When the temperatures start to drop, there’s nothing worse than feeling a blast of cold air coming from your furnace. If you’re bundled up inside, wondering why your furnace is blowing cold air, you’re not alone. This common issue can be caused by a variety of system failures, some of which are easy to fix while others require professional attention.

In this blog post, the heating experts at A.B. May discuss the possible causes of furnace failure and explore how to get your system back to full functionality.

Why Your Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air

Your furnace is designed to provide warm air throughout your home, but when it malfunctions, you may notice it blowing cold air instead. This can happen due to mechanical issues, thermostat settings, or even safety features within the furnace.

Understanding why this happens is the first step toward reaching a meaningful resolution.

Common Culprits Behind Cold Air Blowing From Your Furnace

There are several reasons why your furnace might be blowing cold air, and pinpointing the cause can help you determine the best course of action. Here are some common culprits to consider:

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

One of the simplest reasons your furnace may be blowing cold air is that your thermostat isn’t set to the correct setting. If your thermostat is set to “ON” instead of “AUTO,” the fan will run continuously, even when the furnace isn’t heating the air.

Double-check that your thermostat is set to “AUTO” to ensure the fan only runs when the furnace is actively heating your home.

Dirty Air Filters

A clogged or dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety precaution. When this happens, the furnace may blow cold air until the issue is resolved.

Regularly changing your air filters can help maintain proper airflow and prevent overheating. You should change or clean your air filter at least once every 90 days (or sooner if you have pets or suffer severe allergies).

Pilot Light Problems

In older furnaces, a pilot light that has gone out can be a common cause of cold air blowing from the system. For newer models with electronic ignition, the issue could be a malfunctioning ignition system. Without a properly functioning ignition source, your furnace can’t produce heat, resulting in cold air blowing from your vents.

Leaking Air Ducts

Leaks or gaps in your ductwork can allow cold air from unconditioned spaces, such as attics or basements, to mix with your furnace’s warm air. This can result in uneven heating or cold air blowing from your vents. Inspecting your ductwork for leaks and ensuring it’s properly sealed can help resolve this issue.

How To Stop Cold Air Blowing From Your Furnace

If you’ve identified the possible cause of your furnace blowing cold air, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. First, check your thermostat settings to ensure they’re set correctly. Replace any dirty air filters to improve airflow, and if your furnace has a pilot light, make sure it’s lit.

For more complex issues, like ignition failures or leaking ducts, it’s best to contact a professional. Attempting DIY repairs on these components can be dangerous and may lead to further damage.

Schedule a Furnace Repair With A.B. May

Don’t let a malfunctioning furnace send a shiver down your spine. If your troubleshooting efforts haven’t resolved the issue, it’s time to call the professionals at A.B. May. Our team offers reliable, efficient furnace repairs to get your heating system back to working order fast.

Our experienced technicians will quickly diagnose the issue and provide the necessary repairs to ensure your home remains warm and cozy when it counts.

Schedule your furnace repair and keep the cold air at bay by contacting our team today.