When the winter weather arrives, many people enjoy turning on the heat and getting cozy. However, when furnaces aren’t in use, they could encounter numerous problems that could lead to devastating results, including blowing out cold air. Before calling your HVAC contractor to diagnose your furnace's issues, use the following guide to understand the potential causes of this problem.

3 Possible Reasons Your Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air

1. Thermostat Troubles

Cold air could simply be the result of a faulty thermostat. If you adjusted the thermostat in preparation for colder weather, you might have accidentally turned the system to cool. This is particularly easy to do with a touch-screen system. Before calling a professional, check your settings and make sure it’s set to “heat” rather than “cool.”

2. Clogged Filter

The furnace filter removes allergens and debris from the air to improve air quality. However, when it gets clogged, the filter blocks airflow over the heat exchanger, causing it to overheat and shut off. Thus, air exits the system without being properly heated.

Changing or cleaning the filter should solve the problem. An HVAC contractor can replace it every 90 days, or every 60 days if you have pets or smokers in the home.

3. Extinguished Pilot Light

A pilot light is a small flame that ignites to turn on the system and provide heat. If it goes out due to a draft or poor ventilation, it won't light the burner or heat the air. To fix this issue, an HVAC contractor will attempt to relight the pilot light. They’ll turn off the source of gas for around 5 minutes, then turn it back on, holding a lighter to the flame until it lights. When the furnace is turned back on, it should ignite.

If the pilot light continues to go out, the technician will replace a broken or faulty thermocouple, a device that keeps the gas valve open.

Get your heating issues resolved with the help of the reputable technicians at CJ's Quality Air Systems in Port Orchard, WA. For over 20 years, this HVAC contractor has repaired and installed heating and cooling systems to keep their customers’ homes comfortable. From replacing broken furnace components to performing routine maintenance, they’ll restore the system’s functionality. Get a free quote today by calling (253) 857-5220. Discover more about their heating services by visiting them online.