When you turn up the heat in your Warner Robins, Georgia, home, you should expect that warm air will move through the vents and increase the indoor temperature. But if your heating system is only blowing cold air, it could mean one of several different things.
The Fan Is Off
If you find that your heater isn’t producing warm air, check the thermostat. You may not run the fan during the summer since it can make a lot of noise, but you do need to switch it to the “auto” setting when it’s time to use the furnace. Avoid keeping the switch in the “on” position since this will cause the fan to run continuously, but keeping it on auto keeps the air moving when the furnace is on.
Extinguished Pilot Light
If your home has an older furnace, it’s possible that the pilot light has gone out. Newer units typically have electronic pilot lights that can’t go out, but if your furnace is more than a decade old, this is one thing to check. If you can get to the pilot light safely, consult your owner’s manual to determine how to light it. But if you find that the pilot light won’t stay lit, call a professional HVAC technician to take a closer look.
Dirty Flame Sensor
The flame sensor within your furnace determines whether the burner is producing warmth and aids in heating the air as it moves through the ducts. When your furnace blows cold air, try turning the heating unit off and on. If the air feels warm for a moment or two, then switches to cold, it may be that the flame sensor is dirty.
With a dirty flame sensor, your gas burner won’t stay lit, causing the air to go cold soon after the furnace turns on. Don’t attempt to clean it yourself; instead call a tech to handle the job. The cleaning process involves opening up the gas burner and accessing that flame sensor; trying to take these areas apart yourself could result in severe damage to your unit.
Clogged Filter
Another furnace problem that could impact the temperature of the air coming through your HVAC system is a clogged or dirty filter. As the air moves through the exchanges and into the gas chamber, it must move through the filter. But clogs or excess dirt make it difficult for the air to properly enter the chamber where it is warmed up. As a result, you may find that the air comes through without being properly heated. Swapping out the dirty filter with a new one should solve the issue, but make sure to check the filter’s size before you change it.
Thermostat Changes
One of the first things you should check is the thermostat because it’s always possible that someone in your home accidentally changed a setting. While you’re trying to turn on the fan, you could accidentally turn the system to cool. If you have a smart thermostat, bumping the touch-screen display could also accidentally adjust the heat setting and lower the temperature. So be sure to examine the thermostat before you call for help from a heating contractor.
Disconnected Utilities
Perhaps you forgot to pay your gas bill, or perhaps there is a problem with the gas line. These issues could cause the utilities to disconnect from your heating system, which will result in a lack of warm air coming through the vents. Call the gas company to make sure your account is in good standing. The gas company also may send out a technician to make sure the connection to your home is working.
It’s always smart to bring in a heating expert if you’re experiencing an issue with the HVAC system in your home. Poking around in your furnace can be dangerous, and you could cause more damage to the unit, which is expensive and time-consuming to repair. Here in the Warner Robins area, our heating technicians at Pruett Air Conditioning Associates are available for furnace repairs and maintenance, so call us at 478-953-4986.
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