Having a gas furnace in your house is a blessing when the temperature outside is freezing. Gas furnaces tend to be one of the most popular heating solutions known for their efficiency and effectiveness. But the problem with gas furnaces is that they can encounter problems over time which is expected. The most irritating situation you can come across is the gas furnace blowing cold air when the temperature outside is already shivering. There could be several reasons causing this issue so you may need to call in furnace repair services. Let’s discuss some troubleshooting tips for this issue.
The Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly
The first thing you are going to do when your gas furnace is blowing cold air is check the thermostat. Although modern gas furnaces come with pre-installed thermostats, older versions may require an aftermarket thermostat. If you have recently purchased a new gas furnace, you will need to check the thermostat settings.
If you live with your family and have some elderly people along with kids in the house, it might be that they are sensitive to temperatures. Someone might have adjusted the thermostat without knowing what it is. So, you will need to give the thermostat a check to see if the set temperature is appropriate.
On the other hand, if the furnace happens to be an old version and you have installed an aftermarket thermostat, you will need to check its calibration. It is a common issue for thermostats to lose their calibration if they were recently serviced or installed.
In this case, you will need to consult an expert who will recalibrate the thermostat. But, if the thermostat has malfunctioned, you will not be able to repair it. The only solution in this case will be replacing the thermostat.
The Furnace Filter Is Dirty
It’s stressed by every expert but many homeowners still fail to realize its importance. Furnace filters are installed for a reason and can affect the entire unit if they are both clogged and ignored. The filters in gas furnaces tend to circulate the air before it is distributed inside the house.
With time, it is normal for the filters to become clogged with dust. This not only results in contaminated air entering the house but also excessively stressing out the unit and its components. With time, the components become hotter as they are not able to make up for the desired temperature.
Sooner or later, the unit experiences sudden shutdown as it becomes too hot or a component malfunction. This could be easily avoided if you ensure proper cleaning and maintenance. Generally, the air filters need to be cleaned at least once a week. However, it depends on the usage as well. Plus, at some point, you will need to replace your gas furnace filter.
At the same time, the gas furnace should also be inspected and maintained by a professional especially if it is being used throughout winter season. This helps reduce the probability of expensive repairs and replacements by not only keeping the unit clean but also safeguarding the components against external factors and sudden malfunctions.
Furnace Has Overheated
Modern gas furnaces are loaded with advanced safety features. When your furnace has or is overheating, a safety mechanism inside the unit will cause it to shut down. But, in some cases, you will observe the furnace blowing cold air as well, which is a part of the safety feature as well.
Instead of panicking, you should shut down the unit and check if the furnace is excessively hot or if you can smell a burning odor. Several reasons could cause this issue. To begin with, if don’t clean your gas furnace, the dust will keep collecting inside the furnace. It will restrict the airflow and affect the performance of the furnace.
As a result, the air intended to be distributed inside the house, circulates inside the furnace, resulting in overheating. Moreover, if your HVAC system is undersized, your furnace can overheat in that case as well.
In addition to that, it could also be that the furnace has experienced a component malfunction. If the unit happens to be new, you will be able to cover it under warranty.
But, if the unit is old, you cannot do much to prevent aging and wear and tear. In such cases, you should consider saving the money and investing it in a new unit.
Problem With The Gas Supply
Sometimes, homeowners are too quick to point at the gas furnace for all the problems. If you have thoroughly checked your gas furnace and everything seems to be fine, you will need to check the gas supply. If the unit is not receiving a sufficient amount of supply, it will simply fail to work.
In that case, you should check if the main gas supply pipe connected to the gas furnace is not clogged. It could also be that the pipe is cracked or damaged, leading to leakage, which could be dangerous. You have to keep in mind that gas furnaces need an adequate amount of propane to combust and generate heat.
If you notice that the pilot light is going out instantly or not lighting at all, it means there is an issue with the gas supply. But, if your gas furnace is the latest version, it will shut itself down due to safety protocols. You might want to check with your relevant authorities to see if there is a problem with the gas supply.
The Air Ducts Are Leaking
Believe it or not, air ducts tend to be a huge factor when it comes to gas furnaces effectively warming up the house. The maintenance of air ducts is as important as the maintenance of the gas furnace itself. With time, the air ducts tend to experience cracks, dents, damage, and leakages.
This mostly happens due to wear and tear with time or birds and intruders taking up accommodation during the winter season. If the unit has been sitting dormant, birds, mice, and other unwelcome guests will find space to settle down. This is why experts and HVAC companies Falls Church recommend getting the gas furnace serviced if the unit is being turned on after a while.
Air ducts with damage and leakage will only result in additional stress on the unit. It will work harder than usual to make up for the loss. This will not only affect the unit’s lifespan but also the gas bills.
How To Prevent Gas Furnace Issues?
The best way to prevent gas furnace issues is by scheduling professional maintenance. You have to keep in mind that gas furnaces are designed to last several years before needing a replacement. So, if your gas furnace has begun experiencing problems sooner than expected, it means it is being ignored.
All you need to do is consult an expert and maintain a maintenance schedule. This will help keep the unit running without any repairs and replacements. Plus, you also get to avoid any unexpected complications that might make it difficult for you to spend the night.
Conclusion
A gas furnace blowing cold air is a call for help. You should try the tips mentioned above to fix this problem. These tips are also helpful in preventing many gas furnace issues. Always look for expert furnace services McLean when your gas furnace needs repairs or maintenance.
