Why is My Heater Blowing Cold Air?

family bundled up in fur coats on couch

It’s winter in Westchester Putnam and one thing’s for sure: it’s cold outside. But these days you’re noticing something else — it’s cold inside too! No matter how high you turn up the thermostat, blasts of cold air are coming through the vents. The team at Robison wants you to know there can be many reasons for this; some may require a quick fix, while others need the attention of our professionals to get your heater operating at peak efficiency.

  1. The fan is off: If your heater isn’t producing warm air, the first thing to do is check the thermostat. If it’s set to “on,” switch it back to “auto.” Check to see if you have heat again.
  2. Thermostat batteries need replacing: Low batteries in digital thermostats are one of the most common issues that prevent your HVAC system from operating correctly. To determine if you have a low battery, check the display on your thermostat. If the display is blank, the batteries may have gone dead.
  3. Thermostat setting was changed: It could be that someone in your household has accidentally adjusted the thermostat or switched it from heating to cooling.
  4. 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 your pilot light won’t stay lit, call Robison for a service check.
  5. Low fuel: If you have an oil-burning heating system and haven’t refueled in a while, you might have run out of oil. By the same token, if your home uses gas heat, there could be a problem with the gas line that has caused the connection to your property to stop working. In either of these cases, contact your utility provider.
  6. Ductwork problems: Leaky ductwork can cause your heating to struggle to reach the desired temperature. Our trained Robison professionals can help examine and address this problem for you.
  7. Dirty flame sensor: Pilotless ignition furnaces use a safety feature called a flame sensor to keep the furnace burning once it starts. If you have a dirty flame sensor will turn air cold relatively quickly. Having your flame sensors professionally cleaned should restore your furnace’s heating function.
  8. Clogged filter: Your HVAC system relies on an air filter to regulate the temperature of the air in your home. Clogged and dirty filters force your heater to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, which can shorten its lifespan by causing it to run much less efficiently.
  9. Problem with the limit switch: The limit switch is used to signal your furnace’s fan to turn on and off. A malfunction can result in your furnace continuing to run even after it has completed a heating cycle. If you suspect this is the case, call Robison for a thorough inspection and repair of the problem.
  10. Heater is the wrong size for your home: There is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” HVAC solution. A heater that is too large will cycle on and off too frequently, driving up your energy bills. Conversely, one that’s too small will never be able to keep up with your home’s comfort needs. Robison’s knowledgeable technicians can correct this issue by installing a new, energy-efficient unit that is sized appropriately for your property.

Count On Robison to Keep You Warm and Comfortable…All Winter Long

Robison has been serving the heating and home systems needs of homeowners in the area for over 100 years. We’ve built a reputation of excellence and our service team stands ready to serve your needs — with the expertise to install, maintain, and repair virtually any make or model system. Give us a call today at (914) 345-5700

Related Posts
  • The 5 Most Common Problems You May Experience With Your Oil Furnace Read More
  • Can I Get a Tax Credit for Using Biofuel in Westchester & Putnam Counties? Read More
  • Biofuel vs. Traditional Fossil Fuels: What Homeowners Need to Know Read More
/