an HVAC expert who can assess the home’s needs and recommend a suitable furnace size.

Contact the Professionals

Puyallup Heating & Air Conditioning offers a number of services to keep your home more comfortable. We provide AC and heater installations, repairs, and maintenance, as well as ductwork design and installation. Give us a call today to schedule a furnace repair in Puyallup.