Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

When winter hits the Greater Grand Rapids area, your heating system is key to keeping your home comfortable. But if it starts blowing cold air, things can go from cozy to chilly fast. In this blog, our HVAC experts at Schaafsma Heating & Cooling explain why your furnace might be acting up and how to fix it quickly. From common issues to simple troubleshooting tips, we’ll help you keep your home warm all winter long.

Causes for a Furnace Blowing Cold Air
There’s always a reason behind your furnace malfunction; the issue is rooting it out. When it comes to your furnace blowing cold air, a wide range of issues can stem from simple to complex—so don’t panic.

Here’s a list of common issues that could be impacting your system:

• Thermostat setting:If your thermostat is set to “on” instead of “auto,” the fan will keep running, even when the furnace isn’t heating. Switch it to “auto” so the fan only blows warm air when the furnace is heating.
• Pilot light out:For older gas furnaces, a blown-out pilot light means no heat. Call Schaafsma to diagnose the problem.
• Dirty air filter:A clogged filter can block airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and shut off the burners. This leaves you with just cold air. Regularly changing filters can prevent this.
• Duct leaks:Leaks in your ductwork can let warm air escape before it reaches your rooms, leaving you with a cold draft. A professional can inspect and seal these leaks.
• Overheating furnace:When the furnace overheats, it shuts off the burners as a safety measure, but the fan may still blow cold air. Restricted airflow or a mechanical issue might be the cause that needs fixing.

Troubleshooting Your Furnace

Troubleshooting your furnace can help you identify and resolve simple issues on your own, saving you time and hassle. However, if you’re facing persistent problems or need assistance, it’s always best to reach out to a professional for expert help.

Troubleshoot your furnace by:

• Setting the thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is set to heat and that the fan is in “auto” mode.
• Looking for leaks:Inspect the furnace and ductwork for any visible leaks. If you notice any, a professional technician can properly seal them to restore proper airflow and heating.
• Replacing the air filter:A clogged air filter can cause the furnace to overheat and shut down. Replacing the filter regularly can prevent this, but if overheating continues, a technician can help determine the underlying issue.

When To Call a Professional

It’s important to know when to call a professional for your furnace needs—especially because furnaces can produce unsafe levels of carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if not addressed. If your furnace keeps breaking down, making strange noises, or blowing cold air, it’s time to get it checked out. Whether you need a repair, a replacement, or even regular maintenance, a professional can help keep your furnace running smoothly.

Choose Schaafsma for Expert Furnace Repairs

For furnace repair in the Greater Grand Rapids area, choose Schaafsma Heating & Cooling! With a legacy dating back to 1905, we bring over a century of experience to every job. You can trust our team to deliver reliable and professional service you can depend on.

Don’t wait until your furnace breaks down! Contact Schaafsma today to schedule furnace repair services in the Greater Grand Rapids area.