Help! My Furnace Will Not Blow Hot Air: A Solution Guide
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When Mother Nature delivers freezing temperatures, few things are more frustrating than a furnace that won't blow warm air. The good news? A few simple troubleshooting tips can help keep your family safe and cozy all winter long. And our experts are here to help! We've compiled a quick guide to help you learn common causes, quick fixes, and when to call in a pro.
Reasons Why Your Heater Isn't Blowing Warm Air
We've all been there—you're sitting on the couch watching your show when suddenly, brrrr, it's suddenly cold in your house. You feel the air near your heating vent and realize it's blowing cold air. Why would your heating system be on but not deliver heat?
Here are six common causes why your furnace won't blow hot air:
- Clogged or dirty air filter
- Thermostat issue
- Blower or motor malfunction
- Leaky ducts
- Pilot light problem
- Power source issues
Now that you know the possible causes, you'll want to take charge of your comfort!
Troubleshooting Steps You Can Do at Home
If you think your heating system is on the fritz, try these DIY tricks at home before calling a professional.
Change a Clogged or Dirty Air Filter
Dirty air filters can cause your system to overheat—which sometimes results in your system shutting down. Try this: Remove your air filters and do a thorough check. If they are dirty, clogged, or haven't been changed in three months, put in a fresh filter and see if that fixes the issue.
Do a Thermostat Check
Double-check that the temperature is set to heat and that your fan is also at the correct setting ("auto" is usually recommended). If needed, replace the batteries.
Verify the Pilot Light Is On
If you have a gas furnace, check the pilot light. If it has gone out, follow the instructions in your furnace's instruction manual to relight it. For newer models, inspect the electronic ignitor for cracks.
Check the Power Source
It doesn't matter if your heating system is electric or gas, a power switch needs to be in the "on" position to work correctly. If your system is electric, check the circuit breaker to see if electricity is being sent to the heating unit. If you have a gas unit, again, check for a pilot light.
Reset the Furnace
Locate the red reset button near the blower motor. Turn the furnace off, wait fifteen minutes, and press the reset button. Restore the power and test if warm air will now blow.
How to Turn on Your Heating System
New homeowners often have questions about their homes—including how to turn on your heat. Here's a quick "how to" reminder:
- Set your thermostat to heat.
- Push the furnace switch to the on position.
- Confirm no breakers are tripped.
- Adjust the temperature to a higher-than-normal room temperature to start the furnace cycle.
When to Call in the Professionals
When all else fails and you can't figure out why your heat won't turn on, it's time to give us a call—especially if you're experiencing any of the following troubles:
- Furnace cycles on and off without heating
- Your system constantly trips when hitting the reset button
- You smell gas near the furnace (call your gas company and us ASAP)
- Strange noises or other odd smells
When you call for service, our experts will thoroughly assess your heating system, including checking electrical components, faulty ignitors, blower motors, heat exchangers, and more, to ensure the safety of your home and family.
Remember, the best way to avoid breakdowns is to schedule annual heating tune-ups! Air Experts is ready to schedule your appointment. You can do it online here or call us at 732-759-0934.