Temperature is starting to go down this month and will certainly get colder in the months ahead. Before it gets below zero, you need to make sure that your furnace is working properly because the last thing you want is to have the inside of your home freezing like the temperature outside. But if your furnace doesn’t blow hot air, don’t panic.
Through this article, we will explain the potential culprits behind why your HVAC is not blowing hot air.
Is Your Furnace Not Blowing Hot Air? These Could Be The Culprits!
Before you frantically call everyone, we recommend you try to find out whether one of these culprits is the reason why your furnace doesn’t blow hot air.
Thermostat Problem
This problem may sound silly and impossible to happen, but you’d be surprised at how many people overlook it before calling an HVAC technician. When your furnace doesn’t blow hot air, checking the thermostat setting should be your first reflex.
First, if your thermostat is in “cool” mode instead of “heat” or the temperature is set to lower than your current indoor temperature, then you have your culprit. Second, if these settings aren’t your problem, check the fan setting, as it should be set to “auto” instead of “on.” Third, if the first and second aren’t the problem, try to change the thermostat battery instead.
Air Filter Problems
A clogged air filter can’t effectively circulate hot air. So, when your HVAC is not blowing hot air becomes noticeable, you have to ask yourself when the last time you changed the air filter was. If your answer is never or a long time ago, then you need to check your air filter because a clogged air filter can be the answer you’re looking for.
When you check your filter, hold it against the lamp or any light source and see if the light can pass through. What to do when light doesn’t pass through? Well, it means your air filter is clogged by dust, debris, or other particles that can exacerbate symptoms of allergy, asthma, or other respiratory conditions one of your family has, and you need to replace it asap.
Pilot Light or Ignition Issues
An older gas furnace still has a traditional source of ignition for the burner, known as the pilot light, which can cause your hvac not blowing hot air if it goes out. You can find the pilot near the bottom or front of the furnace, hidden behind a small access panel. However, you can check your owner’s manual or call the HVAC technician for furnace service and maintenance if you can’t find it.
Then, what should you do if this seems to be the culprit? You can try to relight it if you’re comfortable doing so by turning the pilot light (after you find it) to the “off” position and waiting for five minutes before relighting it. After that, relight the pilot light by holding a long lighter at the end of the pilot light and pressing the igniter button. Hold for 30 seconds until the flame stays lit, and turn back to the “on” position.
Furnace Switch or Circuit Breaker
A simpler scenario for why your furnace doesn’t blow hot air is that the furnace switch or a circuit breaker that powers the furnace is tripped. This switch often looks like a regular light switch near the unit, and you can easily reset it.
However, a more complicated scenario is that your furnace detects overheating, which causes the furnace switch to cut off the system. If so, you must find the root cause and repair your furnace immediately.
Blower Motor Issues
If you hear strange noises coming from your furnace and your HVAC not blowing hot air is paired with no airflow at all, the blower motor is likely the culprit. The blower motor is responsible for pushing warm air through your vents. When it’s malfunctioning, you need to do furnace repair to have it running again. If it is left unchecked, a failing blower motor can lead to more expensive repairs in the future.
Ductwork Problems
A properly insulated duct can keep your home warm and maintain the efficiency of your furnace. However, if you have tried to check the previous common source of the culprit for furnace not blowing hot air and cannot find anything wrong with them, you may think of ductwork as the problem. Consider yourself lucky if you can spot any visible damage and can seal that with appropriate materials temporarily.
However, if you can’t spot any, you have to call a technician to get it checked because ducts are a complex network of parts and are usually installed on the roof. Some cases can be caused by faulty ductwork from the beginning, while others can be caused by dirt and debris clogging your ducts.
How Johnson’s Heating & Cooling Can Help
Now that you know the common culprits behind your furnace not blowing hot air, the next question is: what should you do if the DIY solutions don’t fix the issue?
The answer is simple: leave it to professionals like Johnson’s Heating & Cooling. Our expert technicians will take a close look at your system, figure out what’s wrong, and get things working again quickly. Whether it’s the blower motor, thermostat, or something else, we’ll take care of it. You can count on us to get your home feeling warm and cozy again without the stress of trying to fix it yourself.
End Note
Understanding the common culprits behind your furnace not blowing hot air can help you troubleshoot some of the simpler issues on your own. However, if the DIY fixes don’t do the trick, it’s important to leave it to the professionals. A well-functioning furnace is essential for keeping your home warm and comfortable as temperatures drop. So, don’t wait until it’s too late—if you’re facing furnace issues.
Reach out to Johnson’s Heating & Cooling to help you stay ahead of the cold.
FAQs:
Why is my furnace not blowing hot air?
A furnace may stop blowing hot air due to thermostat issues, a clogged air filter, ignition problems, a tripped furnace switch, blower motor failure, or ductwork leaks. If your furnace doesn’t blow hot air after basic troubleshooting, it’s best to call a professional.
What should I check first if my HVAC is not blowing hot air?
Start with the thermostat settings, then check the air filter, furnace switch, and pilot light (if applicable). These are the most common reasons for an HVAC not blowing hot air.
Can a dirty air filter cause my furnace to stop heating?
Yes. A clogged air filter restricts airflow and can cause your furnace to overheat or shut down, leading to your furnace not blowing hot air. Replacing the filter is an easy first step.
Why does my furnace run but not heat the house?
This often points to issues with the blower motor, ignition system, or ductwork. If the system runs but your furnace doesn’t blow hot air, a technician should inspect it.
Should I try to relight my pilot light myself?
If you feel comfortable and your furnace manual provides instructions, you can attempt it. However, if the pilot won’t stay lit or you’re unsure, it’s safer to call a professional.
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