Here in Austin, we’re usually more worried about our air conditioning with such extreme Texas summers. However, that doesn’t mean that we should forget about our heaters. Unexpected cold fronts and freezes suddenly make you realize how much you count on your heater. There’s nothing worse than needing to warm your home, but your heater is blowing cold air!
Service Wizard is here to explain some of the heater repairs that might cause cold air to flow from your vents. As the best HVAC repair company in the area, we’re the team you need to get your home warm as quickly as possible. If your heater blows cold air, give us a call!
Thermostat Settings
The first thing you should troubleshoot when your heater blows cold air is your thermostat. Sometimes the problem can be fixed by simply turning your thermostat to HEAT instead of FAN or AUTO. This is a common mistake that has an easy fix.
There’s a chance that your thermostat is broken or not communicating correctly with the heating system. Your heater relies on the thermostat to signal when it should turn on and off, so they should be working together, not against each other. A professional will be able to evaluate if your thermostat needs repairs or a replacement to restore the connection.
Clogged Air Filter
One of the most underestimated components of the heating system is the air filter. Firstly, because it’s responsible for the quality of your air. When not cleaned or replaced regularly, your air filter can’t remove the harmful particles from the air. This may cause your home to have poor indoor air quality — often causing respiratory irritation.
Another important thing to remember about your air filter is that it is in the direct path of the air. When it is all clogged and full of dust and dirt, the air flowing through it into the heating system can’t get through as easily. This slows down the movement of air, causing problems inside the heating system.
Overheated Furnace
As mentioned above, the flow of air needs to be consistent for the heating system to work properly. One of the more severe reactions to low airflow into the system can occur with furnaces. Your furnace counts on the air to absorb the heat it creates and transport it back to your home. If not enough air flows over the heat exchanger, the furnace can overheat. Usually, this will trigger the system to shut down to avoid danger from overheating. This could be why you are only getting cold air from your vents — the heater is not warming anymore!
Air Duct Leaks
No matter how hard your furnace works to produce hot air for your home, the air still has a long way to travel before it reaches you. The network of ducts that funnel the air along can have leaks that let your warm air escape. In fact, air duct leaks can be responsible for up to 40% of energy loss from your air. That means that 40% of the heat you are paying for could escape before it gets to your home. This could be why you feel lukewarm or cold air.
Need Heater Repairs?
Service Wizard has your back. Our technicians are quick and efficient as they check over all these potential problems and determine what the cause of your heater repair is. You can always count on us to offer transparent reports and solutions to get your home comfortable again. Contact us today to start your service request!
