Furnaces are essential components of any home heating system. Without a furnace, many homes could not maintain comfortable temperatures during the cold winter months. A furnace creates hot air by burning a fuel source such as natural gas or propane. This hot air is distributed throughout the house, providing warmth and comfort for the occupants.
The importance of a furnace cannot be overstated. It is essential for keeping a home warm and cozy in the winter, and it can have a huge impact on energy efficiency and utility bills. A well-maintained furnace can help reduce energy consumption and costs, while a poorly maintained furnace can cause costly repairs or result in an inefficient system.
Unfortunately, furnaces are prone to breakdowns, and one of the most common problems is a lack of hot air. If this is the problem you’re facing today, you’re in luck. We’ll tackle the common causes of this issue and how you can fix them:
1. Dirty Filters
Have you ever thought about when you last changed the air filter in your furnace? If you can’t remember or it’s been a long time, that may be the cause of any problems you’re having. Your furnace needs a clean filter to disperse warm air properly, but unfortunately, dust, dirt, and other allergens accumulate on them over time, causing them to get blocked.
If your furnace is emitting cold air, you’ll need to inspect the air filter. Remove it and hold it to the light to check if any light passes through. If not, it’s time to get a new one. Generally, the filter should be changed every six months, but if your house is busy with people and animals, it’s best to swap it out every three weeks.
2. Blown Out Pilot Light
A gas furnace has a pilot light that needs to stay lit for the heater to work properly. The light can be blown out in certain circumstances, such as maintenance or an emergency by the gas company. If this happens, the furnace will not provide heat and needs to be re-lit.
If the pilot light on your furnace is out, you can try to re-light it yourself using the instructions in the furnace’s manual. If it keeps going out repeatedly, check if any dust or debris is blocking the connection and clean it if necessary. If that doesn’t help, ensure the gas supply line is open, as it may have been closed if the furnace wasn’t used during the summer.
If none of the other solutions have worked to fix your problem, then you may need to get a new thermocouple. This might be something you could do on your own. However, it requires special care and attention to ensure it is fixed and installed properly, so it is best to get a professional to do this job.
3. Wrong Thermostat Settings
Before reaching out to a professional, double-check the settings on your thermostat. It may be something as simple as a change in the temperature or a need for new batteries that keep your furnace from producing hot air.
To fix this, the main thing to check is the fan setting. If it is set to “on,” it will run constantly. This is why you may feel cool air coming through. To resolve this, switch it from “on” to “auto.” Generally, this will lead to your furnace pushing out heat once more.
If the problem persists, check the thermostat to ensure it is set to the desired temperature. If the thermostat is set to a lower temperature than the current temperature in your house, that could be the reason for the discrepancy.
Conclusion
These are the common causes of a furnace failing to provide the hot air you need. So, if you’re experiencing any of them, act right away! Of course, there could be other causes of the problem that we haven’t talked about, but if it seems like nothing you do is working, reach out to a professional. They can quickly uncover the problem and ensure that your furnace is, once again, providing the hot air you need!
Climate Experts offer professional and reliable HVAC services to meet any issues and needs 24/7. If you are looking for furnace repair in Pickering or any other place in the Durham region, reach out to us today.
